The Dangers of Ignoring Abnormal Test Results

What if you went to the doctor for a routine check-up, and they found something abnormal in your results? What would you want them to do? Most people would expect their doctor to follow up with them and figure out what was happening. However, this is not always the case. Many providers mishandle abnormal test results, which can lead to serious health complications down the road. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of ignoring abnormal test results and provide some tips on how to protect yourself!

What are Abnormal Tests?

Abnormal tests are any tests that come back with results outside of the normal range. This can include blood work, urine tests, x-rays, MRIs, and more. If your test results fall outside the normal range, it does not necessarily mean you have a serious health condition. However, your provider needs to follow up with you to determine what is happening.

Why Do Providers Ignore Abnormal Test Results?

There are a few different reasons why providers might ignore abnormal test results. First, they may not be aware that the results are abnormal. This is more common than you might think – with all of the tests that are ordered daily, it is difficult for providers to keep track of everything. Second, they may not think the abnormal results are important. This is often the case with mild abnormalities that are not likely to cause any problems. Third, they may wait for other test results before taking action. This is a more common practice than many people realize. Providers often order multiple tests to get a complete picture of what is going on before taking action.

The Dangers of Ignoring Abnormal Test Results

So, what happens if providers ignore abnormal test results? Unfortunately, this can lead to some serious health complications. For example, if your provider ignores an abnormal blood test, they may miss diabetes or high cholesterol diagnosis. These conditions can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, but only if caught early. Ignoring abnormal test results can also delay the diagnosis of more serious conditions, such as cancer. Sometimes, this can lead to worsening the condition and even death.

Tips for Protecting Yourself

You can do a few things to protect yourself from the dangers of ignoring abnormal test results. First, make sure you understand your test results. Ask your provider to explain what the results mean and what, if anything, you need to do. Second, follow up with your provider if you have not heard from them after a few days. Third, consider finding a new provider if they do not respond to your calls or emails. Lastly, keep track of your test results. This can be not easy, but it is important to have a record of what has been done in case you need to switch providers.

Abnormal test results can be scary, but it is important to remember that they do not always mean you have a serious health condition. However, your provider needs to follow up with you so that any underlying conditions can be diagnosed and treated early. If you are concerned that your provider is not taking your abnormal test results seriously, consider finding a new provider who will take the time to understand what is happening.

Can Electronic Medical Records Help?

One way to help address this problem is to use electronic medical records (EMRs). EMRs make it easy for providers to track and follow up on abnormal test results. They can also send automatic reminders to providers when they need to take action. This can help reduce the number of cases where providers ignore abnormal test results.

What Can a Patient Do?

As a patient, you play an important role in protecting your health. Keep track of your test results and follow up with your provider if you have any concerns. You should also consider getting a second opinion if you are still worried after speaking with your provider.

Blood Test Results

If you have had a blood test, you may wonder what the results mean. For example, blood tests can show if you have an infection, whether you have a disease, if you are at risk for developing a disease, and how well your organs are functioning.

Types of Blood Tests

There are many different types of blood tests. Some common blood tests include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the number of blood cells in your body.
• Blood chemistries: These tests measure different chemicals in your blood.
• Lipid panel: This test measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.
• Kidney function tests: These tests measure how well your kidneys are working.
• Liver function tests: These tests measure how well your liver is working.
• Thyroid function tests: These tests measure how well your thyroid gland is working.
• Pregnancy test: This test is used to check for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

How Common is This?

It is difficult to say how common it is for providers to ignore abnormal test results. One study found that up to 20% of patients with abnormal test results do not receive follow-up care from their providers. This number may be higher or lower in different areas.

Are They Usually Wrong?

Most abnormal test results are not wrong. Most abnormal test results are caused by something that can be treated. However, false-positive results do happen. This means that the test says you have a condition when you do not have one. False-negative results are also possible. This means that the test says you do not have a condition when you have one.

It is important to remember that abnormal test results must be followed up on, even if they are false-positive or false-negative. This is because there is always a chance that the result is true; if so, it needs to be treated.

Understand the Results

The first step in protecting yourself is understanding your test results. Ask your provider to explain what the results mean and what, if anything, you need to do.

If You’re Concerned

If you are concerned that your provider is not taking your abnormal test results seriously, you can do a few things to protect yourself. First, make sure to keep track of all of your test results. This includes both the date of the test and the results. Second, follow up with your provider if you do not hear back from them within a reasonable time. Third, consider getting a second opinion from another provider if you are still concerned.

How Can You Prove This in Court?

If you believe that your provider has ignored your abnormal test results, you may be able to take legal action. To prove your case, you must show that your provider was aware of the abnormal results and did not take appropriate action. This can be difficult to do without medical records or other documentation. It would be best if you spoke with an attorney to learn more about your legal options.

What Damages Can You Get?

If you are successful in a lawsuit, you may be able to get damages for your medical expenses and other losses. You may also get punitive damages designed to punish the provider for their negligence.

What Should You Do Next?

If you are concerned that your provider has ignored your abnormal test results, you should speak with an attorney to learn more about your legal options. You may be able to take legal action and get damages for your medical expenses and other losses.

Interpreting the Lab Results

Abnormal test results can be confusing. Here are some tips to help you understand what your results mean:

• Ask your provider to explain the results.
• Get a second opinion from another provider if you are still concerned.
• Keep track of all of your test results, including the date of the test and the results.
• Follow up with your provider if you do not hear back from them within a reasonable time.

If you believe that your provider has ignored your abnormal test results, you may be able to take legal action. To prove your case, you must show that your provider was aware of the abnormal results and did not take appropriate action. This can be difficult to do without medical records or other documentation. It would be best if you spoke with an attorney to learn more about your legal options. You may be able to get damages for your medical expenses and other losses.

Compensation for Your Injuries

If you are successful in a lawsuit, you may be able to get damages for your medical expenses and other losses. You may also get punitive damages designed to punish the provider for their negligence.

In Conclusion

Abnormal test results can be confusing and scary. It’s important to understand your results and follow up with your provider if you have any concerns. If you believe that your provider has ignored your abnormal test results, you may be able to take legal action. To learn more about your legal options, speak with an attorney. You could get damages for your medical expenses and other losses.