To Look or Not to Look: That is an Important Question
Part of any patient’s journey is undergoing different types of tests, such as blood work, CT scans and MRIs and then awaiting the results. The results of these tests can indicate if the cancer is in remission, further treatment is needed to control the disease or the cancer has progressed. Obviously, any of the possible scenarios can create a great deal of anxiety while awaiting the test results.
Patients now have access to information contained in their electronic medical record. Through the Patient Portal, patients can easily access notes from their physicians, upcoming appointment schedules, treatment regimens and test results. In the past, we had to wait for a call from the physician’s office telling us what the latest test results were. However, that information is now at our fingertips and available to us once the test results are ready.
“Reviewing your labs in the portal can provide valuable insights,” said Timothy Hembree, DO, PhD, vice president of Quality at Moffitt. “It empowers you to stay informed about your health and enables more meaningful discussions with your doctor. Actively participating in your health care means taking ownership of your well-being, asking questions, making informed decisions and following through with recommendations. Working together, the patient and the doctor can achieve optimal health outcomes.”
This may lead you to ask, should I look at it before my doctor calls?
There is no right answer, and there are pros and cons to looking and not looking. For newly diagnosed patients who have not had experience with the healthcare environment, trying to interpret test results without a provider to explain them may cause misunderstanding, fear, anxiety and frustration. In these circumstances it may be best to wait for your upcoming appointment or phone call so you have a full understanding of what is going on.
However, many patients develop a level of understanding of what the results mean, particularly blood work. If you understand what the results mean and it will reduce your anxiety to check the portal before discussing them with your doctor, it is generally OK to review them. However, any questions and concerns should be directed to your care team. Your Moffitt providers are the best at interpreting how these results apply uniquely to you and your diagnosis and treatment.
You can always have a conversation with your provider about checking the test results in the portal. If you find you become anxious or fearful right before tests or while awaiting the results, there are ways to cope. Talking with a friend or family member, distracting yourself with hobbies or pastimes, and meditating are great ways to help manage the worry. Moffitt offers peer advisors, social workers, chaplains and support groups that offer safe spaces for you to discuss your feelings and find ways of coping.
To connect with these programs, please call 813-745-8407.
This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.