Is it "standard practice" to only call a patient back if it's bad news?
So, during the pandemic my family doctor, who is American, went back to her country, leaving me without a medical professional.
When the pandemic ended, I went in search of a new family doctor in my city in British Columbia. However I couldn't find one. I did find a nurse practitioner who can do most of what a doctor can do, including prescriptions.
In October, 2022, she asked me to do a standard physical at Life Labs so I did. She called me on the phone later to say everything was fine.
However, 8 months later, in June, I was called by an outpatient medical clinic asking me to come in for an EKG. Confused, I asked why. And they said it was triggered by my visit to LifeLabs and requested by my primary care provider.
I went for the EKG, which ended up being an ultrasound. That was June 27.
Then I waited. And waited. And waited. Nothing.
I finally called my NP and asked why I haven't heard back on what the results were and the receptionist said it's standard practice to only contact patients if follow-up is necessary. But I felt like something must have triggered the follow-up EKG/ultrasound so I wish I'd been told what that was and why I visited the hospital for it.
However, the tone of the receptionist made me think it's the normal way and I'm just being entitled.
Generally yes they will only call you if there is something wrong. Family docs / NPs have too many patients and tests to call everyone with normal results in most cases. A few things are weird about your case though.
8 months for a follow up test
not telling you why you needed it
not scheduling a follow up
While I'm sure stuff like this happens often, ideally it isn't supposed to. You should call your NP and schedule a follow up yourself.