Test results: is no news good news?
Several complaints to the Commissioner’s office have focused on distressing outcomes for consumers that have been caused by, or have involved, a breakdown in the process used by general practitioners for notifying patients about the results of their tests (99HDC11494, 00HDC02718, 00HDC07636, 02HDC18949). Doctors should provide patients who have had tests taken with any information they need arising from the tests, in a timely manner, so that further investigation or treatment can be carried out promptly.
Right 6(1) of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights sets out the right of consumers to be informed about the results of tests and procedures. Many GP practices take the approach that they will notify patients only when the results raise concerns. This is reasonable practice, given the significant resource implications of notifying all test results for all patients. However, in terms of the GP’s responsibility under the Code, this practice is acceptable only so long as the patient is told, and agrees, that only abnormal results will be notified.
Therefore, if you are having tests done, you need to be clear about whether you will be notified of all results, or only abnormal results. You also need to be told how the information will be communicated to you. If you are not easily reached by telephone during working hours, you should advise the doctor how you wish to receive the information. For example, it may not be appropriate for information to be left as a voicemail message that may be accessed by others, or given to a third party.
It is also helpful to know when you may expect to receive notification. Some patients prefer to have some certainty around test results, and once the time for reporting has passed, rather than resting assured that ‘no news is good news’, they may worry that the medical practice has forgotten to follow up. Although doctors are required to have formal processes in place to track receipt of results from a testing facility, and follow up overdue results, errors can and do occur. If you are concerned about your test results, you should not hesitate to call the practice to confirm that your results have been received, and that they are normal.