Correlate Clinically
Compare this finding with the patient's actual symptoms — a routine handover, not a hint.
What it means
A radiologist's way of saying: I have described what the images show, and whether it explains this person's symptoms is for the clinician who has actually seen them.
It is entirely routine and appears on an enormous number of reports. The radiologist usually has not met you and is working from the images plus a one-line referral.
It is not code for anything. People read it as an ominous hint and it is a professional handover.
In practice
At the end of radiology reports, often after a finding of uncertain significance.
Related phrases: "clinical correlation advised", "if clinically indicated", and "correlate with symptoms".
Why it matters
Make sure someone actually does it. That is the one genuine risk here — a report advising clinical correlation that is filed without anyone comparing it against how you feel.
Ask directly: does this finding explain my symptoms? That is precisely the question the phrase is asking someone to answer.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Mohammad Zubair Khan, GMC 7563469
Last reviewed
August 30, 2026