When it comes to the results of your laboratory tests, no news is not necessarily good news.

Why laboratory testing?  Depending on your age, gender, health status, medication treatment plan, and any history of chronic conditions, your doctor may order specific laboratory testing as part of a physical examination. Laboratory testing provides valuable information that helps in the diagnosis and evaluation of health care issues, determines the need for the introduction of medication, identifies a need for treatment, medication or lifestyle adjustments including increased exercise and nutrition changes and helps track improvement or progression of chronic disease states. 

Your rights and responsibilities.  You have the right to receive the results of your laboratory tests.  As an advocate and active participant in your own health care management, you should receive the actual numerical results of all of your laboratory tests. You should not simply accept the doctor or doctor’s office saying “everything looks fine.” And, you should request and expect your doctor’s office to automatically forward you a complete listing of all your actual numeric results. You should know and understand: 

• What information will be obtained from the test? How will it be used to manage your health?
• When can you expect to see the results of your tests?
• What are the “normal” values for this test? What are your actual values?
• What causes abnormal values? What are the consequences of abnormal values?
• What treatments or changes, including medication, lifestyle, exercise and nutrition are recommended by the doctor?
• When should the test be repeated? 

Understand, track and keep a record of your numbers.  Information from lab claims shows up automatically in your Personal Health Record. You can print these results and share them with your doctor by using the print button on any page of your PHR. Your doctors can use this information to help treat you and to keep you safe. In addition, you can use these results, along with the alerts and reminders, to make improvements in your overall health. The more information you have, the more useful it will be. For example, you will be asked to provide information about your current health in order to complete your Health Assessment. You will want to have your most recent results available for your blood pressure; total, LDL and HDL cholesterol; triglycerides; blood sugar and cardio-CRP. 

Talk to your doctor.  Your laboratory tests tell a story about your health. Don’t assume “no news is good news.” And, don’t accept “everything looks fine” as an acceptable response regarding your lab results. Know your numbers and their meanings! Take an active role in your own health and health care.