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In 2021, the 21st Century Cures Act required your medical test results to be posted in your online medical records as soon as they're available. Not as helpful as you might think. Those medical-speak pronouncements are often there for you to read before your doctor has seen them and long before any medical professional reaches out to you to discuss what they mean for you.

A study in JAMA Network Open shows that almost 70% of patients see their test results before their doctor does and only 35% of those folks claim they understand them very well. Around the same number say their understanding is poor or only fairly good. That lack of comprehension fuels anxiety, anger and confusion, according to health care systems and providers.

The solution if you don't understand the results? Call the doctor when you get the online message that your results have been posted and schedule an appointment (or tele-appointment) to discuss. You also can ask your doctor to join the growing movement to revise the Care Act, so results are written in a more patient-friendly way, and they're not posted until after they've been reviewed. One thing NOT to do: Google for online analysis or use AI to tell you what it all means. The results should be personalized to benefit your specific health conditions. The same results may mean hospitalization for one person and good progress for another.

Once you have talked with your doctor about the results, receive more support and info at 4YOUngevity.com.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.