How to share your MRI for a second opinion
A second-opinion radiologist needs the same DICOM files your hospital burned to disc — not exports from a phone camera. Below is how to gather, check, and send that package without stripping away the technical data they rely on. OpenMyScan helps you view files locally before you upload anywhere.
Quick answer (3 steps)
- Copy the complete DICOM folder (or official hospital ZIP) to your computer.
- Open it once in OpenMyScan to confirm every series loads — still images, not a diagnosis.
- Upload or ship exactly what the second-opinion site asks for, with a short cover note listing your symptoms and questions.
Step 1 — Start from the original files
Insert the CD, plug in the USB, or download the portal export your first hospital provided. Drag the top-level folder that contains hundreds of small files (and often a DICOMDIR) onto your Desktop. If you only have printed films, call records and request DICOM — second opinions rarely accept paper scans alone.
Keep folder names intact; renaming files is fine only if the second-opinion FAQ says so. Most platforms expect the structure the scanner produced.
Step 2 — Decide about anonymization
Some telemedicine services ask you to remove your name from metadata before upload; others want full identifiers to match records. Read their checklist before you strip tags. OpenMyScan does not remove metadata automatically in the free viewer — use the service's instructions or OpenMyScan Pro's anonymization flow only when required.
If you anonymize incorrectly, the reader may reject the study. When unsure, email their support desk with a screenshot of your folder list (not patient-facing images) and ask what they need.
Step 3 — Respect upload limits
Zip the folder only if the destination accepts ZIP and you verified the checksum instructions. Large studies can exceed gigabytes; use a wired connection, pause other uploads, and try overnight if the site allows resume. If the portal fails twice, ask whether they accept physical media instead.
What to write in your cover message
Include your legal name if they expect it, date of scan, body region, and a plain list of questions ("Does this lesion warrant surgery?" etc.). Avoid interpreting the images yourself — state symptoms and timeline instead. Mention prior surgeries or implants because MRI safety metadata matters even for a remote read.
Common problems with second-opinion uploads
- The site rejects my ZIP
- Confirm they want the inner DICOM folder, not a nested double-ZIP; re-read their naming rules.
- Only some series uploaded
- Compare the series list in OpenMyScan against what you sent — re-upload missing contrast phases if the FAQ demands them.
- They want anonymized data but I already removed too much
- Request a fresh export from the hospital with identifiers intact, then let their tool anonymize the approved fields.
- I'm anxious while waiting
- That is normal. Reviewing the images at home can help you feel oriented, but it is not the same as the report — talk through findings with your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay for a second opinion?
Sometimes. Academic centers occasionally review gratis; private telemedicine services usually publish a flat fee. Check before you upload.
Can I just screenshot slices and send those?
No. Screenshots drop resolution and windowing data. Readers need scrollable DICOM.
Can I view my scan on my phone?
No. OpenMyScan needs a wider screen to show images alongside the series list — use a laptop, desktop, or tablet in landscape. Phone support is not planned.
What's the difference between DICOM and DICOMDIR?
DICOM files are the slices; DICOMDIR is an index file that helps software open the whole study together. Keep both in the folder you share.