We can all agree that in today’s world instant gratification is expected. Computers have changed our thoughts about how fast things should happen. I am old enough to remember when computers were not laptop or desktop machines, but gigantic things in rooms that only the smartest people went into. I remember when computers became more commonplace but were slow. With smartphones, we can have any information anytime, the only limit is our imagination.
Some things are not made for instant gratification. For example, that great meal at that restaurant that you waited weeks to get into. You sat and waited with anticipation for the food, and it was amazing. Sitting at the table for a couple of hours talking with your friends was relaxing. You walked away very satisfied.
At my practice, we have become very good at giving patients what they want when they want it. If you want an appointment today, you can have it. If you want a CT scan today, you can have it. Most everything can be had whenever the patient wants it. This is good; I realize that it can be stressful to wait to see a doctor and wait to have testing done and then wait to get results.
The problem with instant gratification arises when you are looking to get test results. Medical tests mean nothing without context. In other words, what the answers have to do with you and your concerns. A doctor has to review the test results and put them in context with your body and your unique, complex circumstances. I have had patients get lab tests or x-rays done and call within hours of the test for the results. Being accustomed to instant gratification is not good for you in this situation. I may have the results, but how the results pertain to you, is something to be handed over with careful thought.
Thinking takes time. Good thinking sometimes takes a lot of time. As I have talked about in previous posts, time is one of the things that doctors have less and less of. We have less time to spend with you in an office visit and less time to think about your results once we get them.
What should you do? Ask when you will get results any time testing is recommended. This is also the time to remind your doctor what you think may be the cause of your problem, what you scares you. If the doctor knows what you are worried about, most times he can confirm or deny your worry with test results. Remember, the only way we can know what is worrying you about your condition is for you to tell us. Tell us even if we do not ask.
If your doctor lets you know your results but does not confirm or deny your biggest fear, you must ask. Make sure that you understand. Ask questions. If you are afraid that you have cancer ask, “Is it cancer?” That is a question that your doctor can answer clearly, “No, it is not cancer,” or “We need more testing.” What if your doctor uses a word like, tumor or mass or lesion? What the heck does that mean? You must ask. All of these can be alternative words for cancer but can be non-cancerous growths also. Make sure you are clear on what is being said. If you sit there nodding your head as if you understand, you are doing yourself and your doctor a disservice.
When you are in the doctor’s office, for the initial consultation and testing is recommended, there are several questions to ask.
When you are in the doctor’s office, for the initial consultation and testing is recommended, there are several questions to ask:
How will this test help to determine what is causing my symptoms?
The answer may surprise you. The test may help to diagnose what is causing your symptoms, but may also be to help to discover what is NOT causing your symptoms.
Are there alternatives to this test? (particularly if the test is very expensive or painful)
Sometimes, depending on how your doctor interpreted your concern, and how your doctor is thinking on the day of your visit, the test ordered may not be the most efficient at getting to an answer.
When can I expect to get the results and your interpretation?
This is a very important question because the answer lets you know what to expect. Some doctors will tell you before you ask, many do not. I tend to ask for a week to analyze and interpret the results. Sometimes I figure it out sooner, sometimes it takes longer, but I let my patients know that they should hear something from me by one week. If they do not, they are NOT to assume that everything is ok. Please do not make this mistake. You should hear about your results. The normal results and the not normal results. Doctors forget, doctors lose things, including test results. It is a human trait. We are not infallible. If your doctor does not contact you with results, it is your responsibility to call and get them. Do not assume that everything is ok.
Remember, your health is your responsibility.
