International patients are usually asked to submit their medical records before travelling to Turkey for treatment. These documents allow the hospital to review the diagnosis, previous investigations, current health status and treatment history before the first appointment.
The records requested depend on the medical condition and speciality. They may include consultation notes, diagnostic imaging, laboratory results, pathology reports, operative reports, discharge summaries and a current medication list. After reviewing the available information, the specialist can identify missing investigations and decide whether further tests or consultations may be needed after arrival.
Quick answer
Patients planning medical treatment in Turkey should prepare records that describe their diagnosis, previous care and current condition. Most hospitals commonly request:
- recent medical and consultation reports
- laboratory test results
- radiology reports and original imaging files
- pathology and biopsy reports, when applicable
- discharge summaries and operative reports
- details of previous treatments
- a current medication list
- information about allergies and chronic conditions
The exact requirements vary according to the diagnosis, the proposed treatment and the specialist’s assessment. An orthopaedic patient, for example, may need X-rays or MRI scans and previous surgical reports, while a patient seeking cancer treatment may also need pathology findings, biopsy results and records of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.
Why hospitals review medical records before treatment
A pre-arrival review gives the specialist a clearer picture of the patient’s condition before the in-person consultation. The doctor can examine previous diagnoses, test results and treatment decisions rather than relying only on the patient’s recollection during the appointment.
The review may help the medical team determine:
- whether the existing diagnosis is sufficiently documented
- whether previous tests are recent and relevant
- which specialty or specialist should evaluate the patient
- whether additional imaging, laboratory work or consultations may be required
- whether a proposed treatment can be considered based on the available information
This assessment is preliminary. The treating physician normally confirms the diagnosis and treatment plan after examining the patient in person and reviewing any additional test results.
Providing records in advance may also reduce avoidable appointments. For example, the hospital can identify a missing pathology report or imaging study before the patient travels instead of discovering the omission during the first consultation.
Which medical records should you prepare?
The most useful records are those that explain how the diagnosis was made, what treatment has already been provided and how the condition has changed over time.
Consultation and medical reports
Include reports from the doctors who have previously assessed or treated the condition. These may consist of:
- referral letters
- specialist consultation notes
- medical reports
- discharge summaries
- emergency department records
- follow-up notes
Reports should be complete and should show the patient’s name and the date of the consultation whenever possible. Sending only selected pages may leave out findings that affect the specialist’s interpretation.
Operative and treatment records
Patients who have undergone surgery or another procedure should provide the relevant operative report. This document may describe what was performed, what was found during the procedure and whether any complications occurred.
Records of previous treatment may also be needed. Depending on the condition, these can include details of medication, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, rehabilitation or other procedures.
The hospital may ask when each treatment was given, how long it continued and why it was stopped or changed. This information can affect whether the same treatment can be repeated or whether a different approach needs to be considered.
Laboratory results
Submit laboratory results related to the current condition, together with recent general health tests when available. The required tests depend on the planned consultation or procedure.
Older results can still provide useful background information, particularly when they show changes over time. However, the hospital may request new tests if the existing results no longer reflect the patient’s current condition.
Each report should include the test date, measurement units and laboratory reference ranges. A list of values copied into a message may be less useful than the complete laboratory report.
Medication and allergy information
Prepare an up-to-date list of all medicines currently being used, including prescription drugs and any medicines taken regularly for chronic conditions. Where possible, include:
- the medicine name
- the dose
- how often it is taken
- the reason for taking it
Patients should also report known medication allergies and previous adverse reactions. Information about long-term conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, may be relevant when a doctor assesses treatment suitability or plans a procedure.
Do not stop or change prescribed medication before travelling unless the treating doctor has advised it.
Implanted devices
Tell the hospital about pacemakers, metal implants, joint replacements and other implanted medical devices. The device type may affect imaging choices, procedure planning or the need for additional documentation.
If available, include the implant card, model details or records from the procedure in which the device was placed.
Which records are needed for different medical specialties?
