Common questions

Answered in plain language.

For the step-by-step process and timing, see How it works.

About this service

What is Scan Explained?: An educational service led by a radiologist. I walk you through your existing imaging report in plain language and, when image access is available, orient you to the anatomy the report describes. The session is built around the specific report you have — not a generic explainer.
Is this a second opinion or medical care?: No. The session is education only — not a new interpretation of your scan, a diagnosis, or treatment advice. Your treating clinicians remain responsible for diagnosis and care. Read the full educational scope →

Who's leading the session, and what are their credentials?: I'm Alexander Pankratov, MD — a senior diagnostic radiology resident in my final year of training at a Boston academic medical center, and board-eligible after passing the American Board of Radiology Core Examination. This July I'll begin a subspecialty fellowship in body and chest cancer imaging at one of Boston's major academic cancer programs. I personally review every session request and lead every walkthrough — there's no team, contractor, or outside reviewer involved. Read more on the about page →

When do I pay, and what does it cost?: Report-Only is $79; Report + Images is $149. Payment happens only after I've personally reviewed and accepted your case — never before. You complete payment as part of choosing a session time.
Do you accept insurance, HSA, or FSA?: This service is cash-only and does not bill insurance. It also does not currently provide HSA or FSA documentation. If you'd like to check whether your plan would reimburse for an educational service like this one, contact your plan administrator directly.
What if I'm not satisfied with my session?: If your session didn't deliver what you needed, write to me directly within 7 days. I'll personally review what happened and respond within 3 to 5 business days — typically with a no-charge follow-up walkthrough, a refund, or whatever combination makes sense for the situation. There's no form and no committee. See the full set of operational promises →

What's the difference between Report-Only and Report + Images?: Report-Only is a focused 30-minute walkthrough of the wording of your report. Report + Images is a 1-hour session that adds an anatomy orientation on your own imaging study, when usable image access is available.
Do I need my images?: No. Report-Only is built for cases where the final report is available even if image access isn't. If you're unsure whether you have usable image access, pick "Not sure" during intake and I'll work it out with you during review.
What if my image access stops working before the session?: Send me a note as soon as you can. If image issues come up during my review, we can switch to Report-Only before any payment. If they come up after you've paid, you can downgrade to Report-Only and I'll refund the price difference, get a full refund and reschedule, or hold while you obtain better access.
What do I need for the video call?: A modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge), a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and the ability to join a Zoom meeting. The session link comes via email after booking.
Can I book a session about more than one scan at a time?: Each session is built around a single report to keep the time focused. If you have a second report or a follow-up scan you'd like explained, that's a second session — book it separately.

How long do you keep my materials, and can I have them deleted sooner?: Uploaded reports and images are stored on encrypted Cloudflare R2 storage and automatically deleted within 14 days of your session. The 14-day window exists in case a follow-up question comes up after the session. If you'd rather I delete sooner — including the day after your session — just send me a note and I'll confirm when it's done. Read the full privacy commitments →
Will my report or images be used for AI training, demos, or marketing?: No. Submitted materials are never used for AI model training, demonstrations, marketing, research, or any purpose outside of running your own case — unless I ask you specifically and you say yes in writing.

How long is the session?: Report-Only sessions run 30 minutes; Report + Images sessions run 1 hour. There's some built-in flexibility on the day, so the time isn't a hard cutoff if your questions need a few extra minutes.
Can a caregiver or support person join?: Yes — caregiver participation is supported with prior authorization, set up before the session as a brief consent step.
What's the post-session recap, and what's in it?: After your session you receive a brief written summary of what we discussed and questions worth bringing to your treating clinician. It's educational in nature — not a medical opinion, diagnosis, or interpretation of your scan — and yours to keep and share.

Will you tell me whether the report is correct, whether something is urgent, or what to do next?: No. The session is education only. Decisions about diagnosis, urgency, and what to do next stay with your treating clinicians. Read the full educational scope →
Where can I book from? Can I book a session about a child's scan?: This service is currently available to patients located in the US. If you'd like to book a session about a child's scan, that works fine — book under your own name and email as the parent or guardian. If you're outside the US and interested, send me a note; I'm not yet set up to support international cases but I'd like to know there's interest.

Educational only — not a diagnosis, second opinion, or substitute for medical care.