Understanding Your Test Results

How to talk to your doctor about what you see

Did you know?

MyHealthNL powered by MyChart gives you real-time access to your health info, all in one spot: lab results, medical and diagnostic imaging reports, clinical notes and assessments, diagnoses, medications, and more.

Now, both you and your provider may access your test results online as soon as they’re ready.

Your provider is still responsible for reviewing your results and following up, if needed. Seeing your results can help you have a more informed conversation with your provider.

What to ask when your provider orders a test

“What is this test for, and what will the results tell you?”

“What should I expect to see, and what would be considered normal for me?”

“Will you contact me when the results are ready, or should I book a follow-up?”

“Could there be something in the results or notes that might worry me, but shouldn’t?”

What to expect when you see your results

Lab results may appear in number values or text values and will display with a reference range to show if they are within the expected norm.

Within Normal Range means the laboratory flagged the result as being within the reference range or expected norm:

Outside Normal Range means the laboratory flagged the result as outside the reference range or expected norm:

If a result is out of range (or if something looks flagged or unexpected) it may not necessarily be critical. It’s best to make an appointment with your provider to discuss the results.

What to do when you see your results

Allow some time for your provider to review the results and determine the necessary next steps for your care
If you have questions or concerns, book an appointment with your provider
Clinical notes may include medical terms — you can use our MyHealthNL Health Library as a trusted source for health education information

How to talk to your provider about your results

Let your provider know you’ve reviewed results or notes in MyHealthNL
Share any specific results, terms or information that concerned or confused you
Ask your provider to explain what the information means for you
Ask what next the steps are (further testing, treatment, monitoring, or no action needed)
Ask how you can follow up, if required

Your lab results are available to you and your health care provider at the same time — this means you may see your results before they do. Please follow any usual consultation process as directed by the provider who ordered your test.

If you were not given direction, follow up directly with your health care provider or call 811.

Medical imaging and pathology reports

Medical imaging is available to you without delay
These reports contain medical terminology that can be difficult to understand without medical training
Reports do not include images
A typical report may contain history (why the test was ordered), findings (what was observed), and comparison (how your results compare to a previous test)
It is always your choice to wait and review the report together with your provider rather than reviewing it on your own
If you have questions, make an appointment with your provider