Every day, millions of patients receive radiology reports that shape the course of their medical care, sometimes leading to life-changing treatments, surgeries, or therapies. But what if the initial read wasn’t quite right? What if a critical detail was missed, or the findings were over-interpreted? It happens more often than most people realize.

At MDView, we believe a second opinion from an expert radiologist can be a powerful tool for clarity, confidence, and better outcomes. Here’s why your first report might not always be the final answer and why having the right radiologist makes all the difference.

Why Even the Best Radiologists Can Miss Things and How Subspecialists Add Value

Radiologists are among the most highly trained physicians in medicine, interpreting complex imaging studies that directly impact patient care. But even the best radiologists are under immense pressure in today’s healthcare system. Across the country, there’s a significant shortage of radiology experts, and as demand for imaging continues to rise, many radiologists are being asked to do more with less time.

In a single day, a radiologist may be expected to interpret a wide range of exams, from brain MRIs to abdominal CTs to musculoskeletal injuries. This constant context switching, combined with the sheer volume of cases, makes it incredibly difficult to spend the ideal amount of time on each scan. In fast-paced hospital or imaging center environments, radiologists may be forced to move quickly from one study to the next, often reviewing dozens (or even hundreds) of cases a day.

This high workload creates the perfect storm for diagnostic oversights, especially in complex or subtle cases. Findings can be missed, under-characterized, or over-interpreted, not because the radiologist isn’t skilled, but because the system simply doesn’t allow them the time or focus every patient truly deserves.

That’s where subspecialty radiologists make a powerful difference. These experts spend the majority of their clinical careers focused on one specific area of the body, developing a deeper understanding of patterns, pathologies, and nuances that general radiologists may not encounter as often. When combined with the time and context to carefully review your case, as they do on MDView, subspecialists are uniquely positioned to deliver a more accurate and personalized interpretation.

Commonly Missed Findings in the 10 Most Frequent Imaging Exams

Here are some examples of where a general read can fall short—and where an expert second opinion might catch what others missed:

1. Brain MRI

   • Missed small multiple sclerosis plaques

   • Overlooked subtle ischemic changes or microbleeds

2. Lumbar Spine MRI

   • Misjudged severity of disc herniation

   • Overlooked nerve impingement or facet joint arthritis

3. Knee MRI

   • Missed meniscal tears

   • Incorrectly characterized ligament injuries

4. Shoulder MRI

   • Incomplete assessment of rotator cuff pathology

   • Undetected labral tears in younger patients

5. Abdominal/Pelvic CT

   • Small appendiceal or diverticular inflammation missed

   • Incidental lesions not followed up

6. Chest X-Ray

   • Subtle pulmonary nodules overlooked

   • Early signs of pneumonia or interstitial lung disease missed

7. Mammogram

   • Dense breast tissue obscuring early cancers

   • Asymmetries missed without prior comparison

8. Hip MRI

   • Underdiagnosed labral pathology

   • Confused findings between FAI (femoroacetabular impingement) types

9. Neck CT (soft tissue)

   • Missed small lymphadenopathy

   • Incomplete assessment of thyroid or salivary gland lesions

10. Ankle/Foot MRI

    • Missed stress fractures or ligament tears

    • Tendon pathology overlooked

These examples aren’t meant to instill fear, but rather to highlight the value of having the right eyes on your exam—especially if your symptoms don’t match your original report or you’re facing a major decision like surgery.

The MDView Advantage: More Time, More Expertise, More You

One of the biggest advantages of MDView is time and focus.

Unlike radiologists in high-volume settings, our experts aren’t reading your scan between 40 other exams. They’re not trying to meet tight turnaround quotas or handle emergency reads while interpreting your case.

Instead, MDView radiologists are subspecialty-trained experts who read your study outside their regular clinical workload, giving them more time to slow down, review every slice of your scan carefully, and most importantly, get to know you.

When you upload your study through MDView, you’ll fill out a detailed questionnaire during the “Create Study” process. This gives the radiologist context about your symptoms, history, previous treatments, and specific concerns, something they rarely receive in traditional workflows.

This combination of context, time, and expertise is what makes MDView so powerful.

Real Clarity Starts with the Right Read

You deserve confidence in your diagnosis. Whether you’re seeking peace of mind, exploring a second opinion before surgery, or trying to understand symptoms that haven’t been explained, MDView connects you with a board-certified radiologist who specializes in your type of scan—and has the time to give your case the attention it deserves.

Because your health decisions shouldn’t be based on a rushed report.
Because sometimes, a second look changes everything.

Ready to get a second opinion from an expert radiologist? Upload your exam today at https://app.mdview.com to get started. Don't have your exam's images? No problem! MDView can get your exam on your behalf from the facility at no cost to you! Just fill out the form on the homepage of your MDView account that says Have MDView Get My Exam to start the process. Most facilities in the country can send to us electronically within 2 business days!