Written reports on all medical appointments - how do they makeyou feel??

It is a tricky one. I firmly believe we are responsible for our health and getting copies of medical reports is good. No excuse to put your head in the sand.

But sometimrs the information recorded can be worrying especially if it's not quite correct.
My question is does anyone at the GP surgery actually read the letter or are they just filed into yout notes. They must receive 100s a day.
Franbern it would be worrying to read something which you weren't told about at your appointment.
I think I prefer to receive the letters and like being able to check blood test results. But also ass a dollop of "it may not happen" like when I read the side effects of various drugs.

In answer to both the above comments: I am quite happy to receive these letters - as long as they are accurate! One consultant would not take me on because I was a heavy smoker! I don't smoke!

Secondly, GPs only really read the first paragraph on the consultant's letter which gives a precis of the diagnosis. If you want to find out more or get clarification, you need to ask the GP for a translation of the exact bits.

dalrymple23

In answer to both the above comments: I am quite happy to receive these letters - as long as they are accurate! One consultant would not take me on because I was a heavy smoker! I don't smoke!

Secondly, GPs only really read the first paragraph on the consultant's letter which gives a precis of the diagnosis. If you want to find out more or get clarification, you need to ask the GP for a translation of the exact bits.

In that case, get it corrected! I always read reports like a hawk and get any mistake corrected.

This is an eye-opening thread! I have been out-sourced by the NHS for a procedure and I received a pages-long document setting out my medical history which swiftly amended my own perception of being very healthy.

Additionally, this long, long medical report had missed a recent colonoscopy and I had to notice it and bring it to their attention.

On the accuracy front, I reported to the reception a mistake on my patient record - I had been wrongly recorded as having a flu vaccination on my recent visit. When the receptionist got what I was saying she seemed bemused that I bothered reporting it.

Still, I know they're all very busy.....

I always want to know everything that is found.

When I was being misdiagnosed with TIAs, After an MRI scan, I was told, incidentally, by the vascular team that I had a benign slow growing tumour on my brain. These are uite common in older people and can be ignored bar an annual scan. Several friends have them. However I was not told about the annual scan and only discovered when a friend had one. By then it was over 3 years since my initial diagnosis. if doctors in the vascular unit hadn't mentioned the tumour, I would never have discussed it with a friend and never realised I needed an annual scan.

Yes I always ask for a report to be sent to myself.
Also blood work, I ask for a print out at the surgery so I can keep an eye on my cholesterol & kidney function.

I always end up wondering if its about me, since i can't remember any of what they've written as fact.

dalrymple23

In answer to both the above comments: I am quite happy to receive these letters - as long as they are accurate! One consultant would not take me on because I was a heavy smoker! I don't smoke!

Secondly, GPs only really read the first paragraph on the consultant's letter which gives a precis of the diagnosis. If you want to find out more or get clarification, you need to ask the GP for a translation of the exact bits.

presumably they read the last paragraph too where any drug amendments (that GP may prescribe) are likely to be listed & actions for GP / practice. (although this is more relevant - as more changes - with inpatient discharge summaries)