When are you seeing your doctor? the Pathologist asked me as I followed her into the demountable Caravan that doubled as the ‘D’ block at my local hospital.
It won’t be until he has the results and calls me in for an appointment I replied. I already signed the release form to receive my results when I came in, but with Australia Post and the Easter long weekend I’ll probably be waiting well over a week.
When did you come in to have your bloodwork done?
Yesterday morning.
Seemingly puzzled at why someone would want to know their own test results, she typed my surname followed by my first name into the computer to check the status of my results.
They haven’t all been done yet. They’re about 80% complete.
Is my hba1c there?
There it is. Don’t tell anyone I told you! She half joked, acting as though she had just committed a serious crime in telling someone their own test results.
Fantastic! I exclaimed, my eyes fixed at where the Pathologist had motioned on the computer display that looked like something out of the 1980s.
Five years ago, I wouldn’t have given a stuff about some stupid test results. I certainly wouldn’t have made a detour on my way home from work because I was that eager to know. I probably would have just let my doctor vaguely lecture me in 2 weeks time, rather than making my own evaluations about the condition I live and breathe 24 hours a day.
I feel like the system isn’t even designed with the patient in mind. Why aren’t we making it easier for patients to engage in their own health matters? Why aren’t we encouraging, and praising self management efforts? Why is lived experience not more highly regarded?
Where is the patient centred care here?
Now you can go home and enjoy your Easter long weekend! the Pathologist replied as I thanked her for her time.
But don’t eat too much chocolate! She exclaimed as I stepped outside into the crisp afternoon, the door slamming shut behind me.
The pathology service in Tasmania charges $20 to release test results directly to the patient. They have decided that it is best for the patient to get results direct from their GP. And pay for another GP visit, since I don’t know of any that bulk bill here in Tasmania. And use up GP time that could be better used assisting people who are sick, or who don’t understand how to interpret their own test results. Definitely going backwards in terms of encouraging patients to manage their own health.
That’s crazy! I don’t mind going back to see my GP (thankfully he bulk bills) as I was unwell and there’s likely stuff to discuss, but I can definitely see your point in situations where there’s no need.
My GP requests that my blood test results be posted to me as well as her and my endo. It works well.
Even with the GP request, the pathology service charges $20 to send an email with a “secure” access to the results. Posting is no longer an option.
I often know my blood results before my doctor. Because, like most Americans these days we have direct access to our electronic medical records. The fee for use it $0.00 of course we pay an immense fee structure. even if we do not use it.