The impression section of a radiology report is often the most important — and most confusing — part for patients. This page explains what the impression means, how radiologists use it, and how it should be interpreted in a clear, neutral, plain-language way.
What This Page Covers
What this page explains:• What the “impression” section of a radiology report is
• Why the impression is written separately from the findings
• How radiologists phrase impressions
• What an impression does — and does not — mean
• How referring doctors use the impression
• Common patient questions about the impression section
What is the Impression section?
The impression is a short summary at the end of a radiology report.It highlights the most clinically relevant findings from the scan and is written primarily for the referring clinician. The impression does not repeat every detail from the findings section — instead, it focuses on what matters most for patient care.
Why is the Impression section written separately?
Radiology reports usually contain a detailed findings section followed by an impression.• Findings describe everything that is seen on the images
• The impression summarizes the key points
• Less important or incidental findings may be omitted
• The goal is clarity, not completenessThis structure helps clinicians quickly understand the main message of the scan.
How Radiologists Write the Impression
Radiologists use careful, neutral language when writing the impression.Common characteristics include:
• Short, structured sentences
• Descriptive rather than emotional wording
• Use of probability-based phrases
• Focus on imaging appearance, not treatment decisionsThe impression is based only on what can be concluded from the images.
Common Phrases Found in the Impression
Examples of commonly used impression wording include:• “Findings are suggestive of …”
• “Appearance is compatible with …”
• “No imaging evidence of …”
• “Findings may represent …”
• “Correlation with clinical findings is recommended”These phrases reflect diagnostic confidence — not uncertainty or hesitation.
Does the Impression Equal a Diagnosis?
Sometimes — but not always.In many cases, the impression describes imaging findings rather than making a final diagnosis. However, when a condition has a characteristic and unmistakable imaging appearance (such as certain fractures, kidney stones, or large tumors), the impression may effectively represent a diagnosis.Final diagnosis and management decisions are made by the treating clinician, who combines:
• Imaging findings
• Symptoms
• Physical examination
• Laboratory results
• Medical history
How Doctors Use the Impression
Referring doctors often focus on the impression first.The impression helps them:
• Decide on next diagnostic steps
• Confirm or exclude suspected conditions
• Determine urgency
• Plan treatment or follow-upThe full report provides context, but the impression guides action.
Why the Impression Can Feel Alarming to Patients
Patients often read the impression without clinical context.Reasons it may feel alarming include:
• Use of formal medical language
• Mention of serious conditions as possibilities
• Lack of explanation about likelihood or significance
• No immediate clarification at the time of readingThis is why plain-language explanation is often helpful.
When a Plain-Language Explanation Can Help
A plain-language explanation can help when:• The impression contains unfamiliar terms
• Multiple possibilities are listed
• The wording feels vague or worrying
• You are waiting for a follow-up appointment
• You want to better understand what was seen on imagingClear explanation focuses on understanding — not diagnosis or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Impression Section
What is the impression in a radiology report?
The impression is the summary section of a radiology report. It highlights the most relevant findings and helps guide clinical decision-making.Why is the impression written differently from the findings?
The findings describe observations in detail. The impression synthesizes those observations into a concise overview that reflects their relative importance.Is the impression always definitive?
Not always. In many cases, the impression reflects the most likely explanation based on imaging alone and may include multiple possibilities.Can the impression change after further tests?
Yes. Additional imaging, laboratory results, or clinical information can refine or change how imaging findings are interpreted.Why does the impression sometimes mention uncertainty?
Radiology describes patterns and probabilities. When findings are not specific, the impression may reflect that uncertainty rather than overstating conclusions.Should patients focus mainly on the impression?
The impression is often the most accessible section, but it is best understood together with the full report and clinical context.Can two radiologists write different impressions?
Yes. Interpretation involves professional judgment, and different radiologists may emphasize different aspects of the same findings.Can Radlii explain what the impression means for me personally?
Yes. Radlii explains the wording of the impression in clear, neutral language and places it in context for patients.Does the Impression contain a diagnosis?Sometimes.
In clear situations (such as a visible fracture or kidney stone), a radiologist may describe a specific condition.
In many cases, the Impression summarizes findings to help the referring doctor make a final diagnosis.
Related Radiology Terms
To better understand related terminology, you may also find these pages helpful:• MRI Terms Explained
• CT Terms Explained
• Lesion Explained
• Contrast in Imaging
Need help understanding your full radiology report?If the impression section of your radiology report is unclear or worrying, Radlii can help.You can submit your anonymized report and receive a clear, structured explanation of the wording — written by a radiologist, in plain language.No diagnosis. No medical advice. Privacy-first.Explain my report → €129