Expert: Walter Hintz - 12/3/2011

Question
I went for a flu shot back in September 2011. My PCP took routine blood tests but I did not hear from her about the test results until today - three months later. She said my hemoglobin was elevated slightly and she wants me to come back in 2012 after the holidays for another blood test. Do I really have to go back? I mean if she did not contact me until three months later and said I dont have to come in immediately and do I have anything to worry about?

Answer
 Hi Debbie:
It seems to me that there is no serious health problem here but I have not seen the results of the test. Ask to see the test results. They have to give them to you. Is this a doctor that ordered the tests? Ask for an explanation as to why you need another test.
Some doctors when they see a slight abnormality want to "cover their butts" so to speak