As an active member of your own health care team, you will want to document all important events of any health care encounter. Keeping complete and accurate health records will help ensure the best health care for you and your family. A recent study confirms the importance of asking for the results of all tests.

According to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine, doctors do not always disclose abnormal test results to patients. In a review of medical records, it was found that in over 7% of cases, doctors failed to tell patients about abnormal test results.

The report also noted that most of the primary care facilities they reviewed did not have a defined policy on how to communicate test results to patients.

No News Does Not Always Mean Good News

Protect you and your family by requesting all test results on a consistent basis. You cannot assume that just because you did not hear back about your test results that they are okay. Many unforeseen communication break downs can and do occur, and you may never know the results of your tests unless you ask.

Additional reports suggest that between 1% and 2% of all test results are either lost or misplaced. Because of this, you must remain vigilant in seeking copies of all tests.

Organize Your Treatment History

Take time to record any tests or procedures in your family health organizer. Be sure to include:

? Date and time of test

? Who gave it and where

? Reason given for test or procedure

? Results or doctor’s interpretation

? Any side effects you experienced

By keeping track of all tests and procedures, you will save yourself time, money and potential harm by avoiding duplication of tests. Your continued involvement in this area will serve notice of your interest in the diagnostic process.

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