When talking to your doctor, and discussing diagnostic results, it's easy for them to glaze over a report and issue an "all clear" - no problems.
You should become familiar with this simple reply: "By how much?" or perhaps "What was loosely or relatively borderline?"
By simply accepting the no problems found response, several important contributing factors could be overlooked. In fact, you can see for yourself! It's actually quite elementary to read a lab report!
If you understand things like greater-than and less-than, great, otherwise give the report to a kid, they can do it for you. Don't be intimidated by big sounding words or acronyms. There's a phenomenal website called Lab Tests Online that will break down pesky test names that you may not understand.
As an example, look at this entry for Glucose. Will you understand the entire read-out? Unlikely. However, you will understand the highlights, the effects, why it's important and what the results mean. Maybe you want to do further research, or learn more about components of the article that were less understood.
Keeping tabs on your lab tests are important. If the doctor feels that results showing out-of-range values still "are just fine", you should consider why they're billing you and your insurance for the visit. It's tough to fault the doctor for his behavior in this situation - this is how they're trained in med school. Don't alarm anyone.
Do you your homework, as mentioned above. Look at those numbers. Each result in the report has significance, even if it's an indication of good health. Compare your symptoms, issues, and complaints against the results. When you come back to the table and confront your doctor in the next visit, be inquisitive, but never accusational.
By asking these questions, your doctor will delve further into behaviorisms of the ailment. Pay close attention to the conversation, and don't be afraid AT ALL to suggest the next steps towards treatment. Help them help you. Don't be a patient, be an investigator.
