Time Table For EMG Results

[CatM]

I had another thread here (Undergoing Tests For ALS), which has been locked to further replies. I presume, because so much time has past since I began it.
My question is, when can I expect my EMG results? Its been 3 weeks since I had it (August 22), upper and lower extremity, and no results yet.
The doctor did say she saw neuropathy right off, as well as carpel tunnel in both wrists and hands.
Thanks for your time.

 

[Nikki J]

They should be accessible somewhere. If there is a patient portal and you are not signed up do so. There is a rule in the US that almost all tests and notes need to beavailable promptly. Most practices handle this through a portal. If you are waiting for a call to discuss them it may not happen unless you were promised so. If no portal call the office and ask where to find them. It shouldn’t be request them and it takes a month

 

[CatM]

Thanks Nikki for responding. Yes I have a patient portal account as well as have called my primary multiple times, who was the ordering physician.
I've also called neurodiagnostics, which performed the test.
I just cant get my results, and dont know what to do at this point.
As a result of the PET scan my primary ordered as well, my shoulder muscle lit up around the joint, that isnt inflamation or infection. She ordered a follow up MRI per the radiologist recomendation. She agreed with him, stating "its in an odd place". She also said being that its in the muscle it could be connected to my muscle issues.
They couldnt get clear images on the MRI, due to my pesky breathing. I've never had that to happen with an MRI before.

 

[Nikki J]

Is neurodiagnostics part of the portal group? They would be the ones who are responsible for the timely posting.

 

[CatM]

Yes it is.

 

[Nikki J]

The results indubitably exist. Put a request in writing or perhaps there is a way on the portal. If they use epic there is because I have used it

 

[CatM]

I already have, mutiple times.
Primary isnt reading my messages but is getting them. I was told this by the office clerks.

 

[CatM]

I've sent written request to neurodiagnostics as well, through the portal.

 

[Nikki J]

A nuclear option What should I do if my doctor does not give me access to my records? | HealthIT.gov.

 

[CatM]

Thanks, Nikki.
So you're saying 3 weeks is a little far out there.

 

[Nikki J]

If they are ignoring requests and not putting it on the portal yes. I know at mgh the reports now happen the same day. It is mostly automated. Before they went on the portal I think they said give your doctor a week

Unless the emg doctor was suddenly taken ill I don’t see why it would take so long

 

[CatM]

She hasnt been taken ill, at least not to my knowledge. They said she was there last week.

 

[Nikki J]

I suppose the neurodiagnostics place could have a policy of the ordering clinician giving results It is also possible the ordering pcp doesn’t know what the test means and is trying to consult someone. This is just speculation but you did say you had neuropathy

 

[CatM]

Yes, she told me she saw neuropathy as well as carpel tunnel in both wrists.
I dont know what kind of neuropathy, without the written results though.

 

[CatM]

To update, I finally heard back from my primary last Friday, the one who ordered the EMG.
She said she'd called the doctor who reads the results, which happens to be the one who did the second part of the test. Primary is waiting for a call back.
Primary also said they have slow reads there, whatever that means. Primary has also ordered an ultrasound of my shoulder, at my request. She said it could at tell her if its a mass or not, in my muscle.
I just hope primary gets the correct shoulder this time. She got the wrong shoulder on the second reorder of the MRI, and I caught the error in time.
Central Scheduling is still calling me, trying to schedule an MRI of the correct shoulder, which I've already attempted.
The doctor who was performing the EMG advised me to go outside of this area "where the doctors know more" and my primary has as well, to seek answers.