Immediate access to health test results can be a mixed bag for patients

Patients can access their own health records — including test results — as soon as they're available. While it might sound beneficial, in some cases, people are receiving life-changing diagnoses before their doctors have a chance to speak with them.

The accessibility is due to legislation that went into effect in 2021 called the 21st Century Cures Act. 

It is designed to give patients easier access to electronic health records and quicker access to medical innovations, but experts say it comes with an unintended side effect.