[TerryL]

Do I need a second doctor visit just to get test results? My doctor always asks for one. even for blood tests. I thought of asking him to just tell me over the phone but was not sure if I should ask. I just had an echocardiogram.

[lynn P.]

In my experience my doctor only asks for a visit if the blood tests showed something. With other test like an echo-cardiogram I think you would do a follow up so he/she can explain how it went or follow up why you needed it. I hope the results come back good TerryL.

[Perna]

I see the doctor every 3 months and every other time I see him I'm given chits for tests; blood, urine, this last one had x-ray of my knees, etc. and I get those done a week or two before I go see him the next 3 month scheduled appointment and we talk about them then.

If you had the test for a specific problem, then yes, you should go back and do the follow up; it isn't just about what the test showed but how you two want to decide what is showed will be treated.

[ECHOES]

Sure, you can call and ask the results. If they have some policy (which I doubt), then they can tell you when you call. You can't be expected to know that ahead of time. Some doctors have websites where you can see your test results, so you could ask if they have that when you call too.

[Wren_]

doctors where I live have varying policies ... some won't give results without an appointment others give them over the phone (glad mine does this)

you can always call and see if you need an appointment or not as echoes suggested

[Travelinglady]

Yes, doctor's offices have different policies. My current one usually just gives the results over the phone for tests done in other locations. For example, I had an ultrasound at the hospital, and my doc's office called me about the results.

However, I am supposed to have extensive bloodwork done in a couple of months. And the office went ahead and scheduled an appointment for me to come in a week later to get the results. I guess sometimes the doc wants to talk to me about any bad results/adjust meds, etc. And it's hard to get an appointment.

[splitimage]

My Dr's office always wants me to come in for a second appointment to give me test results. They will not give them out over the phone. However they only call to book a second appointment if something shows up in the test results, if they're normal, they don't call.

splitimage

[Fresia]

I hope the test results are good, first and foremost.
As mentioned, calling the office is the only way to know if you have to have an appointment. However, you may want one to go over what the results mean with the doc if you are not familiar with the test(s) and to discuss any follow-up issues, even if the results are good and definitely if something is off on them.

That being said, you can go to the facility that you had the testing done and get a copy of the test results to be released to you, without having to go through the doc or even if it is at the doctor's office. It is your medical record or with the results being a part of it that you can request at any time, asking for specific test results. There will typically not be a fee for just test results to be released to the patient, but some facilities do charge if it is released to the patient and not to the attending physician. The only main problem though that comes with this is that there is no interpretation of the results to know what it necessarily means. But it is your record and can get them whenever you want, it is just a trip to the facility (either go to the department that the test was done or medical records) and sign a release, the results are yours.

[lizardlady]

Terry, like Payne said. It depends on your doctor. Mine refuses to give results over the phone. I have to have an office appointment to get the results. Ticks me off because it means sitting around her office for hours because she is always running late to spend five minutes getting the results.

[healingme4me]

For me, it depends on which doctor I see, as far as test results go. And which, tests are involved. Blood work from my primary care physician will result in mailed results. MRI's, etc, I have follow up, office visits. Most of my doctors, do not give over the phone results, something about privacy policies. However, I did, get one specific blood test result over the phone, earlier this month.

Hope all is well!