Is it customary for people to receive HIV test results in person only, even if the results are negative? I got paperwork back from the doctor's office, reporting all my pregnancy, pap smear, and STD tests as negative, but saying that the results of the HIV test have to be received in person. I was hoping some one here would know if this is just done for everyone because of confidentiality and legal reasons, or if I could have possibly had a positive result.
TazziRN, RN 6,487 Posts Jul 12, 2007 This is normal. Some docs will tell you on the phone but many don't like to.
caldje 177 Posts Jul 12, 2007 depending on the state you live in. some require "post test counseling" and "pre test counseling" by law..which may have to be done in person.
brandi110 76 Posts Jul 12, 2007 This is customary, everytime I take the test I have to go in person to recieve the results.
SweetLadyJ 74 Posts Specializes in I have an interest in Travel and OB/L&D. Jul 12, 2007 bth44, I hope your results are negative! (I'm pretty sure they are). :)
Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP 17 Articles; 5,259 Posts Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery. Jul 12, 2007 I have never heard of HIV results NOT being given in person, for the same reasons mentioned above. If my results were negative, I personally wouldn't care if someone gave them to me over the phone but I sure would like them to be in person if they were positive!!
fultzymom 645 Posts Jul 12, 2007 I had a needle stick at work, found out the pt was negative, so knew I would be, but they still made me come back to the Occ Health to get my results. They would not give them to me over the phone.Leslie
