GCGlobalCareNavigator

Hospital access guide

How to transfer pathology and imaging for a second opinion

Use this guide when the receiving hospital needs actual imaging files, pathology slides, tissue blocks, or radiology reports before it can review the case.

When this matters

Cancer diagnosis review
Surgery planning
Rare disease
Complex imaging findings
Clinical trial screening

Practical steps

  1. 1Ask the receiving hospital exactly what files or slides are needed.
  2. 2Request imaging on disc or through a digital image exchange when available.
  3. 3Ask pathology how slides or blocks are released and where they should be shipped.
  4. 4Track shipment or digital transfer confirmation.
  5. 5Ask whether insurance covers rereads of pathology or imaging.

Questions to ask

  • Do you need the report or actual images?
  • Do you need pathology slides, blocks, or both?
  • Who pays for pathology or imaging rereads?
  • Can materials be returned to the original hospital?
  • How long does review usually take?

Red flags

  • Sending only PDF reports when images are required
  • Not tracking pathology shipments
  • Assuming rereads are automatically covered
  • Scheduling before materials arrive

Related hospital profiles

Hospitals where this access task often comes up.

Browse US access database