Being “red flagged” by a doctor means the doctor has identified symptoms or test results that are concerning and warrant further investigation. This does not necessarily mean you have a serious medical condition, but it does mean additional steps should be taken to rule out or diagnose a problem.
Common Reasons for a Red Flag
There are many possible reasons a doctor may raise a red flag. Some examples include:
- Abnormal vital signs like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or fever
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Severe or unexplained pain
- Significant lab test abnormalities like high white blood cell count or positive cancer screening test
- Suspicious imaging findings like a lung nodule on X-ray
- Family history or risk factors for serious diseases like cancer or heart disease
- New neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, or slurred speech
- Repeated infections or illness that won’t resolve
- Unexplained symptoms that persist over time
What Happens After a Red Flag
If your doctor raises a red flag during your visit, they will likely recommend further testing to get more information. This may include:
- Additional blood or urine tests
- Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound
- Referral to a specialist for consultation
- Procedures like endoscopy or biopsy
Your doctor should explain why they are concerned and what additional evaluations they would like you to undergo. Being red flagged does not mean you definitely have a serious problem. Oftentimes, additional testing provides reassurance that things are normal.
What Red Flags Mean for Your Health
While being red flagged can cause anxiety, try to see it as your doctor being thorough. Expressing concern and ordering further testing when warning signs are present is a key part of providing quality care. As a patient, a red flag means you should:
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations for additional testing
- Ask questions to understand why they are concerned
- Educate yourself about possible conditions being evaluated
- Make prompt appointments and complete recommended tests
- Communicate any new symptoms or changes in your health
- Stay calm and avoid self-diagnosing online
With the right follow up, potential problems can be caught early or ruled out. If a condition is found, you can get treatment started quickly. Being red flagged means your doctor is actively investigating to get you answers and appropriate care.
When to Question a Red Flag
While most red flags are warranted, there are times you may want to question or get a second opinion on your doctor’s concerns, such as if:
- The red flag is based on a minor lab value or symptom change
- They recommend a large, expensive work-up without clear explanation
- You already completed testing recently that addressed the concern
- Their suspicions don’t match your symptoms or health history
- The red flag leads to excessive, repetitive, or unnecessary testing
Advocate for yourself if the red flag does not make sense based on your situation or experience. However, when in doubt, it is best to trust your doctor’s judgment and complete their recommended evaluation.
Conclusion
Being red flagged simply means your doctor has noticed something about your health that warrants a closer look. Try not to automatically assume the worst. With the right follow up, the red flag will either prompt diagnosis and treatment if there is an underlying problem, or provide reassurance that things are ok. Being thorough is a sign of a good doctor. Your health is in good hands when concerns don’t get brushed aside or missed. Listen to your doctor, complete further testing, and continue communicating openly about your symptoms and health history.