Questions You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Ask

October is Health Literacy Month, a good reminder that understanding your health information is an important part of taking care of yourself. 

So you had some blood work done. A few days later, your test results appear in your patient portal. Does an abnormal result mean something is wrong? What if everything is marked “normal,” but you still don’t feel well? And what are you supposed to do with all those numbers?

If you’ve ever felt confused by medical test results, you’re not alone.

At South Tabor Family Physicians, we believe patients should feel comfortable asking questions and participating in decisions about their care. Let’s look at what medical test results can tell you, what they can’t, and how to get the answers you need.

What Do Those Numbers Actually Mean?

Many medical tests, especially blood tests, include something called a reference range. This is a range of values that a laboratory uses to help interpret a test result. For example, your report might show:

• Your result: 105
• Reference range: 70–99
• Status: High

It’s natural to feel concerned when you see a number outside the expected range. But here’s something important to understand: An abnormal result doesn’t always mean you have a medical problem. And a normal result doesn’t always mean everything is fine.

Reference ranges can vary between laboratories. Results may also be affected by your age, medications, health history, recent meals, and other factors. Some results that fall just outside a reference range may not be concerning. Others may need follow-up, even when the difference seems small. Your provider looks at the bigger picture, not just one number.

Why Your Results Need Context

Think of medical test results as pieces of a puzzle. One result may provide useful information, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Your primary care provider may consider:

• Your symptoms and how you’ve been feeling
• Your medical and family history
• Medications or supplements you take
• Previous test results and changes over time
• Other tests or findings from your examination

For example, a cholesterol test can help identify heart disease risk. But your cholesterol numbers aren’t the only things that matter. Blood pressure, smoking history, diabetes, age, and other factors may also influence recommendations.

Similarly, a blood sugar result may mean different things depending on which test was performed and whether you had eaten beforehand. The important question isn’t just “Is my number normal?” It’s “What does this result mean for my health?”

What If You See Your Results Before Your Doctor Contacts You?

Today, many patients can view test results online as soon as they’re available. That can be helpful, but it can also create confusion. You may see a result before your provider has reviewed it or before all your tests have been completed.

If something looks unusual, try not to jump to conclusions based on a single number or an internet search.

Instead, look for any instructions or messages from your care team. If you’re unsure what a result means or haven’t received guidance about an important finding, contact your provider’s office. And remember, not every result requires treatment, but some results do require timely follow-up.

If your report includes urgent instructions, follow them. Don’t wait for a routine appointment to address severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Five Questions You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Ask

You don’t need to understand every medical term to take an active role in your health care. Sometimes the most useful thing you can do is ask a simple question. Here are five good places to start:

1. What does this result mean for me?

Ask your provider to explain the finding in everyday language and how it relates to your health.

2. Is this result something I should be concerned about?

A result outside the reference range may or may not require action. Understanding its importance can help you know what comes next.

3. How does this compare with my previous results?

Changes over time can sometimes be more useful than one result by itself.

4. Do I need to do anything differently?

Find out whether your provider recommends medication, lifestyle changes, additional testing, or simply continued monitoring.

5. When should I follow up?

Ask whether you need another test or appointment, when it should happen, and what symptoms should prompt you to contact the office sooner.

And if an explanation still doesn’t make sense, it’s okay to say: “Could you explain that another way?” You deserve information you can understand.

A Few Simple Ways to Be More Involved in Your Care

Understanding your health information doesn’t mean you need to become a medical expert. It means having enough information to make decisions and know what to do next. A few habits can help:

• Write down your questions. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask during an appointment.
• Keep track of your medications. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
• Ask for plain-language explanations. Medical terms can be confusing, and it’s always okay to ask what they mean.
• Repeat important instructions in your own words. This can help confirm that you understand the next steps.
• Know your follow-up plan. Before leaving an appointment, make sure you know whether additional tests, treatment, or another visit is needed.

If you use a patient portal, it can also be helpful to keep track of messages, results, and instructions in one place.

Good Health Care Starts With Good Communication

Medical tests can provide valuable information, but understanding that information is just as important. You shouldn’t have to guess what your results mean, feel embarrassed about asking questions, or leave an appointment unsure of what happens next.

There are no silly questions when it comes to understanding your health.

At South Tabor Family Physicians, we encourage patients to be active participants in their care. Whether you’re reviewing lab results, discussing a diagnosis, or deciding on next steps, your questions are an important part of the conversation. Because good health care isn’t just about getting answers. It’s about understanding them.

Helpful Resources

MedlinePlus — Understanding Laboratory Test Results
Learn what reference ranges mean, why results may fall outside the expected range, and how laboratory tests are interpreted.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality — Questions Are the Answer
Find helpful tips for asking questions before, during, and after medical appointments.

MedlinePlus — Talking With Your Doctor
Learn how to prepare for appointments, communicate concerns, and better understand your medical care.

South Tabor Family Physicians has been caring for individuals and families in the Portland community for more than 60 years, offering comprehensive care at every stage of life.

We’re conveniently located right off I-205 and are accepting new patients. Call 503-261-7200 to schedule your next visit or get to know our providers here. https://www.southtabor.com/meet-our-providers/