Test results over the phone? Post Reply

[Sagittarius]

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me if it's true that if you do a test to exclude a very serious illness results cannot be given over the phone? The radiographer at the hospital told my hubby that as far as he could tell his tests looked fine but that a doctor would take a more in depth look. Yesterday we got a call from the GP (Battersea Group Practice) saying he should go in to discuss test results (they didn't rush him or anything and he has an appointment in 10 days). Hubby is convinced that it is standard practice to give results (good or bad) in person and seems quite chilled about the whole thing, but I am very worried.

Did anyone go through a similar situation?

Thank you,

S

[Pud1]

Sounds pretty normal to me. Try not to worry.

[wendyb]

I agree that's it pretty common - the aim is to make sure the patient can have a considered discussion about the results and what next, if anything. I completely understand your anxiety but you should also bear in mind that the radiographer thought things looked fine - radiographers see an enormous number of scans and have a very good idea of what they're looking at.

[milliesmum]

Same happened to us with husband's tests. It's really standard. Nothing to worry about. HTH

[Sagittarius]

Thank you all very much, I feel a bit better!

x

S

[amber100]

Hi, I work in the health sector, specifically radiology, and we have a policy not to give any results over telephone, whether completely normal or not.

[emben12]

My husband had this recently and had to go in for results in person. It is definitely standard practice. Firstly if good results were always given over the phone then you would know there was a problem if you wete called in. So everyone has to discuss results in person. Thats what my husband was told. Also if there was something seriously wrong im pretty sure they wouldnt waitv10 days to tell you.

[Sagittarius]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, I really, really appreciate it.

x

S