The medical records requested by a hospital depend on the condition being evaluated. While every patient should provide previous consultation notes and relevant test results, specialists often require additional documentation related to their field.
| If you are travelling for… | Medical records commonly requested |
|---|---|
| Cancer treatment | Pathology report, biopsy results, PET/CT, MRI or CT scans, previous chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical records |
| Orthopaedic surgery | MRI, X-rays, CT scans when applicable, operative reports, physiotherapy records |
| Cardiology | ECG, echocardiography, angiography, stress test results, cardiac CT or MRI, medication history |
| Fertility treatment (IVF) | Hormone test results, pelvic ultrasound, semen analysis, previous IVF cycle records |
| Plastic or reconstructive surgery | Consultation notes, previous operative reports, clinical photographs where appropriate |
| Neurosurgery | MRI or CT of the brain or spine, neurological examination findings, operative reports |
The treating specialist may request additional investigations depending on the diagnosis and the patient’s current condition.
Which imaging files should you send?
Diagnostic imaging often contains details that cannot be fully represented in the written radiology report. Hospitals therefore commonly request both the report and the original images.
Relevant examinations may include:
- MRI
- CT
- PET
- X-ray
- ultrasound
- mammography
- angiography
- bone density scans
- nuclear medicine studies
The required examination depends on the condition. A surgeon may need to review the location and extent of an abnormality directly, while an oncologist or radiologist may compare scans taken at different stages of diagnosis or treatment.
Photographs of a computer screen or individual screenshots usually do not provide the complete examination. They may omit image slices, reduce image quality or remove technical data needed for interpretation.
Why is DICOM format preferred?
DICOM, which stands for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine, is the standard format commonly used for medical imaging. It contains the complete imaging series and technical information recorded during the examination.
A DICOM study allows the reviewing doctor or radiologist to:
- examine all available image slices
- change brightness and contrast
- enlarge specific areas
- take measurements
- compare different sequences or examinations
DICOM files also preserve metadata recorded during the examination, including image orientation, acquisition parameters and measurement information. This allows radiologists to review the study in specialised viewing software instead of relying on compressed image files or screenshots.
Patients may receive DICOM files on a CD, DVD or USB drive, or through a secure link provided by the imaging centre. The folder may contain many files and sometimes includes viewing software.
Do not convert the files into ordinary image formats unless the hospital specifically requests this. Conversion can remove information contained in the original study.
When only printed films, screenshots or a radiology report are available, inform the hospital before submission. The medical team can explain whether the available material is sufficient for an initial review or whether the original files should be requested from the imaging centre.
What information does a pathology report provide?
A pathology report explains what was found when a tissue sample was examined by a pathologist. Unlike imaging studies, which show the location and appearance of an abnormality, histopathology confirms the diagnosis by analysing cells and tissues under a microscope.
Depending on the condition, a pathology report may include:
- diagnosis
- tissue or tumour type
- tumour grade
- surgical margins
- biomarkers
- microscopic or molecular findings
These findings often influence treatment planning. For example, tumour grade and biomarkers can help determine whether surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or another treatment is appropriate. For cancer cases, pathology findings are commonly reviewed together with radiology images during a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting or tumour board before the treatment plan is finalised.
Should medical records be translated into English?
Many hospitals that treat international patients request reports in English when possible. Translation allows the specialist to review the clinical information more efficiently and reduces the possibility of misunderstanding a diagnosis, procedure or treatment history.
Translation is particularly useful for:
- consultation notes
- discharge summaries
- operative reports
- pathology reports
- treatment records
- detailed laboratory reports
Original imaging can usually be reviewed regardless of the language used in the accompanying report. However, translating the radiology report may still help the specialist understand the previous interpretation and compare it with the images.
Patients should avoid translating technical medical terminology themselves unless the hospital has said that an informal translation is acceptable. A professional medical translation is more likely to preserve the meaning of the original document.
Keep both the original report and its translation. The specialist may need to compare them if any wording is unclear.
How should medical records be organised?
Clear organisation makes it easier for the International Patient Department and specialist to identify the relevant documents.
Use descriptive file names that include the document type and date. For example:
- MRI_Brain_2026-05-14
- Pathology_Report_2026-04-02
- Discharge_Summary_2025-11-18
- Current_Medication_List
Group documents by category or date rather than uploading a large collection of files with generic names such as “scan1” or “report-new.”
Long reports should be sent as complete files. Avoid sending each page in a separate message unless requested. Before submission, check that the documents are legible, correctly oriented and associated with the correct patient.
