My rheum won't release my bloodwork

My primary suspected lupus based off multiple symptoms and a "borderline" positive ANA (1:80 homogenous...was also positive ten years ago). She sent me to a local rheumatologist who (before even talking to me) said I did not have lupus because my double-stranded was negative. I know that's not a definitive test, but regardless, the rheuma sent me off to labcorp to do more autoimmune tests.

A few days later, I got a call from the rheuma's nurse saying "everything is fine except you may have a UTI".

Well. My primary sent me to a well known dermatologist for a hair test/scalp biopsy and to look at my rashes. The derma (just like my primary) said that I need a second opinion from a different rheumatologist because EVERYTHING about me screams autoimmune disorder. So I am seeing another rheum after my scalp biopsy comes back. Physical exam diagnosed telogenic affluvium hair loss.

This is where it gets good...
Apparently, when the derma and primary requested my lab results from the rheuma, he didn't send them. He just sent a letter saying "all labs normal. not lupus. referred to ER". He NEVER said anything about the ER! And my doctors still don't have my lab results!

My primary mentioned that "certain doctors" at that rheuma office are known for misdiagnosing or misleading patients simply because he or she does not want to see them.

I don't know how I'm going to get my lab results if they won't even give them to my doctors! After all I'm going through and how much pain I'm in, this is just the frosting on the cake. It's delaying my diagnosis!

I don't understand what's happening. Why would he write that he referred me to the ER? Why won't he release my labs!?

Lynnwood said...
Sounds like a Dr playing "God", oh, I meant "Jack Ass".

Did the primary or the dermo recommend a certain rheumy for you? You can look at www.lupus.org and find your local chapter. Then contact them to see what rheumies in the area are involved & interested in Lupus. You'll get better results - some rhuemies just aren't all that lupus-aware.

Hope you can get a 2ond opinion soonest from a SANE Dr!

Yes I'm waiting for the scalp biopsy (all my hair is falling out) and then the derma is referring me to a rheum that ironically was also recommended to me by a coworker. He's supposed to be very good.

The insane rheum is also the same one I mentioned in a previous post, who told me I should grow out my fingernails so they didn't look so "boy-ish". Ugh.

That is ridiculous! Both the withholding results and the fingernail comment!

Unbelievable.

I guess I'm just scared that he wrote the "referred to ER" thing because he thinks I may be at risk for something and doesn't want to be liable if something bad happens to me.

Wow, this Doctor is a real jerk. Doctor's like this one shouldn't be in practice AT ALL.

Now, I know you are allowed copies of your records. My husband spent 22 years on active duty in the military and has been retired now for 7 years,. My medical records clearly state on the charts Property of United States Government.

HOWEVER, I at anytime get a copy of those records. II can request my request be sent to anyone I want and matter fact when my hubby retired from the military 7 years ago, we requested ALL of our medical records be copied. At that time I had 9 volumes of the darn things. Now they are all on disk, who know how much I have, I do know my Doctors all joke I crash the system whenever they try to pull up anything on me.

Don't let this jerk bully you, remind them nicely, just once more, that you have a right and would like to get your copies. If he refuses, I'd turn him in and get a lawyer and sue the heck out of him.

Good luck,
Barbara

Don't be afraid to be demand what's yours -- and those records are YOURS. The doctor is holding on to them for you. They cannot, by law, keep the records a secret from you.

If you have the time/energy (ha! I made a joke), I would walk into the office, ask for a copy of the records, and tell them you'll wait for the records. And sit there. If they make you wait more than about a half hour, start loudly discussing the problems you've had with the doctor with the other patients in the waiting room. Or start giving yourself a manicure, complete with polish ("What? The doctor said I should take care of my nails."). Or start doing yoga in front of the reception window. They'll get you your records. And it's not like you plan on showing your face there again once you have what you came for :)

If we're going to feel miserable and fight with doctors all the time, we may as well have fun doing it.

I'll try asking for them in person. I work with a notary so I'm sure I can get a notarized letter from an attorney if need be. That should scare them enough to release the results if they still refuse. It's such a waste of valuable time.