Going NUTS! Am I expecting too much?

joanf
joanf Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I got a DCIS DX 2 month's ago and still do not know what my treatment plan is. My new surgeon says the NYC system is overloaded... small consolation when I want to know if I'm losing my breast. Anyway.... today's nutty inspiring event is I'm waiting for my MRI results and the doc is off for the holiday (and thus the weekend). I don't know.... am I expecting too much to think that my doctor should know I want to know my results and that I've found out the results were available since Thursday. And can you BELIEVE the MRI place MAILS the results to the doctors office. I swear... this freaking disease won't kill me... but the lack of care just might. Meanwhile.... this is my 2nd surgeon. I left the 1st surgeon because I felt she was too detached. Am I expecting too much?

Comments

  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #2
    No, you aren't expecting too much. It's a sad criminal injustice the way far too many patients are shuffled around the medical market today.
    Bit of advice, take advantage of the time by getting a book on nutrition and start healing yourself. Also, look up your own tretment plan, get an idea of what is most recommended so you can be informed and prepared when doc gets through with holiday.
    You are your own best advocate!
    Lastly, when I go for tests, I sign a records request/release right then for the facility to mail ME a copy of the report along with a copy to the doc. I figure why not?! I'm way more interested in the report than my doctor.
    God bless. Have a good Easter, get you a book, and do something constructive. (((HUGS)))
    hummingbyrd
  • blessings1020
    blessings1020 Member Posts: 54
    #3
    hummingbyrd said:

    No, you aren't expecting too much. It's a sad criminal injustice the way far too many patients are shuffled around the medical market today.
    Bit of advice, take advantage of the time by getting a book on nutrition and start healing yourself. Also, look up your own tretment plan, get an idea of what is most recommended so you can be informed and prepared when doc gets through with holiday.
    You are your own best advocate!
    Lastly, when I go for tests, I sign a records request/release right then for the facility to mail ME a copy of the report along with a copy to the doc. I figure why not?! I'm way more interested in the report than my doctor.
    God bless. Have a good Easter, get you a book, and do something constructive. (((HUGS)))
    hummingbyrd

    I had no idea there was an option available to have test results mailed to yourself.

    Is this something you have to request, am I missing something when I sign a release form? Is it different in each state?

    Very interesting...and you are right, I think most of us would agree that we are "way more interested" in our test results than our docs are.
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #4
    blessings1020 said:

    I had no idea there was an option available to have test results mailed to yourself.

    Is this something you have to request, am I missing something when I sign a release form? Is it different in each state?

    Very interesting...and you are right, I think most of us would agree that we are "way more interested" in our test results than our docs are.

    Blessings, You're not missing anything on the release form. Getting copies of pathology or test reports is as easy as asking your doctor. The day I go to get the results is the day I ask for a copy.
    terri
  • blessings1020
    blessings1020 Member Posts: 54
    #5
    tlmac said:

    Blessings, You're not missing anything on the release form. Getting copies of pathology or test reports is as easy as asking your doctor. The day I go to get the results is the day I ask for a copy.
    terri

    Thanks so much...I'm 52 and have been ill (before b/c) and never knew this!

    Of course, my oncol (former, might I say) guarded my file like a pit bull! For some reason, didn't want me to see anything in it. hmmmmm.

    I want to wish everyone a Blessed Easter and God's Blessings.

    Diane
  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #6
    No, you absolutely are not expecting too much! Remember that the doctors work for you and that you're in charge of your treatment. Medical records, except for psychiatric records have to be made available to you if you ask. I always get copies of all reports and tests. There are wonderful doctors out there and you deserve someone that treats you well and that you are comfortable with. If your insurance limits your choice, then let them know the problem. Good luck! Diane
  • Watercolor
    Watercolor Member Posts: 45
    #7
    ksfc said:

    No, you absolutely are not expecting too much! Remember that the doctors work for you and that you're in charge of your treatment. Medical records, except for psychiatric records have to be made available to you if you ask. I always get copies of all reports and tests. There are wonderful doctors out there and you deserve someone that treats you well and that you are comfortable with. If your insurance limits your choice, then let them know the problem. Good luck! Diane

    Now because of HIPAA laws, you have to sign a form to release a test result / report which is about you, to you. You are the reason for the test. What was tested is in you, therefore the test originates with you. But you must sign a release to have the written report put in your hand. I just don't understand that. Some laws have gone too far. I used to work for an attorney specializing in employee benefits / HIPAA laws.

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