I haven’t had my bloods tested privately yet (I’m dieting and don’t want results skewed) but I did manage to get my GP to reinstate a Levothyroxine dose of 150 rather than reducing it again to 125. I’ve asked for historic copies of my blood tests because GP is saying my TSH has worsened and I want to see it for my own eyes. I’d also like to see when they stopped testing my FT3 which my Endo advised them to do 20 years ago. Anyway GP has offered only a medical report which won’t be copies of actual lab results and says there’s a charge for that. Is this correct?
Written by
Minimol
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
As you mention in another thread that you take Actavis Levothyroxine, then it would appear you are in the UK. This being so, then the Data Protection Act, updated in May of this year by the General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 2018 that says
A medical report/record that already exists will be accessible, for free, as a SAR. A ‘reasonable fee’ can be charged for a SAR if the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive, however, these circumstances are likely to be rare.
Thanks so much SS. I’m not keen to throw my money away but would happily contribute to costs if I’m going to get what I’ve reasonably asked for and that is historic copies of actual lab blood tests with their reference ranges included. I don’t want the GP’s interpretation of them. I’m so confused by my GP’s approach to me and my case now.
Being generous - maybe your GP isn't up to date on this
However, you could mention the new regulations that came in on 25th May this year. If you still have problems then go down the Subject Access Request. ThyroidUK has an article about this here
Yes thanx I’ll try that. To be honest it’s the phrases the GP uses that wind me up too. She’s now sent me a letter, because I mentioned getting my bloods tested privately to include T3s and vitamins etc.., saying “regardless of any private tests you have done you will need to discuss them with a consultant Endo if you’re not willing to reduce your Levothyroxine dose (again) as you have not accepted my explanations or suggested treatment plan.”
No, of course you're not over reacting. I make it quite clear to whoever I see at the surgery that I want to be involved, want to understand everything to do with my condition, with the medication they suggest, etc. The one I get on best with is an Advanced Nurse Practioner. I tell him things like "I'd rather look for an alternative before taking a prescribed medication" and he'll ask what I'm thinking of, etc. He knows I understand all about interpreting my blood tests, he acknowledges that I know a lot about my hypothyroidism and is willing to discuss rather than dismiss which is what the doctors tend to do.
Fortunately, I have no problems with getting my results. When the blood is taken the nurse tells me when the result will be available, I just go down to the surgery and ask for a print out of my latest results and they are printed off there and then, no hesitation.
Oh no, the doctors are rubbish , but the reception staff, the nurses and the Advanced Nurse Practioner are good. Still doesn't get you much needed referrals to specialists though, no matter how many times they write but they do keep repeating blood tests to make you think something is happening
Having a GP hell bent on reducing my Levo, despite my RAI history, purely to see if my TSH will normalise is making me very cross and must be having an elevating effect on my blood pressure at least equal to the cardiac dangers of having a suppressed TSH in the first place
The documents you have been given links to, are brilliant; and the simple bottom line, for any NHS-contracted, dog in the manger recalcitrant GP, is provided by the NHS itself:
"There are a number of different types of health record, accessing them is free, and healthcare professionals have a legal requirement to allow you to see them.
GP records include information about your medication, allergies, vaccinations, previous illnesses and test results, hospital discharge summaries, appointment letters and referral letters."
Even if the law didn't obligate Drs to give us the information we require, about our own bodies, we have to wonder what sort of Dr wouldn't want to do it voluntarily ......
You are right. But the staff should have been trained to recognise "Please may I have my results" as a valid Subject Access Request even if it doesn't actually include the words "Subject Access Request".
How do we recognise a request?
The GDPR does not specify how to make a valid request. Therefore, an individual can make a subject access request to you verbally or in writing. It can also be made to any part of your organisation (including by social media) and does not have to be to a specific person or contact point.
A request does not have to include the phrase 'subject access request' or Article 15 of the GDPR, as long as it is clear that the individual is asking for their own personal data.
Registering online is definitely best, you can then look in your own time and go back to them again if you want to. This suggestion might be helpful though as it sounds as if your surgery is no more helpful than mine. It took me many months to get registered and I'd like you to avoid the hassle I went through. It was clearly a ploy, for instance they said yes to my verbal request several times then did nothing, they then said yes when I took in a written request and when I asked why nothing had happened was told they needed documentation. I took in docs - still nothing and when I asked again was told "they've been lost" etc etc, you get the picture.
Then, I discovered that the surgeries have a legal obligation to have you online with 2 weeks of registering so I put a request in writing stating "you now have all the docs you need, etc etc and I would like to be online within 2 weeks in accordance with .... (I looked up the correct wording, something like your legal/statutory obligations)"
I would therefore advise anyone wishing to register to go in and ask for a list of all that is required in the way of info and documentation then take/post it all in along with a letter politely mentioning their obligations.
I found my test results were not as my GP had been telling me and you may find the same, very best of luck.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
, but the reception staff, the nurses and the Advanced Nurse Practioner are good. Still doesn't get you much needed referrals to specialists though, no matter how many times they write 
but they do keep repeating blood tests to make you think something is happening 
blood tests 
Eventually receive copies of results
I took my Medicheck blood tests to my GP
Blood tests
