11 replies to this topic

[cleocans]

Do I have the right to get copies of my blood work results?  When I went to the lab yesterday to ask for my PCR results the lab tech said we aren't supposed to give these out but since you discussed your results with your DR I will.

[HeatherZ]

I get copies of all my labs from the doctor at my appointments.  You do have that right - its your records you are asking for.  What she probably meant was the lab is not supposed to give you the results because that is not part of their function.

[cleocans]

The nurse told me to go there to get my copies.

[CallMeLucky]

In most practices, the nurse should have given you copies of the records.  While the records are about you, technically the lab works with the doctor, so their obligation is to provide the results to the doctor.  Labs don't like giving people results because the people may not know how to interpret them.

[cleocans]

Lucky, He said they don't give them out because people like to make their own diagnosis!  I can understand that.  I just wanted to make sure that I could get my results.  Either be it from the Dr or lab tech.

[Susan61]

Yes, the lab is not required to give you a copy.  They have too many people they are drawing blood on everyday.  If you ever needed a copy you could get one sent to you.  They send the reports to your doctor, and then just get a copy from your doctors office.  I always go for my blood work right before my appointment, and then well I am in the office I request copies of whatever they did.  They give it to me right then and there.

[GerryL]

I go to my GP earlier in the piece and they ring up and get a copy sent to them straight away. My GP is happy to do this for me and figures I probably know more about what is going on then she does. I'm in Australia though and we have different lab arrangements, so not sure if it will work for you.

[hannibellemo]

My local onc knows after almost 3 years that I want copies of all my reports so he has them ready for me at my appt. I also get my blood work done on the day so they are complete when I see him.

At Mayo they are so organized. I always get a nice packet with all of my reports and a nice letter summarizing the results of my visit.

You own all of your testing reports - you earned them by your own blood!

Pat

[cleocans]

My blood work is done 15 minutes before my appointment.  If I have no appointment after the lab will bring out copies of my results for me.  I just never asked for a PCR result before.  My onc just seems like he'd rather me not have my results. 

[Susan61]

Don't listen to nurses when you ask for reports.  I told my Oncologist to tell the girls that I can have any copies I want when I ask for them.  When I go for my 6month check-up, I pick-up all my copies which include my 6 month PCR Test.

When I go for just blood work every 3 months, I call the office and tell the girl to fax it over to me.  They do it right away.

It depends on office help a lot of the time.  They do not want to do anything extra as far as they are concerned, unless the are told to do it by the doctor.

[Marnie]

You have a right to get a copy of all lab reports.  I always wait for the CBC results after the blood draw.  For PCR results (and others that take over night or more) I call to see when the results are in and then have them fax me a copy or I drive over and get one.  I've never had a doctor/nurse./lab tech refuse to give me results.  That seems unreasonable to me. 

[pammartin]

This is an interesting subject, if you went to the lab,I do not believe they are legally bound to provide you with copies if I understand the chain of command, but your doctor can and should provide you with all your results.  They are yours, you paid for them, and copies of them are your rights as a patient. 

That being said, I have run into difficulty with this issue on another level.  I have my regular pcp, the oncologist following my case, and Pittsburgh hematologist running my case.  If Pittsburgh orders blood tests, pcp or oncologist will not provide me with results, even though they have copies in my chart sitting in front of me.  I find this procedure ridiculous, there have been more than a few times I have been at doctors office and the latest blood work is staring me in the face under the folder but they are not permitted to interpret for me.  I of course could look at it but am completely dense in the reading and results.  This wasn't so much a problem when I was having difficulty with platelets, I was called within hours of results, changing meds, adjusting meds, or sharing news, but since I have become stereo typical, I no longer receive those early calls.  Two weeks ago I would have had the results of my blood work today by phone, because I have become boring, I have to wait till tomorrow and oncologist appointment.