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.

  • gifferqqq@artemis.camp
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    1 year ago

    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.

    1. 8 months for a follow up test
    2. not telling you why you needed it
    3. 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.