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If they don't tell, be sure to ask
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One sure thing about getting older…..we do seem to be at the doctor’s office more often. Sometimes it is just for a checkup….other times it is due to a new medical symptom or pain. No matter what brings you or your partner or parent to the office, it is important to get the results of any tests that are done.
Often your physician says she or he will call with the results of the blood tests or screenings, but they get behind and they forget to call you. And for many of us, we think that means that no news is good news. This is not always true. Even if it is a routine blood workup or mammogram, you need to be sure you learn of any abnormalities. Contact the physician’s office and ask about the results. If they seem at all confusing, ask to talk with the doctor personally. Who needs more anxiety?
According to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, more than 5000 medical records from patients aged 50 to 69 were examined. Almost one third had clinically significant abnormal results recorded, but doctors failed to inform patients in more than seven percent of the cases. Other doctors failed to document whether or not they had told the patients.
So even if you trust your doctor and feel he or she has a good track record in keeping you informed, you have to take responsibility as well. Keep track of what tests are being done and why, ask when results will be ready, and if you don’t hear from the office within a few days of the expected results, make a call. Follow-up should be part of your care, but sometimes you have to be your own advocate.
To see my other columns on health and medical issues, read "and you thought you were covered!"
