Have you been getting calls about tests that have been ordered?
Many doctor’s offices simply give you an “order” for a test, like a mammogram or a lab test from a prescription pad and have no way to keep track of whether they received results or not. Here at Stone Creek, we strive for an increased level of service and have a record of every lab and test that we order. Our staff checks the list periodically to make sure we receive the results of the tests ordered, and follows up on those tests. If you get a call or a portal message about a certain test, please let us know whether you had it done, where, and when it was done so we can get the results. If you did not have it done, please let us know the reason why. It is common for a patient to get a test done, but the results never make it back to the doctor’s office. This system tries to minimize that and prevent “lost” results.
“No news is good news” is a PHRASE OF THE PAST. No news is exactly that, NO NEWS. In our office, no news means we don’t know the results. We will make our best effort to communicate results of all testing as soon as we receive it. If you have a test done, we welcome you to send us a portal message and let us know, so we can make sure the results get to us quickly. If you are web-enabled on the Patient Portal, you have access to all labs and imaging the instant they are reviewed by the doctor. We encourage everyone to get Portal access for better communication.
We’re sorry if the follow-up phone calls are bothersome, but we care about your health and want to make sure you are getting the best care possible. Sometimes patients don’t understand the importance of a certain test. We strive to explain the need for tests, and only order tests that we feel are necessary, but if we didn’t do a good job of that, then please don’t hesitate to ask.
We also understand that with increasing deductibles and a poor economy it is often difficult to afford certain testing. We completely understand, and if this is the case, please come in to discuss your treatment plan. We can often help negotiate with imaging companies in order for you to receive the testing.
Have you already told us you are putting off your testing, but we still call? When you let us know about your test, we mark the order with the reason and leave it “open” in hopes that in the near future it will get done. You will receive periodic calls until we mark it closed or we receive results. If you refuse the test completely, we will mark it closed. It’s easy to put stuff off, but putting off testing, or refusing, could mean a delayed diagnosis or missing something serious, like an underlying cancer. We don’t want that to happen, so we are going to remind you until it either gets done, or you tell us you don’t want it done.