Why Following Up With Your Doctor Is Critical

Do not assume that the medical test you just took is normal because you have not heard back from your doctor.

Unfortunately, not all negative test results are communicated
back to the patient.

In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2009, it was revealed that doctors often fail to relay the results of medical tests to their patients, especially if the test results are abnormal. In the study, more than 5,000 medical records at academic medical facilities and primary care facilities were examined. It was found that doctors failed to share abnormal diagnostic test results with their patients seven percent of the time.

As a part of the study, the researchers had searched medical records of patients aged between 50-69 for abnormal results on screening tests such as Pap smears and mammography. In 34 percent of the cases, the results of the screening tests indicated imminent danger to the health of the patient and potential for damage over time. Records were then analyzed to check whether the patients were informed of the abnormal results or not. Shockingly, in more than seven percent of the cases, the abnormal test results were not relayed to the patient.

No News is Not Always Good News

When waiting for medical test results, patients tend to assume that no news is good news. However, this is far from reality. Simply because a patient does not hear back from the health care provider, it does not mean that the results are normal. It is dangerous to assume this, because lack of knowledge of test results can delay medical care and it can lead to worsening of the condition. Under certain circumstances, this could be happen because of medical negligence. Delay in treatment or a missed diagnosis as a result of the lost medical test results could be life threatening, and a patient may file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the health care provider at fault.

The researchers that conducted the aforementioned study suggested a five-step approach to record keeping for all health care providers:

• Relay medical test results to the responsible doctor.
• Have the doctor sign the results.
• Inform the patient about the medical test results, irrespective of whether they are normal or abnormal.
• Document that the information was passed on to the patient.
• Ask the patient to inquire about the results in case they do not receive them within a stipulated period of time.

Questions Every Patient Should Ask Their Doctor

Here are some questions that every patient should ask their doctor:

• Why do I need to undergo the medical test?
• What information will the medical test provide?
• Is there another way of getting the same information?
• How do I need to prepare for the medical test?
• What are the risks and benefits associated with the test?
• Will the medical test hurt?
• When and how will I get the results?
• What happens next after the medical test?

St. Louis medical malpractice attorneys recommend that you should properly follow up with your doctor for any test results. It is important to mark dates on your calendar and inquire about the results if you do not receive them within the stipulated time. If you think your doctor failed to diagnose your condition properly or did not relay the results to you, you should immediately consult an experienced St. Louis medical malpractice lawyer.

Call Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200 for a free consultation.