Akumin is a radiology services company that reads medical images for hospitals and clinics
Akumin is a private company that provides radiology interpretation services — meaning radiologists employed by Akumin read X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and other medical images that are sent to them by hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics. The radiologist then writes a report describing what they see in the image and sends it back to the ordering physician, usually within hours.
You would encounter Akumin as a patient only indirectly. When your doctor orders an imaging scan, the facility performing the scan may use Akumin radiologists to interpret the results rather than having a radiologist on staff. This is common practice — many smaller hospitals and imaging centers contract with companies like Akumin to handle image reading, especially for urgent cases or after-hours scans.
Akumin operates in the United States and Canada and handles millions of imaging studies each year. The company employs board-certified radiologists and uses digital systems to route images securely from one facility to another for interpretation.
Key Takeaways
- Akumin is a private radiology company whose radiologists read medical images sent from hospitals and clinics.
- You typically do not interact with Akumin directly — your imaging facility contracts with them to interpret your scans.
- Akumin radiologists provide written reports that go back to your ordering physician, usually the same day.
- The company handles routine scans, urgent cases, and after-hours imaging when a facility does not have radiologists available.
How the image reading process works
When you have a medical imaging scan at a hospital or imaging center, the technician or facility staff uploads the images to a find system. If that facility uses Akumin, the images are sent to Akumin's network of radiologists. A radiologist reviews the images on a computer workstation, examines them carefully, and dictates or types a report describing the findings.
That report is then sent back to your ordering physician — usually your primary care doctor, a specialist, or an emergency room doctor — who reviews it and discusses the results with you. The whole process typically takes a few hours for routine scans, though urgent cases may be prioritized and read within 30 minutes to an hour.
You receive the same report and level of care whether the radiologist is employed by the facility itself or works for Akumin. The difference is purely behind the scenes — it is a business arrangement between the imaging center and the radiology company.
Why facilities use Akumin instead of staff radiologists
Hiring and maintaining a full-time radiology department is expensive. Smaller hospitals, urgent care centers, and independent imaging clinics often cannot justify the cost of employing radiologists around the clock. Akumin allows these facilities to offer imaging services without that overhead.
Facilities also use Akumin for coverage during nights, weekends, and holidays when their own radiologists are not available. A facility might have one or two radiologists on staff during business hours but contract with Akumin to handle scans ordered after hours or on weekends.
Some facilities use Akumin for specific types of imaging — for example, a small hospital might have a radiologist for general X-rays but contract with Akumin for specialized reads like cardiac imaging or neuroradiology.
What information Akumin radiologists see about you
Akumin radiologists see the medical images themselves and basic patient information needed to interpret them correctly — your age, sex, and the reason your doctor ordered the scan. They do not have access to your full medical record unless the ordering facility specifically includes relevant history.
All image transmission between the facility and Akumin is encrypted and follows HIPAA privacy rules. Your images and information are treated as confidential medical records, the same way they would be if a radiologist at the hospital read them.
Turnaround time for reports
Routine imaging reports from Akumin typically come back within 4 to 24 hours, depending on the facility's workflow and the complexity of the scan. Urgent cases — such as a CT scan in an emergency room — are usually prioritized and read within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Your ordering physician receives the report electronically and can then contact you with results. The exact timing depends on when your doctor reviews the report and reaches out to you, which may take an additional day or two in some cases.
If you have concerns about your radiology report
If you have questions about your imaging results, contact the physician who ordered the scan — not Akumin directly. Your doctor can explain the findings, discuss what they mean for your health, and recommend next steps if needed.
If you believe there was an error in the interpretation, your ordering physician can request a second opinion from another radiologist, either at the same facility or elsewhere. This is a standard practice in medicine and does not require Akumin's permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I know if Akumin is reading my scan?
Probably not. Most patients do not know which company interprets their images because the facility handles that arrangement. You will receive the same report either way, and your doctor will discuss the results with you as usual. If you want to know, you can ask the imaging facility who will be reading your scan.
Is Akumin a hospital or imaging center?
No. Akumin is a radiology services company — it does not operate imaging facilities or see patients in person. It only provides the radiologist interpretation service to other facilities that do have imaging equipment and patient contact.
Can I request a different radiologist to read my scan?
That depends on your facility's policies. Some facilities allow you to request a second opinion or a different radiologist, while others do not. Ask the imaging center or your ordering physician if this is an option for you.
How is my privacy protected when Akumin reads my images?
Akumin must follow HIPAA privacy and security rules, the same federal regulations that explore to all healthcare providers. Images are encrypted during transmission, and access is limited to the radiologists assigned to read your scan. Your information is treated as confidential medical records.
What if I disagree with the radiology report?
Discuss your concerns with the physician who ordered the scan. Your doctor can explain the findings, order additional imaging if needed, or request a second opinion from another radiologist. You have the right to seek a second opinion at any time.