Can a doctor leave a message on the answering machine?

Can a doctor leave a message on the answering machine?

Clearly, a doctor or a doctor’s office shouldn’t call and leave a message on the answering machine. But if a patient calls for the results, someone in the office should be available to give the test results.

Can a doctor deliver test results over the phone?

The solution here is simply to inquire of the patients when they are in the doctor’s office. There is nothing wrong with a patient getting information over the telephone. If a doctor is going to provide [test results over the telephone], clearly they are not going to get reimbursed for it.

Can a patient have lab results sent to them?

But patients should also be able to have lab results sent directly to them. Believe it or not, you currently don’t have that right in most states. It might change, however, with new regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

What happens when Doctor forgets to tell patient about test results?

For one, they may simply forget to tell the patient about the test results. More often, test results can be lost or confused along the chain of communication in a hospital . Test results are often relayed between several different people, such as from a nurse to the general physician or from a general surgeon to a specialized surgeon.

Why do doctors not send out test results?

Beyond the practical argument for not directly providing people with their medical test results there are financial reasons as well. And while some may refer to this as greed, remember that physicians are businesses, who expect fair or even less than fair payment for rendered services.

When do doctors call to discuss lab results?

If your result suggests serious problems, requiring immediate action, your doctor will not go home until you have been contacted and told what you need to do. Relax and get in touch when they open. There are lots of reasons why they may call you to discuss lab results. Offices aren’t going to leave voice mail, even a “everything’s normal” message.

Do you get a copy of your lab results?

ALWAYS get a copy of the lab results, even if they do call you or see you in person. The office can fax you the tests or you can pick them up in person. If they balk you can always say you are planning on seeing another doctor (preferably in a different field) and want them to have your recent lab work.

What to do if your lab results are bad?

The office can fax you the tests or you can pick them up in person. If they balk you can always say you are planning on seeing another doctor (preferably in a different field) and want them to have your recent lab work.