Ongoing frustration re obtaining my blood test results

[123-go]

I’ve just caught up with a recent post in which a member has the same problem. I’ve been haggling with my GP surgery for some time regarding this but they are adamant that as my GP didn’t request the test I have to obtain them from rheumatology. The department used to send them on request but this has proved difficult even before Covid. I have the NHS app but it’s only the results of GP initiated tests/investigations that are shown. I’m met with incredulity when I tell people this who assure me, “ but you can see everything is on the app!”…..frustrating!

I should explain that my last blood test was on 25th January and requested by my hospital doctor due to a rise in CRP. She’d said that if the January test showed a further increase my medication may need to be revised. I’m on low dose Pred and for the past year or so on Leflunomide after LVV was diagnosed. I’m aware that if there is a cause for concern my doctor would have contacted me but I feel the need to see the results for myself for reassurance and for my own records and related this to the rheumy secretary when I rang earlier this morning. Now I’m waiting for someone to ring me and will spend the day(s) with my phone glued to my hand in case I miss the call in which case I will hear a recorded message that contains nothing useful. Why is it so difficult?

I’ve carried out searches on the internet and it seems that releasing results varies from GP to GP.

By the way, Professor Dasgupta (pre-retirement) actually mentioned in the copy of a review letter sent to my practice that I was keen to visualise my results and asked for them to be provided. When I referred to this in a conversation with the practice manager she said the surgery’s system wasn’t configured for this facility.

Apologies for appearing ‘needy’ and for this long-winded post when there are far more serious issues for many patients. Just venting!

Adding an edit to say please, no need for replies; I feel better already for letting it all out 🙂 but thank you for reading if you’ve got this far😏.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I just said somewhere else - it used to be possible to request you be copied in to letters from the hospital consultant. Have you tried that request?

Our system here is so simple - when they take your blood at the hospital vampire clinic, you are offered an access code to see your results online providing you have paid any debts which sometimes meant I couldn't see them as I usually left it to the end of the quarter and paid everything together. Or you ask the doctor who ordered it when you see them and they will print it off if you want - and the GP is turn up and wait so no appointment needed.

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for replying. The phlebotimist has previously written my GP’s name in the ‘copy to GP’ space on the blood test form to no avail. I will take this up at the hospital at my next review. I do get a print-out at reviews after asking but these are six-monthly. Main thing is, I suppose, that I’m still here to cause ructions and fortunately have the energy to do so 😂😂.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

Maybe enquire at PALS - they should know the procedure

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, PMRpro. See my post 5 minutes ago. I do appreciate your input even and feel that my concern is validated after reading Seacat’s link which I’ve copied here:

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

I absolutely agree you should have access to everything - but the UK is a bit in the dark ages! Everything just about has been available here though I think there may be problems in the air - just due to the cost for the region in maintaining the service. But healthcare stuff is unlikely to be affected.

[SheffieldJane]

How infuriating, I empathise entirely. If there is a solution you will find it.

[123-go in reply to SheffieldJane]

😍

[Seacat30]

My Rheumatologist sends a copy of their letters to my GP. They send it in the post because their email is not encrypted. The GP doesn't get it before me. The letters do not include full test results. The GP has only ever given me their own blood test results. The Rheumatologist has started posting my blood tests on the NHS app but I get the impression that they have to click a button to make them visible because I can see their name and a time?

[123-go in reply to Seacat30]

After in-clinic reviews/investigation outcomes/changes to medication, etc I always receive a letter from rheumatology that has ‘Copy to GP’ written on it. I feel red tape is so time consuming and unnecessary. All I want is piece of paper or the info online on an app I’ve been responsible enough to get to avoid all this kind of thing.

I WILL sort this out. A small incident in the great scheme of things but nevertheless 🤷🏼‍♀️…..

[Seacat30]

Some blood test results and xrays are held back for 28 days on the NHS app. I think it is something to do with giving the hospital time to contact patients about anything that might worry them. This scared me witless because I Googled the test and it might have indicated that I had leukaemia or bone marrow cancer. I was shaking when revelation time came round. The test result was completely normal. You are not far beyond 28 days

[123-go in reply to Seacat30]

I’ve had the NHS app for several years, Seacat. I would think that blood test results from four years ago would show up on the app by now 😃. Gotta laugh!

[Seacat30 in reply to 123-go]

I don't think they post old (pre 2023) results retrospectively unless you ask for them?

digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs....

[123-go in reply to Seacat30]

Thanks for this! I haven’t read it all but the para headed, ‘Why these changes are being made’ is one of the most sensible things I’ve read in a long time apart from that of contributers here, of course 🙂. It highlights all my reasons for wanting to see my results and supports my argument.

I wonder if the article could be included in FAQs?????

[piglette]

You are now permitted by law to see your results. The problem is they have got such an appalling computer system, which consists of dozens of smaller systems which all seem to be different and do not actually talk to each other. Your computer set up will be more modern than the NHS set up.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to piglette]

Almost everything is more modern than NHS set up -unfortunately😳

[piglette in reply to DorsetLady]

They would be better off with pen and paper. Thinking about it, that is what they did have when I had my hip done. When my GP asked about the drugs I had had, they had archived the paperwork!!

[Bluemoonbrummie]

this may help in accessing your information

nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-...

[123-go in reply to Bluemoonbrummie]

Thank you, Bluemoonbrummie. I do have this info but it’s kind of you to reply. It does seem that that GPs can choose the information they provide patients with and also whether or not their IT system is configurated for this development.