...have copies of all your tests, such as blood work?
Not to sound like a micro-manager, but doctors do see a lot of patients and since RA is chronic, that has me thinking it would be a good idea so that I can keep track of any up's and down's that may occur over the years.
I had a string of tests done back in October and it occurred to me that not only did I not get a copy, but was just told they were "OK", no specifics.
Do doctors typically mind if you ask for these, or do they think you're a control freak and take offense, etc?
GingerR
I always get copies of my bloodwork, my pcp sends a copy with a letter from him about what he sees, the infusion lab gives me a copy everytime I get Remicade, and I ask for a copy from the dr who's treating my RA. I think it's a good idea.Hi Ginger. Welcome to the board!
I always ask for copies of my tests. From my PCP and all my specialists. They always make copies for me and give them to me while I'm in the office. If you happen to miss one, you can call the office and have them send it to you.
I have never had anyone tell me that I can't have it. Actually, it is your right to have copies of these things. My hand surgeons even gave me copies of my surgery reports. They tell everything that was done during surgery, from the first incision to the final stitch. These are helpful to some of my other doctors, like my pain specialist, for example.
If you ask for your whole file or a lot of them at once, they might charge you for making the copies. But when I ask for them as I go, one at a time, I have never been charged.
I keep a file for each specialist and a master file with blood test results.
They are quite helpful. Especially if you have an insurance problem or file for SSDI, for example.
I would ask for a copy of your test results from October. I think it is important to educate yourself on your condition and these results are very helpful for doing this.
Good luck!. It's good to have you with us. Let me know if you manage to get your results.
Hugs, Nini
You know, I never even gave it a second thought. I guess you could say I trust a little too much.
Hope you're having a superfantastic and comfortable day!
Ditto what the others have already said. I get and keep copies of all my lab tests, x-rays, etc. and I usually take the latest copies to all my drs visits, just in case. It is amazing to me how they can tell you what the next step in your treatment should be and then realize that they haven't seen your latest tests!
cg
Yep, Ginger, I get and keep all copies of my blood work too. I want to keep track of what's happening and what has happened. It's a good idea. Most RD's or GP's don't mind you asking at all. They are usually pleased when patients take ownership of there disease in that way. I have all of my records since diagnosed and wouldn't have it any other way.I request copies of everything from every doctor that I see. If I've had lab work on premises and results are ready before I leave, I get a copy. If labs have to be sent out, I make sure that they know I want a copy sent to me, my PCP and/or any others that I feel might need it. If I've had x-rays, I sign a release and take them with me. For CT or MRI scans, I ask that they burn a copy for me to take with me. I've never had the slightest problem from physicians getting copies of anything pertaining to my visits.
What I do find, more than one would expect to, is that the doctor's notes are often incorrect. I recently went for a 2nd opinion relative to a problem with my hand and in the first doc's notes, he stated that I had seen a knee specialist, when, in fact, I had not. Also, first doc stated to me, during our visit, that he wanted me on a DMARD for "at least 8 weeks" before he was going to inject my hand but his notes stated 2 weeks. When I mentioned these errors to 2nd doc, he said, "Oh, it happens all the time".
This is getting long, but I just have to throw this one in with the admonition to request to read through your entire chart periodically.
Years ago, I went to a doctor and as he was looking through my chart, he said, "How are you doing with your new liver?". I burst out laughing. Turned out that another patient's entire history of her liver transplant (pre-op, op procedure, post-op, etc) had been inserted into my chart. Our last names weren't even close, nor were our chart numbers. That doc yanked that stuff from my chart faster than the speed of light and I don't suppose Mrs. Garcia ever knew that her records were not in her chart.
K.
LOLOLOL! I know I shouldn't laugh at such incompetence Katalina, but the "So how's the new liver doing?" thing has me rolling!
When I go to the RD, the lobby is always full and the wait is usually well over an hour, just in the waiting room. Then it's clear the doctor doesn't always remember the reason for your visit or what he stated at the last visit... so yeah, all of those things (and your liver story on top of it) has me convinced that getting copies is wise.
Just a note. Per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability act (HIPAA) you can be charged for copies (varies by state). I always ask for chart notes, labs and diagnostic reports. Providers are not allowed to charge the "pull" fee that is charged to others who ask for chart copies. It can be expensive if you ask for everything. I always get all my records. I recently had to have them correct that my Mother was given DES not thalmomide(sp) as it was never prescribed in the US, but DES was, moron. Then I just got my tests from my newest primary and the swab she took of my mouth that confirmed HSV-1 mouth canker sores says it was a vaginal swab. Nothing like getting your complete body upside down.