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    pastor1189's Avatar
    pastor1189 Posts: 1,538, Reputation: 3
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    #1

    Apr 23, 2015, 05:30 PM
    LabCorp Wants To Skip Doctors, Sell Blood Tests Direct To Consumers
    Wonder how that effect patients that have doctors already. The doctor orders blood tests that
    Are posted online, you can view your test results yourself. Do you think you will have to pay
    Labcorp to see your own blood test online?? Also how does that effect your insurance?
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #2

    Apr 23, 2015, 06:32 PM
    Where did this come from?

    Currently, for many tests, the blood is drawn at the doctor's office and sent to LabCorp if it is what we call a send-out. That means it is sent out because the lab in the office isn't capable of performing the test.

    Welcome me to the advent of the electronic medical record. No, it doesn't cost the consumer anything to view their results from the comfort of their own home.

    To add, LabCorp can't "skip the doctors." Who would order the tests? Doctors are necessary in order that the proper tests are ordered for the specific diagnosis so thatthe ailment can be treated properly.

    Where did you hear this Pastor?
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #3

    Apr 23, 2015, 08:08 PM
    Also, you can now view your entire medical record online.
    pastor1189's Avatar
    pastor1189 Posts: 1,538, Reputation: 3
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    #4

    Apr 24, 2015, 04:55 AM
    Thank you for your reassurance, it had me worry. My son found it on the site called
    Consumerist.Just recently Florida allowed persons to see their own lab reports online. Maybe it applies to persons that don't have doctors.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #5

    Apr 24, 2015, 04:57 AM
    It applies to everyone. Thank Nobama.

    Pastor, do you understand how the medical community works? I notice you have quite a few medical questions. I'm willing to help you understand better.
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    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #6

    Apr 24, 2015, 05:20 AM
    You see, only a doctor or nurse practitioner can order a test. That blood or urine test will be determined by what your symptoms are. Once those tests are ordered they can be done in the doctor's office, but some have to be sent out to labs. The results are then reported back to the doctor/nurse practitioner so that an official diagnosis can be made and treatment, if necessary, can be started.

    LabCorp has no authority to order or administer tests. All they do is collect and run the samples, then report the findings back to the practitioner.

    All medical facilities ties throughout the US were required to go to the electronic medical record in December or pay a hefty fine. All medical records, including lab work, hospital visits, and doctor's records are available online. This has nothing to do with whether you have insurance, and there is no extra cost to you n
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    pastor1189 Posts: 1,538, Reputation: 3
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    #7

    Apr 24, 2015, 05:28 AM
    Except from the report: Had me worry for a minute. States you can order a blood test directly from the lab without a doctors authorization


    This is already a growing segment of the medical testing industry. There are companies where you can order up your own blood tests directly, visiting a local lab–the same one your doctor might send you too–and receiving the results confidentially in the mail or in an online dashboard. For example, you can pay WellnessFX $988 and have 18 tubes of blood drawn, which will get you “VIP-level access to every biomarker [they] offer,” checking everything from your cholesterol and thyroid levels to your reproductive hormones.
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    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #8

    Apr 24, 2015, 06:40 AM
    Pastor, without having a medical degree, what would the results tell you? Would you know if you have over or under active thyroid (for example).

    I don't see this being beneficial to anyone but the lab who rapes your wallet because it makes you feel like you are taking your health in your hands rather than relying on your practitioner who knows what tests are, and are not, appropriate.

    It's just a salesman's pitch. Nothing more. Think of the old days and snake oil salesmen.
    talaniman's Avatar
    talaniman Posts: 54,327, Reputation: 10855
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    #9

    Apr 24, 2015, 06:43 AM
    LabCorp Wants To Skip Doctors, Sell Blood Tests Direct To Consumers – Consumerist

    LabCorp wants a piece of the direct-to-consumer lab test action. “t's a growth opportunity for us. It's something consumers increasingly want to have access to, and it's something we're doing already and our capabilities are being utilized without us getting the benefit from a branding perspective,” the company's CEO, David King, explained to Bloomberg BusinessWeek.
    What he's talking about is that LabCorp already provides lab services for some of the companies that sell tests to consumers, and now they'll be getting in the direct lab testing business themselves. They already offer a portal where patients can access the results of tests that their doctor ordered: allowing patients to order their own tests online simply removes a step from that process. What the company hopes to do is partner with a drugstore chain, something that competitor Quest Diagnostics tried in the past.
    Capitalism at its best. You still need a doctor to translate results for you but no doubt they have those too, but the bottom line is you pay cash to them.
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    #10

    Apr 24, 2015, 06:53 AM
    Have to spread the rep Tal. Capitalism. Even though the doctor will have to review the tests, each lab has slightly different values. So, it's quite possible the doctor will want the tests repeated. Therefore, more money out of the consumer's pocket.
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    pastor1189 Posts: 1,538, Reputation: 3
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    #11

    Apr 24, 2015, 07:32 AM
    Blood tests have ranges, also they tell you if your particular blood factor is within the normal range. Most of the explanations are clear-cut. Also on the last page. They have recommendations that are irregularities to discuss with your doctor.

    Blood tests have ranges, also they tell you if your particular blood factor is within the normal range. Most of the explanations are clear-cut. Also on the last page. They have recommendations that are irregularities to discuss with your doctor.
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    talaniman Posts: 54,327, Reputation: 10855
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    #12

    Apr 24, 2015, 07:53 AM
    That's great if you have a grand for the tests.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #13

    Apr 24, 2015, 08:25 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by pastor1189 View Post
    Blood tests have ranges, also they tell you if your particular blood factor is within the normal range. Most of the explanations are clear-cut. Also on the last page. They have recommendations that are irregularities to discuss with your doctor.

    Blood tests have ranges, also they tell you if your particular blood factor is within the normal range. Most of the explanations are clear-cut. Also on the last page. They have recommendations that are irregularities to discuss with your doctor.
    That's all good if you understand the implications of the ranges.

    Without looking it up, please tell me the normal ranges are for a T3, T4, and TSH.

    Without looking it up, tell me what the difference is between a CBC with differential and a CBC without differential.

    The layperson doesn't know, and the internet can be dangerous.

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