Blood tests can be part of a routine checkup, such as part of an annual physical. But they can also be used to diagnose or rule out certain conditions based on your current symptoms. Your doctor may want to check certain numbers to evaluate the effectiveness of your current treatment, check for a recurrence of a condition you have already had, or track the progress of an illness you currently suffer from.

With so many reasons for a doctor to order a blood test, the reasons for them to check on you after the results have come back are just as numerous. Continue reading to learn about the 5 reasons why your doctor wants to see you after your bloodwork and why you shouldn’t necessarily be worried when they request an appointment with you. To book routine blood work from the comfort of your home, you can book an appointment here. 

Reason #1: Confirm a New Diagnosis

In some cases, a blood test could confirm a suspected diagnosis or even yield an unexpected one. Conditions that are evident from the results of bloodwork are often chronic and life-changing. They include but are not limited to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chronic infections, a genetic disorder, bleeding or clotting disorder, or sickle cell disease.

A doctor will never deliver news of this diagnosis to you over the phone. This risks miscommunication as well as a breach of confidentiality if the wrong person picks up the phone or hears the message. Doctors communicate their diagnoses in person to avoid the emotional (and legal) cost of unreliable communication methods.

This may be the scariest reason to hear that your doctor wants to review your test results, but it’s far from the only one.

Reason #2: Following Up on a Chronic Condition

In the presence of a chronic condition, blood tests reveal the condition’s progression, even if its progression is stable. These conditions, such as the early stages of hypertension or prediabetes, may not require immediate treatment.

However, your doctor will still want to review your results in person and help you make lifestyle plans for how to manage or reverse your condition. They don’t want patients turning to Dr. Google to learn what they should do about their illnesses.

Reason #3: Plan Treatments

Planning treatments is a major reason that doctors request follow-up appointments to discuss the results of your bloodwork. The discovery of a chronic condition may prompt your doctor to begin a regime of medication, which requires an in-person visit, a script, and a discussion about dosing and side effects.

Reason #4: Schedule Follow-ups

Depending on the results of your bloodwork, your doctor may want to schedule follow-up appointments with you. These could be visits to monitor your condition or even additional tests to further evaluate its progression.

Sometimes, these follow-ups can be scheduled over the phone or online. However, in many cases, your doctor will want to review your options in person to inform you about why you need the additional care.

Reason #5: Unrelated Reasons

Just because your doctor requests a follow-up appointment doesn’t mean your lab work is the only reason they want to see you. It’s not uncommon for providers to want to check in with you if they haven’t taken your blood pressure or other vitals in a while or simply to touch base about a chronic condition you may have.

When a Follow-Up Visit is Not Required

Sometimes, your doctor will not need to see you after blood work. If your results are clean or your condition is well-managed with your current lifestyle and treatments, they may be open to leaving your results by mail, phone, or email.

Ask your provider about the reason for your follow-up and if you can receive your results another way. They can tell you over the phone whether everything is fine or if you need to come in for additional consultation.

The Takeaway for Why Your Doctor Wants to See You After a Blood Test

Blood work can be worrisome, even more so when your doctor leaves a message for you to schedule a follow-up appointment without telling you why. However, not every follow-up requires worry and not every blood test requires a follow-up. Speak with your provider about the nature of the follow-up to set your mind at ease. They may just want to talk to you in person about your health and plan your next steps with you.

Speedy Sticks is a mobile concierge phlebotomy service that provides at-home blood draws and on-site diagnostic/health screenings for businesses and individuals. These include blood tests, which can be performed by one of our specialists. Book an appointment today to complete your exam.

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace consulting with a healthcare professional. Please consult with your primary care physician or healthcare provider before engaging in any services offered by Speedy Sticks.

**These are approximations, and experts disagree on some values. Consult your healthcare provider for recommendations suitable for you. It is also important to ensure the levels are given in the same measurements, such as mg/dL, etc.