Buzz
Many of us are naturally curious. If you've had a medical test, and the results are available, don’t you want to see them immediately? However, especially if the news is potentially bad, it might be wise to wait until you can discuss it with your healthcare provider to fully understand the meaning of the results.
Instant access to results has become more common than it was in the past, thanks to the 21st Century Cures Act. Under most circumstances, test results must be made available to patients without delay. This means you might receive an email or app notification before your doctor even has a chance to review the results.
Reasons You Might Not Want to Check Your Test Results Immediately
In the past, doctors typically delivered your test results. The method varied depending on whether the results were routine or potentially serious: serious diagnoses were usually delivered in person, while routine results might come by phone, with no news being good news unless there was a concern.
This system, while flawed, also had its benefits. If you were facing a serious diagnosis or had to make an important decision (like whether to undergo surgery), you would receive the information in person, with a provider available to explain what was known, what wasn’t, and guide you through the next steps.
Even with routine tests, getting results directly from your provider often means receiving valuable context. Perhaps one of your lab values is slightly elevated, but it’s normal considering your health history. Or maybe you come across a medical term that sounds alarming but actually just refers to everything being fine.
It’s easy to fall into a worry spiral if you encounter something you think is concerning without having someone to discuss it with. If you turn to Google for answers, you might get lost in countless searches, convincing yourself you either have a serious condition or nothing at all. It’s often best to avoid this and wait to discuss it with a professional.
Reasons You Might Want to Check Your Test Results
While there are certainly risks associated with jumping to conclusions, such as unnecessary worry or the possibility of unexpected bad news, there are also advantages to receiving your test results immediately. After all, the results are yours, and the law grants you the right to view them whenever you choose.
For instance, routine tests typically yield routine outcomes. Your cholesterol is either high or it isn't. Knowing this upfront allows you to anticipate what you'll discuss with your doctor when the time comes, whether through a phone call or at your next appointment. If you're expecting the result and feel comfortable checking it, feel free to do so.
However, this doesn’t apply to all tests; sometimes results reveal unexpected findings, which means you need to be prepared for the possibility of encountering something confusing or alarming.
Even if you're bracing for life-altering news, you might prefer to hear it sooner rather than later. I remember missing a call from my dog’s vet right before a long holiday weekend; I suspected she was suffering from a terminal illness but didn’t expect those extra three days of uncertainty. Just let me know the bad news already. In a study of cancer patients in Sweden, some individuals found that immediate access to their results actually helped alleviate anxiety about bad news.
For many of us, getting test results quickly helps us regain a sense of control over our healthcare and decisions. It also provides an opportunity to be better prepared for follow-up visits by compiling a list of questions. Additionally, we can confirm that the test was completed and the results are in, rather than assuming no news means good news.
Approaching your test results with care is crucial. Consider when and how you want to review them. If you prefer a delay, ask your doctor about holding back any potentially distressing information. While some computer systems might not support this feature, it’s an option worth considering to avoid unnecessary surprises.
Ultimately, the decision to view your test results right away is in your hands. If you prefer, you can ask your doctor to delay sharing results that might be concerning, though not all systems can make that distinction easily. Here’s a guide to navigating the advantages and drawbacks of looking at your results early.
To avoid receiving unexpected updates, like someone unexpectedly getting a notification about a fetal autopsy report after a pregnancy loss, turn off MyChart alerts (or any similar notifications). A New York Times article highlights how such a surprise can be the most upsetting part of receiving test results.
Turning off notifications helps you control when you see test results, reducing unwanted interruptions. By disabling alerts by default, you can choose to re-enable them temporarily for tests you want to check as soon as they’re available.
Think ahead before your test results arrive. Discuss with your provider the possible outcomes of the test, and what each result would mean. I believe this conversation should be a routine part of any test or treatment discussion. Ask what actions will be taken if the result is positive versus negative.
Be sure to ask when you can discuss your test results. Will there be a phone call? A follow-up appointment? When is it scheduled? Knowing these details ahead of time will help you prepare for the conversation if you need to go over the results with someone.
You need to assess whether you’re mentally prepared for bad news and how you’ll handle it. Similarly, consider how you’ll react if the results are confusing. If you don’t understand the report, will you search online or ask healthcare friends to help interpret it? Will that ease your mind or make things more stressful?
Above all, refrain from making assumptions until you've spoken with the doctor. No matter what you read or hear from others, treat it as potential information to discuss with your provider, not as confirmed facts.
If you're starting to spiral into worry while waiting for your appointment, recognize when you're simply gathering useful information and when you're just spiraling into doomgoogling. Reach out to a friend or the office to ensure you're taking care of your mental health as well as your physical well-being.
