Receptionist says she can't give me my blood results over phone until a dr has viewed them and commented! Is this correct?

[suzafc]

[Moggie]

I had this the other day with my endo's secretary but after letting her know that I knew by law I am entitled to them she spoke to the endo who said it was fine.

I think the receptionist is just covering her backside so that she doesn't get in trouble.

Moggie x

[suzafc in reply to Moggie]

She said she will ask the Nurse to look at them and took my number but not sure if this was just to fob me off until the Doc has looked at them. They probably think I am being impatient. I just want to know before my appointment so I am ready.

[ChemicalAngel]

Yes, if the Dr that arranged the tests hasnt seen the results and commented his findings, the receptionist cannot tell you what they are.

There are some surgeries where they insist you speak to the doc in question, as the receptionists will not even read them out to you.

Ann xxx

[suzafc in reply to ChemicalAngel]

Ok, thanks a lot Sue xx

[Robahoy in reply to ChemicalAngel]

I watched a receptionist in saughall dip a pts childs urine and read out results..only for a nearby nurse to say the stick was upside down...

As someone who worked in patholigy. We were under dtrict instructions to give results to doctors only...

Im appauled recetionists get access to results nevermind give them out with normal ranges...

[shinz]

Most NHS organisations don't allow non-medical professionals to give test results to patients over the phone. There is good reason for this, as I have known even nurses misinterpret the parameters incorrectly and order further testing when the patient does not need them. I know it's frustrating, but it wastes less time in the long-run!

[PinkNinja in reply to shinz]

The receptionist at my doctors surgery will read me my results over the phone, complete with reference ranges once my GP has seen and commented. She is happy to do this even when it's quite a long list. This is about the only good thing I can say about my GP surgery at the moment though!

[Robahoy in reply to PinkNinja]

Its nothing to do with her being happy... its to do with saftey

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

As others have commented.

Interesting that at least some current trials of direct patient access are allowing patients to see before doctors. So long as everyone is aware and suitably warned (i.e. it is possible sometimes to get some bad news out of the blue), then it seems to work with few complaints from any of those involved. At least, that was how I read one description of the whole thing.

Rod

[hblower]

Hi I do not have a problem with copies of results from my Gp, but they do need the Dr to observe them in case any further action is required, for instance further tests or repeat.

Helen

[Petronella]

No - I was given my results over the phone, and as my T4 was 8.8 I went to ask my doctor to raise my levo dose which she was happy to do, from 100mcg to 125mcg daily. Reading what others say on this forum makes me appreciate how lucky I am! But I should say my TSH is always low, due to a faulty pituary gland, and this doctor is aware of this and doesn't try to use it.

[auldreekie]

This isn't unreasonable in my opinion but once that is done the information and all of the back of reports are yours (under freedom of information act) the most they can charge if yo request all of your medical notes is £50. I am about to request mine! It can be £10 only if they are all computerised -unlikely!!

[Hidden in reply to auldreekie]

As a retired gp receptionist we had strict training about giving out results, only done when gp had viewed, if there was a reason that there was a change in a result the gp or specialist nurse would phone and speak to patient,we were told we had to adhere to protocol. or face disciplinary, not all receptionists are horrible or unhelpful, they have to take an awful lot of flak believe me.

[Hidden]

It's never been any different at my Surgery, even some years ago, however the system now generally avoids a visit as the duty GP will call back (and unusually, this is also the ONLY way an appointment can be made!), sometimes this seems like a complete bind, (getting a phone call through at busy times for example), and for those who are at work; it can also be a little hard to speak to a specific Doctor.

On the positive side, it often means a call-back within the hour, and also leads to VERY quick face-to-face appointments (particularly if urgent, and sometimes even same day when not!) when it cant' be dealt with just by phone.

I sometimes long for the old system, but other times it's all sorted in about an hour from the comfort of my living room

[lilliput]

My docs receptionist will give a fine or you need to see the doc. Your records are private for many good reasons.

[lilliput in reply to lilliput]

The receptionist is not a doctor and I would would need the results explained.If was something awful or needing explanation the receptionist couldn't be expected to do it.

[1234567891012]

Okay this is a great question I am very smart when it comes to these kind of things okay the receptionist is not the one to ask what are my test results when you call cause you are not sure she will direct you to a nurse or a Dr sometimes they have to call you back in the hour range but that's how all drs everywhere are