Calling or e-mailing lab reports to patients - Does it provide true value?

[Guest guest]

I practice in BC, Canada. I tell my patients I will only contact them

when tests are abnormal. I believe this saves an enormous amount of

time. Most MD's in BC do it this way. We are paid about $24 US per

visit, by the way.

Routinely contacting patients regarding normal values strikes me as a

waste of time. I explain to the patients what I expect the tests will

show and give advice based on that. If results don't support my

preliminary advice then I will call the patient, explain the

unexpected results and adjust the advice.

Would such a strategy work where you practice?

Jeff Harries

Penticton, B.C.