Does your doctor's office give you your test results through a recorded message? Does it drive you crazy?

I work in a doctors office - new to the business and my doctor asked what is the protocol for mailing labs. Could anyone help me with this? Do we obtain a signature on HIPPA form that it is ok to release the results and that is enough? Thanks to anyone who can help me or steer me on the HIPPA website where I can find this.

im awaiting a phone call from my doctor and feeling very anxious. I was just wondering what sort of results are likely to be given over the phone rather than an appointment with the doctor.

The results are not actually left on the voice mail or email. The automated message leaves a message saying to call into the other number (or log into the website), and then you have to enter a PIN or other identifying information (DOB or SSN) to retrieve your information. Both of these systems are HIPAA compliant (if done correctly, of course).

Regarding my specific example of receiving pap smear results in this automated manner, it actually makes sense. Patients were not having personal conversations before hand, as they were mailed a postcard with "results are normal". The new automated system actually provides better standard of care, as results are received weeks earlier. If results are abnormal, then a nurse/doctor does make a personal phone call to discuss the results.

I am concerned when I hear that physicians' offices are using automated services to communicate patient information. I would ask that doctor's office first of all if their automated service is HIPAA complaint. Second, does the doctor's office have your permission on file that allows them to leave medical information on your home phone number or office. The latter is pretty risky and opens up a whole area for possible litigation as employers cannot protect your medical privacy at all times.

It is a violation of the law to provide medical information via a voice mail message, e-mail or fax without patient consent. EMR records are supported by IT systems which are also required to be HIPAA compliant.

Some of the risks include phone calls to wrong numbers, what if your test results were left on a wrong phone number and/or this person happens to be a neighbor, a roommate or a co-worker?

I can understand your frustration, but I actually like this new method! Remember when doctor's offices would just send a postcard if your lab test came back normal? (at least, for pap smears). This took ages, and I always wondered if the postcard would get lost in the mail.

I don't mind having to call in to receive my test results, as I would prefer nurses spend time with patients in-person, rather than spending countless hours a day making mindless phone calls to patients with normal test results. If the test results are abnormal, however, then a personal phone call is imperative.

Would you prefer to receive the results via email? At one university with electronic medical records (EMR), the students were sent an email to their regular email, saying they had an email message waiting for them. They had to log in to the EMR site, enter their SSN, and read the secure message (exactly like your phone call version!). The students seemed to like this, as it was safe and convenient-- they could review the message on their own time (and not have to wait until the doctor's office is open).

What are other's thoughts about the automation of test results, either via the phone or email?