Do doctors call with negative biopsy results?

If a normal or negative test result comes back, the physician can telephone the patient with the “good news,” and patients have the option of canceling the follow-up appointment. Although it is preferable to give bad news face-to-face, there may be times when giving bad news over the phone is unavoidable.

When do doctors call with bad news?

The general rule of thumb is if you have a biopsy or blood test, and you don’t hear from your doctor in a week, its good news. If you get a phone call from them, it’s usually bad news. Ive worked in theatres for 19 years and ive been the wrong side of the bed rails a few times, ending up as a patient.

Why would a doctor call you after a blood test?

If a result is sufficiently abnormal to cause any immediate medical concerns the doctor will contact you themselves. If a doctor wants to discuss a test result where there is no significant level of concern, they may ask reception to book you in for a routine telephone call.

Is no news good news from doctors?

No news isn’t necessarily good news for patients waiting for the results of medical tests. The first study of its kind finds doctors failed to inform patients of abnormal cancer screenings and other test results 1 out of 14 times.

What do doctors say when they have bad news?

Be frank but compassionate; avoid euphemisms and medical jargon. Allow for silence and tears; proceed at the patient’s pace. Have the patient describe his or her understanding of the news; repeat this information at subsequent visits. Allow time to answer questions; write things down and provide written information.

What can I expect from a second opinion?

The process of seeking a second opinion can be as simple as getting a referral from your current doctor and making sure your health insurance will pay for it. You will need to gather any biopsy or surgery reports, hospital discharge reports, relevant imaging tests, and information on drugs or supplements you take.

Can biopsy results wrong?

Although tests aren’t 100\% accurate all the time, receiving a wrong answer from a cancer biopsy – called a false positive or a false negative – can be especially distressing. While data are limited, an incorrect biopsy result generally is thought to occur in 1 to 2\% of surgical pathology cases.

Do you have to see a doctor in person after biopsy?

Many consultants prefer to see you in person even if the biopsies are good news, because there may still be important information they need to give you, and you may want to ask follow up questions. Also, it is not unusual for you to be sent an appointment BEFORE the biopsy results have come back from the path lab.

Can biopsy results be seen face to face?

I, too, have had good biopsy results in a face to face consultation. Many consultants prefer to see you in person even if the biopsies are good news, because there may still be important information they need to give you, and you may want to ask follow up questions.

How long is too long to wait for a biopsy?

Extraordinary circumstances aside, it is unacceptable for there to be more than a one-week delay in seeing the one person who is able to answer the question on everyone’s mind. The same can be said for delays in obtaining a biopsy and, once done, waiting for the result.

Why do doctors avoid giving biopsy results over the phone?

Hence they worry till the follow-up appointment. However, Biopsy is generally one of the sensitive issues which need proper consultation for the patient. Doctors avoid telling the results over the phone because follow-up appointments and post-biopsy tests are also needed.