Getting a second opinion on blood test results

AJS321

Hi

the medication I'm on requires me to have regular blood tests and I my GP sent me for one just before Christmas and I've decided I'd like to question the result. The result wasn't as good as I'd hoped for but my GP's receptionist simply told me to go away and come back for another test in 12 months.

I'm under a hospital specialist but aren't due for my next 2 yearly check up until March 2018!

So can I simply call the specialist and ask for an appointment as soon as they can fit me in so I can get a second opinion on the blood test results? I'm an NHS patient, but if I get the ball rolling on this might the charge me for this? I've tried looking on the NHS Choices website for information about this but couldn't find anything helpful.

Also, the specialist is at a different NHS Trust than the one my local CCG normally referres people to. My condition was first diognosed before the local acute hospital trusts were reorganised a few years ago and the health authority/CCG switched to using a different Trust and I just haven't been transferred yet.

I'm probably overthinking this, but might I have to submit an external funding request with the CCG before I do anything, or do I run the risk of having to foot the bill for it myself if the CCG think my appointment with the specialist wasn't strictly nessecary? I'm only asking because someone I work with used to work in the finance department at an NHS hospital and used to have to send invoices for treatment to out of area patients from other CCG areas. Is this something I need to worry about or have I misunderstood how the NHS works these days?

peachyprice

Couldn't you just make an appointment with your GP to discuss the results and whether they need repeating, rather than taking the word of the receptionist?

milliemonster

without knowing what the blood test is its difficult to say, blood results are what they are, so I don't understand why you are questioning the result? do you want it repeating?, the consultant won't see you earlier without a good clinical reason to do so.

AJS321

I've already tried doing that and the receptionist told me there's nothing to worry about. I'm not a professional but I could see the numbers on the results sheet were not quite right.

I've mentioned it to a friend who's a healthcare professional and they recommended I get a second opinion.

AJS321

Ok, I was just wondering what my options are. I'm not too sure about taking my GP's word as gospel truth as I've had reason to question her judgement before with regard to other health issues in the past.

flea72

You wont automatically be switched trusts, you have to request the transfer, which means being signed off by your current specialist and then waiting for your local trust to take you on. This usually involves having an appointment with your new consultant, so may be a way of getting your bloods redone, as they may want their own tests carried out, or at least gives you a chance to discuss your current results and why you would like a retest. Im not exactly sure why you think a retest is necessary, unless the sample was contaminated in any way? (Ie, fasting, contra-med, etc.)

AJS321

I'd like a second opinion because the results were not what they should be for a healthy person and had showed a deteristiin in my condition. That's why I'm unhappy with my GP wanting me to ignore for the best part of a year.

I'm not particularly bothered which trust I go to as both hospitals are fairly local to me.

McKneff

Just make another appointment with your gp or another one at the same practice. There is no reason that you have to tell the receptionist why you want to see the GP.

Hermia

peachyprice wrote: »

Couldn't you just make an appointment with your GP to discuss the results and whether they need repeating, rather than taking the word of the receptionist?

Indeed. Or see if another GP in the practice will look at the results. IME, if you tell the receptionist you would be more comfortable with another doctor on this occasion they are happy to make an appointment with someone else.

The last time I had blood tests two GPs at my surgery looked at the results. One of the figures was borderline and my GP wanted to check whether his colleague agree with his interpretation of them.

sillyvixen

AJS321 wrote: »

I've already tried doing that and the receptionist told me there's nothing to worry about. I'm not a professional but I could see the numbers on the results sheet were not quite right.

I've mentioned it to a friend who's a healthcare professional and they recommended I get a second opinion.

Make an appointment with a gp in the practice to discuss your blood test results. It is not the receptionists job to tell you there is nothing to worry about, she/he is not qualified to make that judgement your Dr is.

AJS321

I'm pretty sure the receptionist was just passing on the results for the GP.