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Medical Tests
Doctors order
blood tests, x-rays, and other tests to help diagnose medical problems.
Perhaps you do not know why you need a particular test or you don't
understand how it will help you. Here are some questions to ask:
- How is the
test done?
- What kind
of information will the test provide?
- Is this test
the only way to find out that information?
- What are
the benefits and risks of having this test?
- How accurate
is the test?
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- What do I
need to do to prepare for the test? (What you do or don't do may
affect the accuracy of the test results
- Will the
test be uncomfortable?
- How long
will it take to get the results, and how will I get them?
- What's the
next step after the test
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One study found that anywhere from 10 percent to 30 percent of Pap
smear test results that were called "normal" were not. Errors such
as this can lead to a wrong or delayed diagnosis. You want your tests
to be done the right way, and you want accurate results.
What can you do?
- For tests
your doctor sends to a lab, ask which lab he or she uses, and
why. You may want to know that the doctor chooses a certain lab
because he or she has business ties to it. Or, the health plan
may require that the tests go there.
- Check to
see that the lab is accredited by a group such as the College
of American Pathologists (800-522-5678) or the Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (telephone
630-792-5800).
- If you need
a mammogram, make sure the facility is approved by the Food and
Drug Administration. You can find out by searching
the FDA certified facilities online, checking the certificate
in the facility, or calling 800-4-CANCER 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EST
to find out the names and locations of certified facilities near
you.
What about the test results?
- Do not assume
that no news is good news. If you do not hear from your doctor,
call to get your test results.
- If you and
your doctor think the test results may not be right, have the
test done again.
 
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