Should radiologists and pathologists talk to patients?

To the Editor: The practice of radiology and pathology has changed dramatically in the past two decades. Increased use of multidisciplinary assessments and interventional techniques has meant greater exposure of patients to radiologists and pathologists. When patients undergo investigations, they are invariably anxious, usually expect the worst, and want the result as soon as possible. Therefore, there is pressure to provide an immediate answer to the problem at hand. In most instances, it would be possible to offer a diagnosis. However, many radiologists and pathologists are reluctant to discuss investigations with patients in detail.1