CBS News (2/11, Castillo) reports on its website about concerns with the new HHS rule allowing medical labs to provide test results directly to patients. Some medical providers are worried that unexplained test results may cause concerns among patients who are not trained to understand them.
Blogfinger Medical Commentary by Paul Goldfinger, MD, FACC
Even though patients are generally not equipped to interpret their lab results, they should make sure to obtain copies of their labs for their records. The same is true of their latest ECG, their CT scan report, biopsy results, XRAY reports, etc. Even consultation notes should be requested. I actually believe that inquisitive patients can learn a lot from their own test results.
Patients are entitled to their records. In the future, and even now in some places, patients can access their results online, but one way or another, get your reports. This HHS ruling is good for patients, and I have no sympathy for doctors who might be opposed.
Patients need to empower themselves and learn about their medical problems in an act of self defense based on the current deterioration in how medicine is practiced, especially in the outpatient setting.
Physicians sometimes forget to report the results of lab tests to patients, and one should never assume that everything is OK just because the doctor hasn’t called with results. Sometimes test results get overlooked. Lab tests are done to obtain certain information about a person’s health, but the results are worthless unless the doctor reviews them, interprets them and then reacts to them.
What’s her name and what’s her title, and can I talk to the doctor? Internet photo
In many offices, you will not hear from the doctor—- only from a nurse or some other medical helper whose credentials and name are often a mystery . Sometimes they are abrupt, ill informed and confusing, leaving you with opacity instead of clarity. Sometimes you don’t even know if the advice you are being given is from the doctor or just the end result of some time-saving office procedure for dealing with patients without “bothering” the doctor. If needed, ask to speak to the doctor.
Having obtained your results, you may find it frustrating to try to obtain explanations. I have discovered, now that I am a patient, that there is a new communications tyranny in doctors’ offices that compromises access for inquisitive patients. It’s as if a wall of resistance has been built between the physician and his patients. If I figure out how to deal with it, I’ll let you know.
Meanwhile, I am still putting my MD to good use, even though I would prefer to simply leave it all up to my doctors. I can navigate around some issues, but the average patient must learn to swim or find themselves adrift in a sea of medical confusion. And don’t forget to get second opinions if there are doubts and find an “advocate” to help you if you are feeling muddled.
“… there is a new communications tyranny in doctors’ offices that compromises access for inquisitive patients.”
Paul, I think that this quote from your note sums it up quite well. In some offices there are messages that take much too long, and always always warn the called that options have changed. Then there are the numerous phone options for doctors, for 911 emergencies, for in hospital patent contacts, prescription renewals, etc, and some office staffs that seem thoroughly unprofessional, In a recent case, my doctor happens to be excellent but her office staff leaves a lot to be desired. Her nurse is excellent, so I contact her through her nurse. It is more direct. We also recently went to the Cleveland Clinic and found the services outstanding, doctors, medical assistants, and office personnel were all great. Excellent feedback here, but I know what you mean about some offices – communications tyranny indeed. I had another young doc up north who responded to my emails in a quick and efficient way. Always pleasant and responsive. So you win some and you lose some but I agree getting information is key to managing your health.
Jesse Vazquez,
I totally agree and think that one must be well educated & informed regarding their own health. I recently met a pharmacy company representative while waiting in Doctors office. Happened his company sold the medicine I take. He refused to discuss medicine with me stating he wasn’t allowed to. Yet he was there trying to “sell” it to my doctor but would/could not help educate the end-user about it.
Paul,
I must just be lucky that I am pleased with my healthcare providers: GP, cardiologist, dentist, eye doctor, dermatologist, foot doctor, Mt. Sinai surgeon and even my VA ANP. (And all their office staffs too.) Yes! I do need lots of help.
Oops, am not pleased with getting blood results from QUEST DIAGNOSTICS though.
Lucky me.
Ken I am finding problems with just about every office I deal with. I see excellent doctors being engulfed by regulations, corporate rules, electronic records, efficiency experts, peddling faster because of declining fees, delegation of duties, and memory loss when it comes to doing things the right way. Newer is not always better. And it is not only my experience, but family members and friends. And I try not to nit-pick; my complaints are significant, at least by my standards.
My career has spanned an era when the patient was always number one and the doctor-patient relationship was paramount. Plus I see things that the average patient does not appreciate. Patients should not ignore their intuition and common sense when assessing their care.——Paul
Paul,
Sounds to me that you have not found the right doctor yet or your doctor has not found the right office staff.
ken