Let doctors explain your medical scans
A doctor examines an X-ray from an injury. Complicated results frequently require interpretation. Credit: /iStock
The ability to have patients read their own results is a double-edged sword [“Mixed results to more access,” News, Aug. 21].
It is important to include patients in their own decision making, but complicated results can raise anxiety. Simple reports such as cholesterol and blood glucose are easy for many patients to follow. However, more complicated results, such as CT and MRI scans, frequently require interpretation.
As a retired pulmonary physician, I have had patients read their own chest CT scan reports before I had seen them myself. Many patients have incidental nodules (spots on the lungs) seen on their scan, which are frequently benign findings.
However, most patients don’t have the training to determine if the nodules are likely to be cancer, an active infection, or whether further testing (PET scan, biopsy) is warranted. The interval between the patient seeing the result and the physician or provider reviewing it may vary, and during that time patients can have lots of anxiety.
A shared decision-making discussion should be scheduled in advance between the patient and provider to review the results. This would help reduce the number of panicked calls from patients.
— Dr. Robert T. Schreiber, Oyster Bay
The article makes interesting points, but I believe it leaves out an important trend in the medical community.
Since the advent of big conglomerates, physicians are pushed to maximize the number of patients. Office staff controls the flow of information and access to the doctors. The physicians themselves are just too busy to take the time to promptly reach out to their patients.
There may also be a serious disconnect between patient and doctor. This disconnect allows doctors not to see them as humans who have needs and concerns beyond the data provided. Doctors sometimes do not respond to their patients’ mental and physical needs but simply respond to a data point and make the next referral to keep the medical business rolling.
I believe some doctors need to do some self-evaluation and try to remember why they entered the medical profession in the first place. They should put patients first, not business.
— Donald Elliott, Ridge
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