How long do you wait for results for screening mammography?

LilyRose22

I've been waiting 2 weeks. I have a major health anxiety/phobia and mammograms are one of my most difficult obstacles. I was so proud of myself, this time I was able to schedule the mammogram and go in by myself and didn't have a panic attack. I held it together for the first 4 or 5 days but now I'm freaking out! It has not been read, I have access to my chart. I can have a family member put pressure on them to read (I have no idea who to call) but as well as being a nervous wreck I'm really angry. My health plan sends me emails, letters, phone calls to get my mammogram but can't be bothered to read it!!???

Moderators

Hi Lilyrose,

Waiting for test results is most commonly reported as one of the most difficult things to go through and with the added anxiety and panic that you're experiencing, this must be really difficult for you.

It sounds like you've been incredibly brave to go in by yourself as you mentioned, just remember, it's okay to ask for others support in going to these things.

Just having a loved one's presence can be a big relaxant so don't feel bad for asking for others support.

We're sure others will chime in here soon to offer their advice/words of wisdom.

Sending you warm hugs,

The Mods.

muska

Lily, if you didn’t hear from anybody two weeks after mammo that is a good sign. Normally, mammos are read very quickly and if anything they would call you within two-three days. Most likely your mammo was normal and you will get a letter by snail mail from the provider who ordered your mammo. Getting that letter might take more than two weeks.

In any case I would just call the provider who ordered your mammo or have a family member call and confirm everything is fine.

Brst

beach2beach

In this day and age they know how anxiety ridden we are going through mammo's. Every place should read it before we leave. My radiologist center did that. I ditto Muska. I'd call your Dr., get that peace of mind.

Recap

Just thought I would mention that chart reports for sensitive topics often have an automatic hold on releasing them to the patient, and also, the individual provider can block the release of individual patient reports. When those 'patient portals' first began, I think the despair of an STD diagnosis, for example, could drive a patient to take extreme actions, and healthcare has learned from those events. So it is possible your report is done but you cannot access it.

I also know from working in healthcare how difficult it is to get hold of people by phone. Are your current phone numbers up to date, in THEIR records? Do you have your cell voicemail set up (surprising how many don't) and if a landline, do you have your answering machine fully operational? Frankly, if I had a serious medical condition, I would maintain a separate email address and cell phone just for it.

The online portal does not show you most of what is in your chart. You should call and ask the nurse whether your report is done, whether their phone notes show they have tried to contact you, and if you can be connected with whoever can tell you your results over the phone.

School is out so family vacation time begins-possibly a provider is on vacation.

I used my online portal to request a change in my clinic note, and it was 2wks before someone ever read it-sadly, a phone call still yields quicker results.

LilyRose22

No, it really wasn't read for two weeks. My physician husband checked my chart daily, then hourly for real time results. It took two days of him finally calling radiology to finally get them to read it. The report was in my chart minutes after it was finally read. Fortunately it was negative.

Shellshell69

beach2beach ...I agree they should read right then