Q: Recently I went to my primary care doctor for a thyroid blood test. When he took the test, I asked about fasting for the test and was informed that it didn’t matter. Then when my report came in, I was told that my triglycerides were high and I should go for diabetic teaching to learn what foods not to eat. First off, I went for thyroid, not cholesterol and I did inform the doctor that I ate breakfast just 30 minutes prior to the testing.
I am confused, as the report didn’t even have my thyroid levels on it. Don’t these doctors listen any more? Are they all in such a hurry that we aren’t even considered worthy enough to listen to? I’m no doctor but I know enough to know that test called for me being fasting and he made a horrible mistake. After all, I just had a complete workup four weeks prior and it was perfect. What is up with tone deaf doctors?
A: I cannot defend your primary care physician by indicating he might have had a lot on his mind, got you mixed up with the patient he previously saw, or even had a difficult night in the Intensive Care Unit of your hospital and didn’t get any sleep before going to the office. We all have bad days now and then but this one really left him with egg on his face and he should be held accountable.
I do have a question. If you had a complete workup four weeks prior, why you were having a thyroid test – unless new symptoms occurred that warranted the work? You are obviously correct that a patient should be fasting for at least eight hours prior to cholesterol and triglyceride levels being performed. In fact, some physicians prefer a longer fasting period and restrict their patients to have nothing to eat or drink (except for water) for as many as 12 hours. Thyroid testing does not require the patient be in a fasting state when the test is performed, although for monitoring thyroid levels when patients ae on medication, some believe it is wise to perform the test at the same time of day each time.
If your physician has more than one exam room running at a time and bounces from room A to B and so forth or has another legitimate reason for the mix up, he needs to reconsider the harm he has done. I urge you to make an appointment at once and at no expense to you or your insurance company. Sit him down and state the reason you had the testing done. Recommend he repeat the testing under fasting conditions to determine if a problem has been inadvertently detected. Be sure to tell him or her you will be contacting your insurance company to file a complaint if charges are filed from the office, and then call your insurance company when you get home. Document the date, name of the individual you speak with and all other pertinent information and tell them you will file a formal complaint if they honor any claim submitted on your behalf for the visit. We make mistakes, we are human. That being said, patients are at the top of the list of priorities and their degree of satisfaction is paramount. Along with countless other professionals, a physician must be on his toes and really cannot afford to stub his or her toe.
Readers who are interested in learning more about the conditions mentioned can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Cholesterol” and Thyroid Disorders” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order (for each report) to Peter H. Gott, Md. Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title(s) or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMd.com.
