Through a Direct Access Laboratory As with home testing, direct access testing (DAT) has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Currently, 34 states permit health care consumers to order their own lab tests – without a medical order from their health care provider. Also known as patient authorized testing, DAT is another reflection of how health-conscious Americans have become and the opportunities available for them to take a more active role in their own health care.
In some respects, direct access testing has been around for a while. Over-the-counter home tests are a type of DAT since they do not require a prescription and can be bought and used at the consumer’s discretion. Now, the trend has expanded to include laboratories offering clinical tests at the patient’s request. In retail centers in Colorado, Montana, Missouri, Kansas, and Utah, patients can walk into a lab and request certain lab tests; wellness centers offer health screens and other lab tests; and free-standing and mobile testing facilities offer screening tests to the public, such as in grocery stores.
Most DAT labs limit the availability of tests to simple, general health tests such as
complete blood counts (CBC),
cholesterol levels,
throat and
urine cultures,
diabetes screening (
blood glucose tests),
chemistry panels,
PSA for
prostate cancer,
thyroid tests,
HIV antibody tests,
blood typing,
pregnancy tests, and
urine drug screens.
Theoretical or real advantages of direct access testing are that it may reduce costs for the patient by eliminating the expense of doctor’s office visits and can provide vital information to patients who are concerned with a particular health problem or who may otherwise avoid testing due to inconvenience or concerns over anonymity. However, most insurance companies do not cover tests requested and performed in this manner; therefore, you should expect to pay out-of-pocket for the lab’s services. In addition, while responsible labs will provide its consumers with
reference ranges for the tests and some assistance in interpreting the results, you are not operating with the guidance of your physician, who may be able to better determine not only what tests you really need but is also more experienced in interpreting the results of those tests in light of your clinical signs, symptoms, and medical and family history.
