Understanding Your Lab Results: Our Communication Approach
At Midcoast Health Collective, we believe that lab results are most valuable when properly interpreted within the context of your full health picture. Numbers alone rarely tell the complete story of what's happening in your body.
Our Standard Process
When labs are ordered:
We carefully select tests that will provide meaningful insights for your specific situation
Results typically arrive within 3-7 business days (sometimes longer for specialty testing)
Our office reviews incoming results to identify any urgent findings requiring immediate attention
Results are discussed during your scheduled follow-up appointment, where we can:
Interpret findings in the context of your symptoms and health history
Answer questions thoroughly and address concerns compassionately
Develop a thoughtful plan based on the complete clinical picture
Provide education about what the results mean for your unique body
This approach prevents the anxiety and confusion that can occur when viewing results without proper context or interpretation.
Why We Take This Approach
Lab results can be complex and easily misinterpreted without proper clinical context. Numbers that appear "abnormal" may be perfectly normal for your body, while seemingly "normal" results might still indicate areas needing support when considered alongside your symptoms and history.
Our commitment to intentional, thoughtful care means creating space for comprehensive interpretation rather than piecemeal discussions. This honors both the complexity of your health and the value of our clinical expertise.
Special Circumstances
Urgent Findings: If your results reveal something requiring immediate attention, we will contact you promptly rather than waiting for your scheduled appointment.
Direct Requests: While our standard practice is to review results together at your appointment, we understand there may be circumstances where you need earlier access. If you specifically request your lab results before your scheduled appointment:
Please submit your request in writing through our patient portal
We can provide these results within 5 business days of your request
We strongly recommend waiting for your appointment for proper interpretation
If you choose to review results early, please understand that messaging-based interpretation is not available; any questions will need to be addressed at your appointment
Access After Your Appointment
Following your appointment, you will receive a printed copy of your lab results. The lab reports will also be available through your patient portal for your records and reference.
Note:
This page is here to help you understand how things generally work in our clinic. While we do our best to keep everything current, policies and pricing may change over time. For the most accurate and personalized information, please refer to your intake documents or reach out to our team directly.