Advice desperately needed!: Hi Guys, Just... - Thyroid UK

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Advice desperately needed!

Yulia2010 profile image
10 Replies

Hi Guys,

Just desperately need your advice. My very nice GP just retired. He used to regularity give me forms for blood tests for TSH, T4, vitamin D, folate, ferritin, liver function, etc. If I wanted a printout, that never was a problem.

Now there is a new doctor instead of him. Yesterday I was told my "results were normal". When I asked for a printout, this was treated with much suspicion and I was asked why I need it. Eventually, I was given a printout of ...just 2 parameters: TSH and free T4. I didn't see there were just 2 parameters till I got home (my mistake!). Today I went to the clinic again and again was questioned why do I need the test results and who they are for. When I said, it's for me, the new (scowling) receptionist said they have to put a request in with the doctor (which can only be done on Tuesday after Easter now) - and only if he allows it, I will be given them. I then requested an online access and they said there was none.

How do I go about this if the doctor refuses a printout? Any advice is much appreciated. Previously I was very low in ferritin and Vitamin D, so have to supplement all the time (I don't seem to be absorbing iron in tablet form). I am disgusted at how difficult it is to access your own blood results.

Thinking of changing practice as there is only one doctor but in the meantime I do need my results.

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Yulia2010
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10 Replies
shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Yuilia2010, as far as I understand it is against the law to refuse to give us copies of our blood test results. Others will respond as well.

Some surgeries charge a nominal sum for a print-out with the ranges.

The receptionist is supposed to be charming and helpful! Otherwise why does she hold a position in being unhelpful.

It is unlawful not to give us our blood test results. Excerpt:

by law you can have copies of any information your doctor has on you , as said above its easier just to ask the GP - if they refuse see the practice manager and remind them that a refusal is unlawful.

Another exceprt from the same link:

surgery's ask for a fee for larger amounts of data to cover the paper/time , some years ago i asked for 10 yrs of doctors notes which cost me £50 altogether ( this included everything every consultant /GP had written on me in the notes and all investigation results)

uk-muscle.co.uk/topic/29181...

Our blood test results belong to us, the patient.

This is from TUK:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/NHS_In...

Yulia2010 profile image
Yulia2010 in reply toshaws

Many thanks, Shaws. This is very helpful. I am absolutely appalled at how difficult they make it.

When I was talking to this new receptionist, there was my old receptionist next to her. She looked at me apologetically but it seemed she wanted to and could not help.

I will print out the information you provided and take to my surgery on Tuesday.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toYulia2010

It was your blood that was tested not the receptionist or doctor's. Maybe both have a need for 'authority' or 'superiority' which shows in both their statements.

Yulia2010 profile image
Yulia2010 in reply toshaws

You're right. I think they are used to dealing to people they can boss around who don't object anything say say/suggest.

greygoose profile image
greygoose

Ask them what they've got to hide that they won't give you YOUR results. And they are yours. Here in France, the lab prints off one copy for the doctor and one for the patient. So, you often get your results before the doctor does!

Yulia2010 profile image
Yulia2010 in reply togreygoose

Thanks, Greygoose. I will go there on Tuesday and try to get the results.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toYulia2010

Good luck! Don't allow them to brow-beat you! :)

Yulia2010 profile image
Yulia2010 in reply togreygoose

No, never! As I am planning to leave this surgery now, what have I got to lose?))

Gone are the times when I was doubled in pain from my stomach ulcers and a replacement doctor was telling me he did not believe I was in pain looking at me.

I wish I had complained! But now I am older and wiser:)

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toYulia2010

Yes, we have to learn these things the hard way. Glad you're stronger, now, anyway! Give 'em hell! lol

Yulia2010 profile image
Yulia2010 in reply togreygoose

Thanks, Greygoose. Will do:)

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