Getting Your Own Bloodwork Without Your Doctor

Today, my friend shared her story of frustration as she went back to her doctor to check on a sore area with a lump. It has been weeks since her mastectomy, and she was concerned. Rather than getting to see her doctor, she was seen by a nurse practitioner. In addition, the technician taking her scans seemed to be doing so while being trained. All of these things didn't alleviate my friend's concerns. 

Her oncologist is not supposed to recheck her labs for another four months. Well, as we know and have heard often, cancer cells can multiply very quickly. 

I had also previously suggested that she ask her doctor for an order for a nutritional lab panel, as we are working to help her add in more nutrition for her post-chemotherapy healing. Rather than her getting that, they suggested she go to her PCP doctor for this bloodwork (pass the buck). She does not have a current PCP. The one she had been recommended to is not accepting new patients. To find another one requires research, time, energy, and a lot of trial and error to find the right fit. 

Due to the ever changing climate of health insurance and our doctors who continue to change which insurance coverages they take, it seems fewer and fewer of us have the luxury of having a PCP (Primary Care Physician); especially one who would know us well enough, and long enough, to be the central care overseer of her entire cancer treatment plan.

The whole things just irritates me. People who are sick are being put in charge of their own care teams. It's just not right. 

Fortunately, there is something she (and you) can do.

You can order you own labs. Skip having to wait to find a new doctor. Don't give up when your doctor refuses to give you the labs you are wanting to know because they are not "standard protocol".

Here are some bloodwork lab resources, there are most likely others:

Online Blood Testing Labs | Bloodwork Labs | Personalabs

Lab Testing Near You | Any Lab Test Now

You simply order the labs you want, and you take the slip to the local lab facility. You may even be able to submit the receipt to your health insurance for reimbursement.

However, even if the labs are not covered by your insurance, they are priced in a more affordable price range - some as low as $39. I've seen lab bills $200-$400 for one lab item from Quest labs. It's insane.

I highly suggest we use these options not only to get a better idea of our health, but to keep our medical financial system more accountable and affordable by offering the competition.

To your health!

~Rachelle :)