A brief medical summary may also be useful. It can state:
- the current diagnosis or reason for seeking care
- the main symptoms
- when the symptoms began
- previous treatments or operations
- current medication
- the purpose of the requested consultation
This summary does not replace the original medical records. It gives the reviewing team a concise timeline and helps them navigate the supporting documents.
How can medical records be shared securely?
The accepted method depends on the hospital. Records may be submitted through a secure patient portal, encrypted email, a protected upload system or the International Patient Department.
Large imaging studies may exceed normal email attachment limits. In that situation, the hospital may provide an upload link or explain which file-transfer method it accepts.
Follow the hospital’s instructions rather than sending records through several unrelated platforms. Splitting one case across multiple messages can make it harder to confirm whether every document has been received.
Before sending files, verify the recipient and confirm that the hospital accepts the chosen transfer method. Medical records contain personal and health information and should be shared only through an authorised channel.
What happens if some records are missing?
Missing documentation does not always prevent an initial assessment. It can, however, limit the specialist’s ability to comment on the diagnosis or proposed treatment.
Tell the hospital which records are unavailable. The medical team can identify which documents are essential and which investigations can be repeated after arrival.
For example, a specialist may be able to begin reviewing a case using a consultation report and radiology findings but still require the original images before discussing surgery. A patient with cancer may need a pathology report before a treatment opinion can be provided.
When a record cannot be obtained, provide any available information about where and when the examination or treatment took place. The hospital may suggest an alternative document or arrange a new investigation after the patient arrives.
Common mistakes when submitting medical records
Several documentation problems can delay or restrict the initial review:
- sending a radiology report without the original imaging files
- submitting screenshots instead of the complete DICOM study
- omitting pathology or biopsy findings
- providing an outdated medication list
- leaving out previous treatment or operative reports
- uploading files with unclear names or no dates
- sending only selected pages of a longer report
- submitting unreadable photographs of documents
- failing to mention chronic illnesses, allergies or implanted devices
Review the files before sending them. A complete and clearly labelled set of records is easier to assess than a larger but disorganised collection.
Medical records checklist before travelling to Turkey
The following checklist covers information commonly requested from international patients. The hospital may request additional records according to the diagnosis and planned treatment.
Personal information
- passport or another accepted identification document
- current contact details
- emergency contact information
Medical history
- referral letter, when available
- specialist consultation notes
- medical reports
- discharge summaries
- operative reports
- summary of current symptoms
- details of chronic medical conditions
Diagnostic records
- MRI, CT, PET, X-ray, ultrasound or other relevant imaging
- original DICOM files
- radiology reports
- laboratory results
- ECG or other diagnostic tests, when applicable
Pathology records
- pathology reports
- biopsy reports
- pathology slides or tissue blocks, if requested
Treatment and safety information
- current medication list
- previous treatment records
- known allergies
- previous medication reactions
- information about implanted devices
Check that each record is complete, legible and dated. The patient’s name should appear on the document whenever possible.
Submitting medical records to Avicenna International Hospital
International patients considering treatment at Avicenna International Hospital can submit their existing records before travelling to Turkey. Depending on the condition, the International Patient Department may request consultation notes, imaging studies, pathology findings, laboratory results and details of previous treatment.
The appropriate specialist reviews the available documents and provides a preliminary medical opinion based on the submitted information. The hospital may request further records or explain which investigations are likely to be needed during the visit.
The preliminary review does not replace an in-person examination. After the patient arrives, the treating physician assesses the current condition and confirms the diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment suitability, duration and expected results depend on the diagnosis, test findings, previous care, general health and specialist assessment.
Patients who cannot obtain every record can contact the International Patient Department to ask which documents are required for the initial review and which may be provided later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recent tests and scans are usually preferred because they reflect your current condition. Older pathology reports, operative notes and treatment records may still be relevant. Send them if you are unsure.
Yes. The hospital can review them before travel, identify missing documents and provide a preliminary assessment.
Yes. Printed copies of important reports can be useful during consultations, even if you have already uploaded them.
Yes. A family member, caregiver or authorised representative can usually submit them, subject to the hospital’s consent and privacy requirements.
The records are sent to the appropriate specialist. The hospital may request more information, suggest further tests or explain possible treatment options and next steps.
