How/where to get copies of test results/reports?

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Leydi
Leydi Member Posts: 146
edited October 2016 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

I've seen advice to be sure to keep a file of your test reports but I'm not sure the best way to go about this. I had to ask three times at the breast center and finally got a report on my first biopsy. I've had several scans/tests and another biopsy since then, at 3 different facilities. I just called one place where I had my PET scan and they said I had to go through the hospital records department. I haven't tried there yet.

Is this typical? Is there an easier way? Do most folks just have to call around and ask, ask, ask until they get the reports?

It should be automatic - have a test, results are mailed to you.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited July 2016

    If you've had imaging, biopsies, blood work etc., done at separate facilities, you may have to request the records from each facility. If more centralized, it would, of course be easier. Some places even make everything available on line (mine does). There is no one way to obtain your records, but it is your right to obtain them, regardless.Yes, it would be nice if it was done automatically.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2016

    Your surgeon or oncology office should also be able to provide you with any report copies from tests ordered by them. That could save some running around. My oncology office has an online portal where I can see every lab, pathology and imaging report ordered by my MO and I can print them, and also print graphs of labs over time. I have obtained surgical reports directly from the hospital medical records dept, I felt that asking the surgeon for those might be awkward. My original mamm/US were done in a military hospital and I had to show up in person to get those

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2016

    Hi Leydi,

    Lots of great advice above from the other members. In addition, you may want to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Managing Your Medical Records, particularly the page on How to Collect Your Medical Information.

    We hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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  • Leydi
    Leydi Member Posts: 146
    edited July 2016

    Thanks, everyone. I should have known the the breastcancer.org site would have an info page on this! Everyone's responses are very helpful. I've been trying to get through to my surgeon's office today and was going to ask about getting the reports from them, to cut down on the calling and running around. He's the one who has sent me for all the other tests since the original biopsy. I do have an online patient portal for his office; I asked for it right away as soon as I saw that it was available. However, the only information in there is information I gave them (health history, contact info, insurance info, etc.)! None of my results are posted there.

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  • Jcolby
    Jcolby Member Posts: 23
    edited October 2016

    Our local medical care is Mayo Clinic Health System facility, and my entire med record is online. It is great, however I was able to read my pathology report before my doctor told me. Rather disconcerting, set me back on my heels for sure.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited October 2016

    Call/Contact any facility and nicely request (if that doesn't work - DEMAND). It is your RIGHT to have copies of ALL your reports. Get print outs as obviously internet 'stuff' can be ' bleached' (destroyed).

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  • juneping
    juneping Member Posts: 1,594
    edited October 2016

    that's kind of typical.

    you get your report from the facilities you had the procedures.

    the image report from the image center.

    i was running around when i was first dx, just to get all those info to meet the surgeon. what a nightmare.

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