Patients may now get lab results without a doctor's help

Patients or their representatives may now see their medical test results directly from the laboratory, rather than having to request them from a doctor's office, according to a new rule announced Monday. "Information like lab results can empower patients to track their health progress, make decisions with their health care professionals and adhere to important treatment plans," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. Although people may still get their results from their doctors, the new rule changes the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act so they may also get personal health information from a laboratory.