Test Results

Due to the diversity of tests ordered by our physicians, the time frame for test results will vary. For the following test results, you can generally expect:

• Pathology reports from procedures: Colonoscopy, Upper Endoscopy (EGD), Small Bowel Enteroscopy, E.R.C.P., or Liver Biopsy requiring polyp removal, tissue biopsies from colon, small bowel, stomach, esophagus, bile duct brushings, should be available within 7 to 10 days.
• Blood work results within 48 to 72 hours. However, there are some tests that are specialized and sent out to out-of-state labs. This often requires a 14-day turnaround. Please note that you will not receive a letter from our office with the results unless they are clinically abnormal. A copy of your results will be sent to you from the lab directly, and you should receive them 10 to 14 days after they’re drawn. If you have not received your results after 14 days, please contact the lab.
• Radiology and nuclear medicine tests may take up to 2 to 3 business days for us to receive results. You can expect to hear from us within 1 week of the exam. This includes CT scans, ultrasounds, Barium swallows, Barium enemas MRI, gastric emptying studies, HIDA scans, Cholescintigraphy studies (exam of bile ducts), and other specialized tests. If any of the results require immediate attention, you will be notified as soon as possible.

Many exams are ordered from other facilities in-state as a convenience to our patients. Often, we need to call these facilities if we do not receive the test results by mail or fax. This can lengthen the time frame for both us and you.

The triage nurses who work with your doctor will make every attempt to get the information regarding your tests in a timely manner. We know you are concerned and, in some cases, very worried.

We will phone you with the results as soon as we obtain them. If you are not at home when we call and your answering machine does not identify you by name, we are unable, by law, to leave a message. In this situation, we will mail a postcard with the necessary information. You are welcome to call and ask to speak to your triage nurse if you have questions or concerns. Our communications are dictated into your chart and become part of your permanent medical record and given to your physician to review.

IMPORTANT: If you have not received notification of test results within 2 weeks, please contact us.