Getting Test Results Before Your Doctor is Empowering But Anxiety-Provoking

A new provision of the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act) passed in 2016 is allowing patients to receive medical test results directly through electronic portals, without delay. While access to information can empower patients, it's causing some unintended consequences.

Patients are now sometimes receiving complex test results before their physicians have had a chance to review them. This can lead to anxiety, misinterpreting information, and unnecessary emergency room visits if patients think the worst without context.

Research on patient preferences for receiving test results before their doctor's review has shown inconsistent findings. A recent 2023 study published in JAMA Network Open found that 95% of over 8,000 patients surveyed wanted access to their test results online immediately, even before their doctor reviewed them. However, other studies have suggested many patients prefer their doctor interpret results first. Patient perspectives on this issue appear to vary.

Doctors recommend talking with patients beforehand about what to expect from upcoming tests. Setting expectations can help patients interpret results accurately. Providing context is key.

More work is also needed on the technology side.

The intent is good - to empower patients with their data. But a balance needs to be struck so physicians have time to explain and interpret results first. With some adjustments on both sides, patients can benefit from fast access without undue confusion and alarm.