Blood tests

I have just been to my surgery to ask for a printout of my recent blood test results.

The receptionist told me that she is not legally allowed to do that before I see a doctor.

Is this correct? I wanted to make an appointment anyway,but I have never been denied access to my results like that before.I would have thought it benificial for me to see them beforehand,in case of any queries of my own

[anthonyj89]

She's legally obliged to supply results on request. Allowed to charge a reasonable fee for printing, say 20 or 50p.

[Hidden in reply to anthonyj89]

Thanks Anthony j89. I don't mind paying but have never experienced that before.

I shall make further enquiries when I go to my appointment tomorrow

[anthonyj89 in reply to Hidden]

Its probably policy to not release them until you have spoken to the GP about them first. Stops people consulting Doctor Google and self-diagnosing I suppose.

[bantam12 in reply to Hidden]

Receptionists are not allowed to hand over results before getting permission from the doctor, some may stretch the rules but generally she is right.

[Hidden in reply to bantam12]

Thanks bantam.......the rules seem to have changed.However,I will get them tomorrow at my appointment.

[Rmichelle]

Gp needs to view them and then you are legally entitled for copies. X

[Hidden in reply to Rmichelle]

Yes,he had viewed them already as it was on screen that he wanted to see me about one of the results.However,I didn't know that until I went in to ask for them and was told the first appointment to see him was in May !!

I've booked with another GP who is in tomorrow!!

[Rmichelle in reply to Hidden]

Good-i wish you well and as you know do not accept a gps word for it-always get a printout for every blood test you have done. You are in charge of your own health.😊😊

[Hidden in reply to Rmichelle]

Especially if he says results are 'fine' or 'normal!'

[Rmichelle in reply to Hidden]

Agree-gps have not got a clue on how to read the results, i like to see it for myself, no pulling the wool over our eyes is there!! Ive just had a iron panel done as i am very iron deficient and my irons have only risen slightly from ferritin being 10 and 3 months later 27- labs said on paperwork that patient should now be referred to GI-well guess what? Gp passed it off as normal and completley ignored the remark, i havent ignored it, ive got appt to discuss and refer to gi. They are a waste of time!!😊😊

[elwins]

I find I am allowed copies of my blood test as soon as the Doctor has checked them. Last time I had copies I just rang up and collected from the receptionist about 20 minutes later, no charge, you should also have access on line, but not all doctors offer this. As Rmichelle says we are in charge of our own health.

[Angel_of_the_North]

She's legally obliged to give them to you and need retraining. It's the law - Data Protection Act and NHS constitution. They are your results; not the doctors.