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If the doctor says she will call you later today, does that mean it's going to be bad news?

I called the doctor to ask for my mri results. The doctor's office said "okay, please stay on the line and I'll ask the doctor." Minutes went by. The woman on the other end of the line said "Ok, mr. ____, we'll call you back later today to talk bout it." My heart nearly sank.... If the test results were all negative, then they would just say so, wouldn't they.

Crap.

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10 Answers to "If the doctor says she will call you later today, does that mean it's going to be bad news?"

  1. WildSpectrumArts - 46-50 years old - female

    Posted by WildSpectrumArts Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:37PM

    No. It isn't necessarily bad news. Doctors are supposed to give test results, not receptionists. The doctor has to have time to review the results and look at what those results mean to your overall health. The might want to advise you to consider other factors in your day to day living. Don't worry. Give your doctor a chance to do his/her job properly.

    Like (2)

  2. vickieprince - 51-55 years old - female

    Posted by vickieprince Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:35PM

    Some of the results may not be back or the doctor was with a patient and could not get with you at the moment...If she had said you need to come back in then I would worry

    Like (2)

  3. ChipmunkErnie - 61-65 years old - male

    Posted by ChipmunkErnie Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:34PM

    No, it usually means they want to explain something and don't want some secretary trying to do it.

    Like (2)

  4. Calicoder - 18-21 years old - male

    Reply by Calicoder Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:37PM

    what could there be to explain, other than bad news? :/

    Like (1)

  5. JoeEDangerously - 26-30 years old - male

    Reply by JoeEDangerously Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:38PM

    Test results, negative or positive, are usually given by the doc so he can answer any questions you may have.

    Like (1)

    2 more replies
  6. Philreads - 56-60 years old - male

    Posted by Philreads Feb 18th, 2013 at 7:22PM

    Answer the phone find out!

    Like (1)

  7. RobertaSunset - 31-35 years old - female

    Posted by RobertaSunset Aug 14th, 2012 at 1:46PM

    No that's usually a good sign, they ask you to come in when it's really bad news. Sorry you are sick. I hope you are ok :o)

    Like (1)

  8. rainnsnow - 22-25 years old - female

    Posted by rainnsnow Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:53PM

    Not necessarily. There's a good chance they couldn't find the report in the computer system or that the doctor hasn't reviewed it yet. Technically most offices do not release results that haven't been viewed.

    Like (1)

  9. JoeEDangerously - 26-30 years old - male

    Posted by JoeEDangerously Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:37PM

    Either the doctor was busy or the results weren't ready. It does not mean anything else. I have lots of medical problems and I have an MRI once a year. They don't get all dramatic over negative and positive test results and all that. That's something they do on TV but not in reality. Truth is the overwhelming statistical likelihood is that you're fine.

    Like (1)

  10. Unlearn - 31-35 years old - male

    Posted by Unlearn Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:37PM

    It could mean the doctor might ask you out for dinner.

    Like (1)

  11. magnumbunny - 36-40 years old - male

    Posted by magnumbunny Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:36PM

    Doctor ******** always has good news!!

    Like (1)

  12. smileyfacelunchbox - 56-60 years old - male

    Posted by smileyfacelunchbox Aug 14th, 2012 at 12:35PM

    the medical profession is not known for tact

    Like (1)

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