Understanding results
Discuss blood-test results with an online GP
A HerDoc GP can help you understand your blood-test results and what they may mean for you. You can upload results from another clinic during intake, then talk through why the tests were done, how you are feeling and what questions you want answered.
Can an online GP help explain my blood-test results?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can help you understand your blood-test results. Upload the report during intake, then talk through what the tests were checking, how you are feeling and whether any follow-up may be needed. The doctor may recommend another test if it would help answer the question.
What can a high, low or borderline result mean?
A result marked high, low or borderline does not always mean something is wrong. In the same way, a result inside the listed range may not explain why you still feel unwell.
Your GP will look at why the test was ordered, your symptoms, medicines and supplements, previous results and whether anything has changed over time. This helps them explain what the result may mean for you rather than focusing on one number by itself.
Have your results handy
Upload your results during intake if they were ordered by another clinic. The full report is helpful, but the most important thing is to discuss why the tests were done, what you have noticed and what you want the GP to explain.
Previous results, a list of your medicines and supplements, and any advice already given by the ordering doctor can also help. You do not need to interpret the report before the appointment.
Write down the question you most want answered. For example: Is this change meaningful for me? Does it fit my symptoms? Do I need another test, treatment discussion or a different assessment?
Ask about high, low and borderline values
Your GP can explain which values matter most for the original question and whether several results need to be read together. You can ask:
The range shown on a report can differ between laboratories. Your GP can explain how the result compares with the range on your report and whether that difference matters for you.
- What does this result measure?
- Is the change important in my situation?
- Could medicines, supplements, illness, timing or preparation have affected it?
- How does it compare with my previous result?
- What symptoms or changes should I watch for?
Possible next steps after the discussion
The next step depends on the result, the reason for testing and how you feel. It may be an explanation with no immediate change, monitoring, repeat testing, another test, treatment discussion, referral or an examination.
For HerDoc-requested tests, results are generally returned to HerDoc and you will be notified when they arrive. You then book a separate, paid HerDoc consultation to discuss the result and what happens next. If the result was ordered elsewhere, upload it during intake so the GP can review what you have available.
Normal-looking results do not end the conversation
If the report looks normal but symptoms continue, discuss this with the GP. The original test may not have been designed to answer every possible cause, or the symptoms may need a different kind of assessment.
Avoid changing medicines or starting high-dose supplements based only on a result you have read yourself. Discuss the report and your symptoms first.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms
- A result accompanied by dangerous symptoms
- Concerns needing immediate examination, monitoring or treatment
When to seek urgent care
Follow any urgent instructions already given by the ordering doctor or laboratory. Seek immediate help for severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms, and call 000 for an emergency. A GP may recommend in-person care when the result or your symptoms require examination, immediate treatment, repeat sampling or close monitoring.
- Chest pain or severe breathing difficulty
- Fainting or severe weakness
- New neurological symptoms
- Severe bleeding or rapid deterioration
Bring your result and your biggest question
Have your results handy and talk with a HerDoc GP about why the test was done, how you are feeling and what you want explained.
Related pages
FAQs
Can a different GP explain a test ordered elsewhere?
Yes. A different GP can discuss a report you have and help explain what it may mean. Previous results, information from the ordering doctor or other records can help if they are available.
How do I provide a copy of my results to the GP?
Upload the results during intake before your appointment. The full report is helpful because it gives the GP more context than a single result or screenshot.
What does a result outside the reference range mean?
It means the value sits outside the range shown by that laboratory, but it does not by itself confirm a health problem. A doctor needs to consider the reason for testing, your symptoms, medicines, health history and the rest of the report.
Why do reference ranges differ between laboratories?
Laboratories may use different testing methods, equipment and reference populations. Read a value against the range printed on the same report, and avoid comparing numbers from different laboratories without a doctor explaining the context.
What if my results look normal but I still have symptoms?
Keep discussing the symptoms rather than assuming a normal-looking report ends the question. The GP may revisit the history, examine other causes or discuss a different assessment or follow-up plan.
Can one blood test confirm a diagnosis?
Sometimes a result contributes strongly to a diagnosis, but many health questions need symptoms, examination, repeat results or other tests as well. Ask what the test can and cannot tell you in your situation.
Will I need repeat testing?
Repeat testing may be useful when a result needs confirmation, monitoring or comparison over time. The GP will consider the original question, the size and pattern of any change, symptoms and factors that may have affected the sample.
Can the GP explain several blood-test results in one appointment?
You can bring several results to the appointment and identify the questions that matter most to you. The time and context needed will depend on the number and complexity of the reports, so prioritise the main concern and have the complete documents ready.
Can blood-test results be discussed by phone?
Blood-test results can often be discussed in a phone appointment when the GP has the report and enough context. Some results or symptoms may still require an examination or local assessment.
Can the GP recommend treatment after reviewing my results?
The GP can discuss treatment options if the report, history and assessment support that conversation. They may instead recommend more information, repeat testing, referral or assessment before treatment is decided.
Can the GP provide a specialist referral after discussing my results?
The GP may provide a specialist referral when the result and broader assessment support it. They may also suggest further information, an examination or another next step first.
What happens if a result needs urgent follow-up?
Act on any instructions from the ordering doctor or laboratory and seek medical help without waiting for a routine appointment. Call 000 for an emergency; otherwise use the advised local service or contact the responsible clinic promptly.
Who contacts me if a HerDoc-requested result is abnormal?
Results from HerDoc-requested tests are generally returned to HerDoc, and you will be notified when they arrive. You then book an appointment with a GP to review the result. If your symptoms worsen while you are waiting, seek medical advice sooner.
Can HerDoc automatically see tests ordered by another clinic?
No. Upload results from another clinic during intake so the GP can review them during your appointment. Include the full report and any relevant letter or earlier result if you have them.
Is a result-review consultation included in the original consultation fee?
No. Each HerDoc consultation has its own fee, so you pay for the appointment used to review your result. You will be notified when a HerDoc-requested result arrives and can then book the review.