FAQ - Test Results

1. I got some blood tests drawn at the doctor's office but I never heard from them what the results were. Does that mean everything is okay?

Not necessarily! While we make every effort to keep you up to date as to various test results, we ask that you also do your part as well. Please call the office to find out what your results were. Some tests you have done are not ordered by our office - so not only will we not receive the reports, we also do not know we need to ask for them! Also, even if we do order the tests, often the reports only go to your primary care doctor's office. By keeping in close contact with us, we can determine which reports we have and which we need.

2. I got some x-rays (or CT's or MRI's) done but I never heard from them what the results were. Does that mean everything is okay?

Not necessarily! While we make every effort to keep you up to date as to various test results, we ask that you also do your part as well. Please call the office to find out what your results were. Some tests you have done are not ordered by our office - so not only will we not receive the reports, we also do not know we need to ask for them! Also, even if we do order the tests, often the reports only go to your primary care doctor's office. By keeping in close contact with us, we can determine which reports we have and which we need.

3. I got some biopsies done but I never heard from them what the results were. Does that mean everything is okay?

Not necessarily! While we make every effort to keep you up to date as to various test results, we ask that you also do your part as well. Please call the office to find out what your results were. Some tests you have done are not ordered by our office - so not only will we not receive the reports, we also do not know we need to ask for them! Also, even if we do order the tests, often the reports only go to your primary care doctor's office. By keeping in close contact with us, we can determine which reports we have and which we need.

4. I got some tests done at my doctor's office but I never heard from them what the results were. Does that mean everything is okay?

Not necessarily! While we make every effort to keep you up to date as to various test results, we ask that you also do your part as well. Please call the office to find out what your results were. Some tests you have done are not ordered by our office - so not only will we not receive the reports, we also do not know we need to ask for them! Also, even if we do order the tests, often the reports only go to your primary care doctor's office. By keeping in close contact with us, we can determine which reports we have and which we need.

5. My doctor wanted to see me after my procedure to go over biopsy results. Is this necessary?

Absolutely! Biopsies add a tremendous amount of information to a patient's case. Findings that were concerning may turn out to be insignificant after biopsy results are interpreted. At the same time, something that may have seemed benign may be more concerning. Often times these biopsy results will also determine how soon, or even if, another procedure is needed.

6. I just had a test performed - how soon can I get the results?

Typically, it takes a week to get blood, urine, or stool tests back. Radiology tests take a similar amount of time. Biopsy results can be back in a week but sometimes take longer.

7. Will my primary care doctor get my test results?

If you tell us who your primary care doctor is, and give us permission to send them your test results, then yes. However, if you also want your cardiologist, or oncologist, or pulmonologist, or your astrologist to get your results as well, you need to tell us! These reports do not automatically go to every doctor you see (although that would be nice), so be sure to let us know, or let the radiologist or phlebotomist know, where you want the reports to be sent.

8. If you call me with test results, does that mean it's bad news?

Not necessarily! So don't be scared if you see our number on your caller ID.