Despite More Tests, Some Aren't Getting Results

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And electronic records are not a panacea, he said, noting that the VA hospitals in which the study was done make extensive use of electronic record-keeping.

"This is a national problem, not a Veteran's Administration problem," said Cram, a health services researcher at the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

So what can patients do? Keep a written record of the diagnostic tests, including what they were for, Cram suggests. Find out when you should hear back on the results, he said, and if you haven't heard in a timely manner, make sure you or your doctor follows up.

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"Ultimately, it's your health," Cram said. "Be proactive about it."

More information

The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has information on medical test results.

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