Will an ER Doctor Inform My Primary Doctor If I Have Weed in My System?

Many individuals may wonder if their emergency room (ER) doctors will inform their primary doctors about substances present in their system, particularly if a regular chest pain blood test or a routine blood test from their primary doctor is conducted. This is a common concern, as medical transparency is crucial for comprehensive and effective healthcare. In this article, we delve into the details of how medical information is shared, the role of blood tests in drug detection, and the importance of honesty in medical consultations.

Sharing of Medical Records

When multiple doctors are involved in a patient's care, it is essential that the information is accessible to all relevant healthcare providers. In many healthcare systems, EMRs (Electronic Medical Records) play a crucial role in sharing information between primary care physicians and specialists like ER doctors.

For example, as described in a relevant case, a patient's primary physician was informed about a trip to the ER for diarrhea, where additional lab tests were ordered. This happened because the records were stored in the EMR system, allowing for a comprehensive view of the patient's health history. Similarly, a psychiatrist was able to see records indicating a visit to urgent care, enabling a more informed discussion about the patient's medication and overall health.

Blood Tests and Drug Detection

It is important to understand that regular blood tests do not inherently detect drugs unless specific tests are ordered. Unless a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) test is specifically requested, a standard blood test will not reveal whether a patient has used marijuana. This is because standard blood tests typically check for specific medical conditions rather than the presence of recreational or medicinal substances.

To illustrate, when an individual is admitted to a behavioral health unit through the ER, a drug test is usually conducted with a urine sample, as opposed to a blood test. This is due to the easier method of collecting a urine sample and the established protocol for such testing. Some healthcare providers, such as residents, might inform the medical records about substance use, but this is usually intended to provide a complete medical history rather than a lecture.

Transparency and Honesty

Transparency between patients and their medical teams is crucial for effective healthcare. It is generally recommended that patients disclose their substance use, including the use of marijuana, to their healthcare providers. Doing so allows for more informed and personalized care. For instance, eight years of patients disclosing their marijuana use in previous studies indicate that honesty can lead to better healthcare outcomes.

One resident even warned of potential adverse effects of marijuana on mental health, such as triggering schizophrenia. However, most healthcare providers, upon receiving such information, simply incorporate it into the patient’s medical record and continue with the consultation, focusing on the patient's overall health and well-being.

Access to Medical Records

It is worth noting that the completeness of the information shared between doctors depends on the availability of access to EMRs and the patient's permission to share information. In some instances, if both the ER and primary care doctors use the same patient portal and the patient has given explicit permission, the primary doctor can access the ER records in real-time. This is particularly useful in cases where the patient has visited the ER for an unrelated condition, but the information might be pertinent to their ongoing care.

Drug Screening and Relevance

Drug screening, such as THC testing, is usually not performed unless there is suspicion of substance abuse or a specific reason, such as driving under the influence. However, in cases where the drug test is relevant (e.g., after a trauma or in a behavioral health evaluation), the results are typically shared with the primary healthcare provider as part of the patient's follow-up care. This ensures that the primary doctor has all the necessary information to provide comprehensive care.

It is also a rare scenario for a standard blood test to be ordered for the purpose of detecting marijuana or other substances unless there is a specific indication, such as liver function testing.

Conclusion

In summary, the information from an ER visit, including results from blood tests, will generally be shared with a primary doctor, especially if it is relevant to the patient's ongoing care and health history. Honesty with your medical team can lead to better care and more informed decision-making. If you have any concerns or questions about the sharing of information between your healthcare providers, it is best to discuss them directly with your primary doctor.