G.P - Refusal to post results!

LegacyUser

Hi there,
Just wondering if this is normal. I recently had some very routine tests done and thankfully got a notification saying all normal etc. However, I contacted my GP to inquire out of curiosity what the results were i.e. cholesterol etc. The receptionist told me that she could print them off and I could go into the practice to collect them. I replied that as I work Full Time I wouldn't have the time to come in (as for appointments I need to take time off work) and could she call them out to me over the phone. She just said "well I cant go through them on the phone with you, couldn't list them all." I suggested emailing them to me but again this was a no. There was a bit of awkward silence and then she said "Ok this time ill post them out to you but it is policy that we arrange things like this for collection only".
Is it just me or does this seem weird to anyone....I paid for the tests etc. Has something changed that GP's now don't issue things like this in the post?
I have had many different things sent to me in the post throughout the years of being a patient in this practice so maybe I'm missing something?

frogstar

Why would you want a receptionist to call out your medical results?? She would not be qualified to interpret and could give wrong information.

I assume the reluctance to post may be down to cost... They pay for stamps etc... Regards email, for security reasons I understand why they wouldn't

They have you the option to pick up so I don't see anything unreasonable here. Different practices for different surgeries

Mine does post out no problem though

Ursus Horribilis

Any time I've had bloods done and rung up for the results, the receptionist has put me through to the doctor to give them to me.

Fakediamond

My G.P. practice won't post either, but the practice nurse usually phones with the results and you can ask questions. Not sure why they won't post out, but I think it might be cost-related.

Jez at 50-70 euro a visit I'd imagine most GP's can absorb the cost of a 72c stamp.

I'd agree it's likely down to interpreting the results if the practice doesn't have a nurse. I know in my case last time I called I was put through to nurse for routine results, and in the case of family with more acute needs the GP's there call and advise.

Corruptedmorals

A receptionist is not going to read out results, it's beyond their remit. Easy to get one wrong too if there is a long list and then cause a panic. Only medical staff will do that. E-mail would not be considered secure enough. Collection is how most GPs would operate, especially now since a lot of them open late some evenings or open weekends.

jameorahiely

Is the receptionists desk located in or near the waiting room? Regardless as others have said it's beyond their remit. How could she verify it was the right person on the phone? Collection would be the standard in a good few gp surgeries.

Scraggs

Isn't it to do with data protection and the GP being guardians of the patients medical info so collection by the patient helps remove the risk of a confidentiality breach? I know the practice I go to has a similar policy so that's what I would assume.

witchgirl26

I know my GP is the same. The doctor or nurse will give results to you over the phone but won't post anything out or email. You can drop in to collect free of charge & if they know your family, will give it to a nominated family member (they know both myself and my mam and have given my mam results for me in a sealed envelope on my request).

I can understand why the receptionist would be reluctant to read them out over the phone - you don't know who could be standing there waiting to check in with them and hearing your results and they're not qualified to interpret them.

Graces7

My GP has always posted eg repeat prescriptions to me. The only time with previous GPs that there has been any problem has been when the reception staff refused. when the GP was told that ? Posted.

pilly

I fully understand why GP's wouldn't post or email these things. Anyone else could read them and then the patient could sue them for breach of confidentiality. It's nothing to do with the cost of a stamp.

daithi1970

..from the other side of things..I work in a hospital lab,and we have to be very careful about data protection..ie no giving results over the the phone, or no faxing results. Collection of results in person, while a pain in the arse, does ensure data protection issues are kept to a minimum.

Gael23

It's all down to confidentiality. If the secretary was to give you the results she would be reading them out in the middle of a waiting room full of other patients. If she posted them there's no guarantee that someone else won't open the envelope.