Purpose: Modern information systems have allowed electronic medical records to be readily accessed by patients regardless of location and time. However, medical jargon in radiological reports causes confusion and an over-inflated perception of disease states. Heightened patient anxiety gives rise to inappropriate GP referrals to specialist services. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of using simplified Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reporting methods in alleviating patient anxiety and altering their perception regarding the required treatment. Methodology: 121 patients were recruited from an outpatient orthopaedic clinic at a tertiary New Zealand hospital. An MRI report was formulated, describing a lumbar spine with age-related degenerative changes. Individuals were randomly assigned to receive either a standard or simplified MRI report. Participants completed an 11-item questionnaire about their perception of the report on a 10-point Likert scale regarding their anxiety and anticipated treatment outcomes. Baseline characteristics such as age, gender and ethnicity were collected. Results: Compared to those who received the standard MRI report, those who received the simplified report believed they had a significantly better understanding of the report (p=0.0012) and lower anxiety (p= 0.0002). Those who received the standard MRI report were significantly more likely to seek inappropriate specialist care (p=0.0019) because they presumed an operation was necessary (p=0.0002). Conclusion: Simplified MRI reporting can reduce unnecessary patient anxiety and potentially reduce inappropriate referrals from GP to specialist orthopaedic services. This may help improve the health system's efficiency.