Reports to bring, by treatment

Which reports and scans to ask about for cardiac, cancer, orthopaedic, neuro, transplant, fertility, eye and dental opinions in India, in one grid.

Infographic

By Nikhil Sharma, Founder · Updated · How we write and check

The reports a specialist needs depend on the treatment. Cardiac teams usually look at heart tests such as an echocardiogram. Cancer teams look at pathology and scans. Orthopaedic and neuro teams look at X-rays, MRI or CT. Your case manager confirms the exact list for your case. Bring the original digital images, not only the written reports.

IndiaMedicaReports to bring, by treatment
01Every caseA recent letter from your doctor, the diagnosis, current medicines, allergies and any previous operation notes.
02Heart careAsk about echocardiogram, ECG and any angiography images and reports, with the original image files.
03Cancer careAsk about the pathology report, the slides or tissue block, and recent CT, MRI or PET-CT scans.
04Bones and jointsAsk about recent X-rays and any MRI or CT scans of the affected joint or spine.
05Brain and spineAsk about MRI and CT scans as image files, plus reports from neurologists already seen.
06Transplant evaluationAsk about blood group, organ function reports and the donor’s documents, including relationship proof.
07FertilityAsk about both partners’ test results and records from any earlier fertility treatment.
08Eye surgeryAsk about the latest eye examination, prescriptions and any eye scans or measurements.
09Dental workAsk about recent dental X-rays or scans and notes from your current dentist.
A grid of nine treatment areas, each listing the reports and scans to ask about before seeking a specialist opinion in India.

Why does the list change by treatment?

Each specialty answers a different question. A heart team needs to see how the heart works. A cancer team needs to know exactly what the tumour is, which comes from pathology. The National Cancer Institute explains that a pathology report describes a tissue specimen, and that slides are cut from a preserved wax block.

Why send image files, not just reports?

A written report is one radiologist’s summary. Specialists often want to look at the images themselves. MedlinePlus explains that an MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images, so the full set of pictures carries far more than the summary. Ask the imaging centre for the full study on a disc or download link in DICOM, the international standard for medical images.

How recent should reports be?

There is no single rule. A specialist may ask for a repeat test if your condition may have changed. Your case manager tells you if anything is too old or missing.

Wait for your case manager’s list

Do not upload full medical reports into the case review form. IndiaMedica replies with the reports the specialists need and a secure link to share them.

What should you carry to India?

Bring paper copies and the original discs or files, even if you sent them in advance. Keep them in hand luggage with your hospital letter.

Questions people ask

Do I need to repeat all my tests in India?

Not necessarily. Specialists review what you send. They may ask for some tests to be repeated if results are old, incomplete or unclear, or if they need more detail before surgery. The treating team decides which tests are needed.

Can I send photos of my scans taken on a phone?

Photos of a screen or film lose detail and may not be usable. Ask the imaging centre for the full digital study in DICOM format on a disc or through a download link. Your case manager can explain how to share it securely.

Sources

General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.

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