A guest column by the American College of Physicians, exclusive to KevinMD.com.
More than ever before, patients are receiving laboratory test results, with some of their numbers in bold or with “H”s or “L”s next to them. In some cases they’re getting them straight from the lab, in accordance with federal regulations. If not from the lab, they’re accessing their results on their physicians’ electronic patient portals. In some states, patients have always been able to request a copy of their results from the lab.
I support providing patients with their test results. It engages patients in their care, especially for conditions where it’s good to “know your numbers,” such as diabetes. Leaving patients wondering about test results, especially those ordered to evaluate symptoms that led the patient to see the doctor, can be anxiety-provoking, even if everything turns out to be “normal.”
Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
No comments:
Post a Comment