Have you ever wished you could order your own lab tests? It is a little-known fact that individuals are able to order lab tests without a prescription from their doctor. Unless you live in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts or Rhode Island, you can order medical lab tests from Private MD Labs or other similar websites. The company is allowed to order the desired tests from the lab. Routine tests can be obtained. Various categories of tests can be performed, such as HIV and other STDs, environmental toxins, gastrointestinal diseases, male-specific or female-specific diseases, kidney diseases and many more.
Some People Try Self-diagnosis
There are people who want to try self-diagnosis or want the peace of mind that comes from ruling out specific diseases. There are dangers in self-diagnosis, but some people without medical insurance cannot afford to see a doctor. For them, self-ordered lab tests provide a less expensive alternative.
The following information is obtained from the web pages of Private MD Labs. I have not availed myself of their services, but I plan to do so.
Anonymous Lab Tests are Possible
It is possible to order lab tests anonymously, if you pay by gift card, money order, cashier’s check, or by making a deposit in the bank account of the company providing the service. There are times when a person does not want a family member or their insurance company to see the results of the test.
I Can Order My Own Hemoglobin A1c Test
I am diabetic and need a Hemoglobin A1c blood test periodically. The test indicates your average blood glucose for the past two or three months. I like to have the test between visits to my doctor to be sure I have reasonable glucose control. The test is available from Private MD Labs for $44.49. I will select a lab near my home. In my case, it will be a LabCorp office about 10 blocks from my home. LabCorp operates one of the world’s largest clinical laboratory networks. Most tests do not require an appointment.
I know what the acceptable range is for the A1c readings and can take remedial action. If my test is normal, I will not mention it to my doctor. If my reading is high, I might ask him to consider increasing my diabetes medication. I may try to control my glucose by more exercise, losing weight and eating more low-glycemic foods.
Some Tests Can Avoid a Charge for a Doctor’s Visit
I take Coumadin for anti-coagulant therapy, which necessitates a monthly PT/INR test to determine the clotting ability of my blood. If I did not have insurance, I would probably purchase my monthly test through Private MD Labs. That would be less expensive than obtaining it at my doctor’s office, where I would also have a charge for the visit.
Another reason for ordering some of my own tests is that my doctor is usually irritated when I request additional lab tests. He interprets that as doubting his judgment.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional of any kind. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not the purpose of this article to give medical advice. Any actions you take or do not take as a result of reading this article, you do so at your own risk. Always seek advice from a doctor before making any health care decisions.
Source: Private MD Labs
