The Double-Edged Sword of Instant Health Results

New rules allow patients to view their health test results as soon as they are ready. This change, part of a broader effort to improve healthcare access, has both benefits and drawbacks. The 21st Century Cures Act, which became law in 2021, aims to make electronic health records more accessible. This means patients can see test results quickly, but it also means they might receive serious news before talking to a doctor. This can be worrying. For instance, someone might see a cancer screening result before their doctor has a chance to explain what it means. While some people might find this helpful, others might find it overwhelming. Doctors can delay the release of certain results if they think the information might cause harm. However, this is not always the case. Patients also have the option to opt out of seeing their results, depending on the app they use. A few years back, a woman named Judy had a similar experience. She received a blood test result late at night. The result was a bit high, and she turned to the internet for answers. By morning, she was worried about serious kidney issues. Fortunately, her brother, a doctor, reassured her. This story shows why it's important to talk to a doctor about test results. Doctors can provide context and explain what the results mean. They can also help patients understand the next steps. The shift towards patient empowerment is ongoing. Patients are not doctors, but they can be more involved in their healthcare. Education is key in this transition. Patients should be ready to ask questions and seek clarification. Doctors, on the other hand, should be prepared to guide and support their patients. This way, both parties can work together for better health outcomes.