Why am I read the results of my blood test when I can read it myself

Posted by jumper123 @jumper123, 2 days ago

I just don't understand why I have to have the oncologist or nurse read me my platelet count after my blood is take because I can read it myself on MyChart! In addition, they sometimes read me my metabolic panel too. If there is a change in my numbers indicating an alarm that requires me to change my med then they can let me know and change it. The last time I was at the clinic I read the numbers mentioned above to the doctor, the nurse didn't. I read all of my test results on MyChart myself when I get home. I think my time is being wasted listing to almost the same result each month.

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What procedure have you had done that you need a blood test? are these follow up?

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The person authorizing the test is professionally, and ethically, bound to report the results to you. They may say that if there is no change, or nothing to report, that they will NOT call you or give you copies of the data sheets/lab report. Otherwise, they must relate their findings and offer you an opportunity to express any concerns or ask for further tests if they make sense because the results of lab tests fail to reveal any concerns. IOW, it is a closing of the loop, a courtesy at worst, and it is a time where you both can discuss the results and decide, between you, if further investigation is needed. In any event, if this is an impediment to your routine or if you feel it's an abuse of your time, tell the physician that. I'm sure you'll be welcome to look at the results at your convenience thereafter.

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@jumper123 why does that bother you?
If it is read to you by someone in your doctor’s office, it may trigger a question you might have.
Of course you can read the results, but do you know what it all means?

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@SusanEllen66

@jumper123 why does that bother you?
If it is read to you by someone in your doctor’s office, it may trigger a question you might have.
Of course you can read the results, but do you know what it all means?

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If the report is simply being regurgitated, that may be the problem. If the relevant results are verbally reported with comment, that should be beneficial.

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@jumper123 Your medical team may add comments to any blood test results as they are communicated to you. If there is a change, or a trend, that can be addressed, or questions asked to you. Likewise you are there to ask questions of results, or the combination of results to address any concern.

While it may seem redundant to you, hopefully you can look at these phone calls as your medical team showing you that they do indeed review things, and consider your health case to be important!
Ginger

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@SusanEllen66

@jumper123 why does that bother you?
If it is read to you by someone in your doctor’s office, it may trigger a question you might have.
Of course you can read the results, but do you know what it all means?

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They are only concerned with the platelet count and the rest is fine and that has to do with the ability of my blood to clot. Thank you, for your reply.

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@jumper123

They are only concerned with the platelet count and the rest is fine and that has to do with the ability of my blood to clot. Thank you, for your reply.

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I find it sad to have to say this but at least you know the doctors are reading the reports, even if the action seems redundant. There are times I know my PCP does not read reports. This is the worst example. He had sent me to a hematologist after repeated tests showed I had a high WBC. The next time I saw him, he asked how that went. I had to inform him that I have cancer. If, and that is a big if, he or his staff had read the report, then they did not take the effort to make a note of this trivial detail on my chart.

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I always do the same, read my blood reports on my Mayo portal, then have them read them to me with or without comments. I think it's all about perspective. I try to think just how fortunate I am to have the care and concern I am shown by my medical providers, and reflect on how many suffer from this in other countries and will never experience the level of hope and healing we get to here. I am never too busy to take the time to allow them to follow their protocols to do their job as they are trained, and find myself overcome with gratitude sometimes when I realize just how good life is, even in the midst of this disease, for I am surrounded with people who want to show they care, not just about another patient, but me as a person. I heard someone say make years ago, and it rings true in my life today more than ever:
"Grateful people are happy people, and those who aren't, aren't"...
May we all choose well. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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@jumper123

They are only concerned with the platelet count and the rest is fine and that has to do with the ability of my blood to clot. Thank you, for your reply.

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Rest assured, you're not the only one frustrated with what medical providers do and do NOT do.

The focus on our platelet count is intense.

The willingness / ability to answer our questions . . . . not so much.

Keep advocating for what YOU need.

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@normahorn

I find it sad to have to say this but at least you know the doctors are reading the reports, even if the action seems redundant. There are times I know my PCP does not read reports. This is the worst example. He had sent me to a hematologist after repeated tests showed I had a high WBC. The next time I saw him, he asked how that went. I had to inform him that I have cancer. If, and that is a big if, he or his staff had read the report, then they did not take the effort to make a note of this trivial detail on my chart.

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What you went through with your PCP is awful.

I know because it happened to me too.

Thank goodness for this forum, where we never have to feel alone.

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