Should You Read Your Lab Results Before Your Doctor Does?
- More than two-thirds of adults view their medical lab results and imaging reports through online patient portals before speaking with a healthcare provider, according to a study published...
- federal legislation under the 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law in 2016, mandates that electronic health information providers release findings directly to patients as soon as those...
- We live in an era where people can get anything and everything immediately with their phone.
More than two-thirds of adults view their medical lab results and imaging reports through online patient portals before speaking with a healthcare provider, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. While federal legislation requires the immediate release of electronic health information, recent findings show that fewer than 35 percent of participants said they understood the results very well without physician guidance.
The Impact of the 21st Century Cures Act on Patient Access
U.S. federal legislation under the 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law in 2016, mandates that electronic health information providers release findings directly to patients as soon as those results become available. This rule covers both laboratory work and imaging reports.
We live in an era where people can get anything and everything immediately with their phone. They expect the same of their healthcare.
S. Trent Rosenbloom, MD, MPH, Vanderbilt University
Why Patients Choose to View Results Immediately
Physicians note several clear benefits to reading test results as soon as they post in a patient portal. Reviewing reports can significantly alleviate anxiety for individuals who find waiting for answers stressful, especially because busy physicians may not contact patients right away, according to Dr. Rosenbloom. Early access also gives patients time to absorb findings and formulate specific questions before a medical appointment. Eric Ascher, DO, a family medicine physician at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, notes that this preparation improves clinical conversations.
I welcome my patients to do their research in regards to results. It certainly helps the conversation when there are lifestyle recommendations my teams encourage.
Eric Ascher, DO, Lenox Hill Hospital
Furthermore, reading results in advance can help patients prepare emotionally for difficult discussions. Discovering upsetting findings during a live appointment can leave individuals too shocked or emotional to process information or remember doctor instructions.
Potential Downsides and Confusion Around Lab Ranges
Despite the advantages, medical professionals warn that uninterpreted data can cause unnecessary alarm. Diana Wilkins, MD, a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at the University at Buffalo and physician with UBMD Primary Care, describes a complex relationship with immediate portal releases.
I love this practice, and I live in fear of it. It’s great when patients are informed. However, labs may look like they’re outside of the normal range and still can be considered acceptable, leading to unnecessary concern.
Diana Wilkins, MD, University at Buffalo
Imaging reports are written by physicians for fellow healthcare providers rather than for a lay audience, meaning patients frequently misunderstand terminology or rely on internet searches that emphasize worst-case scenarios.
Navigating Patient Portals Safely
Doctors recommend several strategies for individuals who struggle with the decision to view portal results:
- Be honest with yourself: Consider whether you can view findings without panicking; if not, waiting may be safer, according to Dr. Wilkins.
- Adjust portal settings: Patients who prefer to wait can modify their patient portal notifications to delay alerts until a provider reviews the results.
- Practice calming exercises: Taking deep breaths can lower stress levels associated with viewing lab data online, according to Dr. Rosenbloom.
- Contact your care team: Patients feeling overwhelmed can message their provider through the portal or call the office to review findings together, according to Dr. Ascher.