Your Test Results Are In: Why Waiting for Your Doctor Is Worth It
If you or a loved one is living with a serious illness, medical tests are likely a regular part of your day-to-day life. Blood work and scans play a big role in managing your care—and thanks to technology and a new law that ensures you have quick access to your health information so you stay informed and engaged in your care, you can often access these results as soon as they’re ready.
You might even get a notification that the results are ready before your doctor does. But opening those results without context can sometimes leave you with more questions than answers, especially if something looks “off” or unfamiliar.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Your doctor will walk through the results with you once they have a chance to review them.
If you decide to look at the results before your doctor’s appointment, here are some tips to help you approach your test results with confidence and peace of mind.
1. Take a Deep Breath
Seeing medical terms or numbers you don’t understand can feel scary. Keep in mind that most test results need a doctor’s explanation. Something that may look unusual could actually be “normal”. Instead of jumping to conclusions, take a moment to breathe. Remind yourself that your doctor will explain the results and how they fit into the bigger picture of your care.
2. Write Down Your Questions
As you look at your test results, write down any questions or concerns you have. For starters, you may wonder:
- Is this result “normal” for me?
- What do these numbers or words mean?
- What does this mean for me?
- What’s the next step?
Having your questions ready can help you feel more prepared and confident during your follow-up conversation with your doctor.
3. Remember the Bigger Picture
Your test results are just one piece of your overall health story. When your doctor reviews them, they will consider them alongside other factors, like your medical history, symptoms, and other test results.
Even if you’re curious or worried, it’s often best to wait until your doctor has reviewed everything. This way, you’ll have a clearer idea of what the results mean and what—if anything—you need to do next.
4. Talk to Your Doctor
If you look at the results and feel uneasy, reach out to your doctor’s office to schedule an appointment with your doctor. You don’t have to navigate this alone—your care team is there to support you every step of the way.
You Are Not Alone
While having the option to review test results right away is meant to keep you informed, it can also be overwhelming. If you can’t wait for your doctor to review the results, try to stay calm, write down your questions, and wait for your doctor to explain the results. That way, you’ll be prepared to understand what they mean for your health and what to do next.
Acerca de los cuidados paliativos
For people living with a serious illness like cancer, heart disease, or COPD, palliative care can make a big difference. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work together with your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments.
To learn more about palliative care and how it can help, visit ObtengaCuidadosPaliativos.org. You’ll find helpful resources, including a Test rápido to see if palliative care might be right for you or your loved one.
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