It’s the phone call you’ve been waiting for…
“Your test results came back normal”
The only time I would cringe at these words is when I KNEW something wasn’t, well…normal.
“IT CAN’T BE NORMAL!”
And the hopelessness I felt would intensify because I knew what would come next…a rush by the nurse or doctor to get me off the phone. It felt like they couldn’t hang up fast enough, so they could yell out…”Got rid of another hypochondriac, before they could ask any questions, Woo Hoo!”
Who made up these “normal” or “in range” lab values? And what is even more puzzling is why it is so difficult to get a copy of YOUR results from the doctor’s office. I used to accept them not giving (or offering) a copy, but now, as a seasoned thyroid patient, not getting my lab paperwork is not an option.
Making it a rule to get your test results will:
1. Give you an idea of what is “normal” for YOU. If your thyroid levels were slightly out of range but you felt great, talk to your doctor about this. Bring to him/her your old tests outlining when you felt good and when you didn’t.
2. Help you to see if you are progressing with a certain medication or declining. Don’t leave it up to your memory.
3. If it ever comes to the point of needing to fire your current doctor and you will want to provide this information to your new one. I recently did this and my new doc was so impressed by this.
4. See if a mistake was made. (My sister was recently told by her primary care physician that her test results were normal. Later she was getting examined by her gynecologist who called up her results on the computer. “They told you your test results were normal? They don’t look normal to me”, said her gynecologist. – Obviously a mistake was made and this happens more than you think, it doesn’t hurt to double check.
They took your blood, and now it feels like it is also going to take sweat and tears just to get those results in your hands. Some doctor’s offices try to make it an all out war to give them to you, but here’s a couple of ways you can get them easily, bypassing the doctor altogether:
1. Many doctor’s offices send you to an independent lab, when you check in at one of these labs, before they draw blood ask them to send you a copy, as well as the doctor’s office. They should oblige, but may have you fill out a release form.
2. There’s been a recent trend where doctor’s offices have signed on as employees or contractors with large hospital networks. These hospital networks are starting to incorporate convenient, secure access to your medical information (including lab work) online. With a login and password, you can easily see your results.
BEWARE: Reading through test results is like trying to understand Algebra or interest rates. Don’t jump to any conclusions if you happen to see the results before your doctor goes over them with you. If you’re like me, you would be convinced you will awake with tentacles in the morning. No need to add undue stress, to an already “not all that fun” experience.
Good luck my thyroid brothers and sisters on your quest of maneuvering through the lab work labyrinth.
CTL
I agree with you, Carol. Every time you undergo any medical examination, you should not forget to have your own copy of your result. It will act as your reference to keep track of your normal range. Soon, you will also need to present this if you decide to find a new doctor.
ReplyDeleteMeghan @AuroraDX.com
hi Carol- Hope you see this soon as I'd like to ask you a couple questions based on your experience with Grave's. If you could, please email me at mtrucillo(at)recallcenter(dot)com. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, you absolutely should get a copy of the results as they are yours not the Drs.
ReplyDeleteHave been getting a copy of my results from my Dr for ages but my new one is a bit hesitant. Will train him though.
ReplyDeleteJust a note, when the healthcare laws changed, at least one thing is in favor of the patient (may be the only thing). Because of HIPAA; you as the patient now have a legal right to ALL your records by simply requesting them, in writing is required if you end up filing a complaint on this doctor, large institution, hospital or not! If you are having problems getting your results or records, kindly remind them of the HIPAA law, none of them want the government on their doorstep and the hefty fine they will get! The Doctor has no more than 30 days to get them to you :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, depending on the lab that processes it, not only can you get a copy mailed to you, but places like Lab Corp actually have created on their website the ability for any and all patients to create a FREE patient account and there you have access to all the labs done by that company 24/7 at your fingertips and never lose them!! After a very steep learning curve from a less common Thyroid cancer, I have learned the hard way the last 2 years but never to forget! :) Together we are all stronger!!