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AIBU?

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Original poster

Medical secretaries know what they're on about, right?

31 replies

CrystalBall101 · 24/01/2025 14:31

Had a brain and spine scan last week. Called secretary today to ask how long they're taking to come back atm. She said it came back this morning. I asked if she was able to tell me the result. She said 'well I'm not a doctor but the word normal is in there somewhere'. I just wish she'd said no i can't tell you because I'm not just convinced she's got it wrong. It's a normal scan right? She wouldn't have said that otherwise?

OP posts:
Original poster
CrystalBall101 · 24/01/2025 14:45

Cunningfungus · 24/01/2025 14:43

Yeah but reports don’t come back like that! It’s a bit more complicated than it’s normal/abnormal.

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Honestly I've been googling I'm so anxious but from what I can tell there is usually a section at the end that says 'conclusion, normal brain MRI'. I just wish she'd told me to wait now.

OP posts:
Cunningfungus · 24/01/2025 14:43

KevinAndTracy · 24/01/2025 14:35

I'd be amazed it a medical secretary was unable to distinguish between a letter saying everything is essentially normal and one that is reporting that there are significant abnormalities/ concerns

Yeah but reports don’t come back like that! It’s a bit more complicated than it’s normal/abnormal.

Cunningfungus · 24/01/2025 14:42

Anyone can read a report but what she has said is incredibly unhelpful and potentially a sacking offence if giving results is not part of her role. Our admin staff are trained to give “non threatening” routine results over the phone eg “Mrs Cunningfungus, your urine shows no sign of infection” sort of thing but no way would something like a brain scan be part of that.

It needs to be a doctor /nurse who can accurately interpret the report and field and potential questions.

It’s likely the scan is normal (and 🤞 it is) but in this sort of situation, it’s not always black and white. For example, the scan could say something like “normal brain structure but some areas of potential damage to blood vessels” or something like that.

Can you make a telephone appointment with the GP?

Original poster
CrystalBall101 · 24/01/2025 14:35

KevinAndTracy · 24/01/2025 14:35

I'd be amazed it a medical secretary was unable to distinguish between a letter saying everything is essentially normal and one that is reporting that there are significant abnormalities/ concerns

I hope you're right!

OP posts:
KevinAndTracy · 24/01/2025 14:35

I'd be amazed it a medical secretary was unable to distinguish between a letter saying everything is essentially normal and one that is reporting that there are significant abnormalities/ concerns

Original poster
CrystalBall101 · 24/01/2025 14:32

*now convinced

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