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.