So why cant we get lab tests done without doctor's orders?

[DesiPower]

Suppose I want to know my blood cholesterol level, triglycerides or blood sugar, why cant I just want into a lab and ask for the test? Why the F do I need a doctors order or permission to do that? There is no possible danger to me from the test, if I am willing to pay, why cant i get it? The only word come to my mind to for the situation is collusion and gouging, screw American doctors and the medical system

/random_daily_rant

 

[Dirigible]

I'm... I'm agreeing with DesiPower. D:

 

[BeeBoop]

I think you can.

 

[waffleironhead]

You should have the ability to do your own tests.
It's probably to limit the amount of self diagnosing and self treating. Just seeing the results is one part of the equation. It's taking the results and forming a plan of treatment that the physician is usually needed for.

 

[DesiPower]

You should have the ability to do your own tests.
It's probably to limit the amount of self diagnosing and self treating. Just seeing the results is one part of the equation. It's taking the results and forming a plan of treatment that the physician is usually needed for.

Most, almost 99% of the traditional lab will refuse to do a test without doctor's orders

 

[BeeBoop]

You can do a test at Walgreens.
http://news.walgreens.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=5427


I'm sure if you find the lab that your doctor orders the test from, you can order it yourself.

 

[gevorg]

Because nanny state. There are ways to circumvent it by using some online service that lets you buy a test from your local Labcorp/etc (they have their own doctor who signs off for your test and you don't even see him/her, just get results in the mail/email). Great way if you want double-check your doctor's test results, or if your doctor refuses to perform a test that you want.

 

[BeeBoop]

Here's a website that lists locations near you that you can go in to get a test. Doesn't say a doctor is needed.
http://requestatest.com/lipid-panel-cholesterol-test

 

[Murloc]

I guess it's because you can't trust random people to understand test results the correct way.
Still, that would mean you need a doctor AFTER, not before, but I guess it's just standard procedure since most people don't know which tests they need.

Isn't there any "online" lab that you can send your blood to and get results over the internet?

 

[brainhulk]

An abnormal result can be normal. A result falling in the normal range can be abnormal

Education + experience = clinical judgment to properly interpret results

Sometimes it's not so simple

 

[Rakehellion]

Suppose I want to know my blood cholesterol level, triglycerides or blood sugar, why cant I just want into a lab and ask for the test?

You can, but your insurance won't cover it. There are plenty of clinics who do this.

 

[brainhulk]

http://www.amazon.com/TRUEResult-Blo...g_bs_3777171_1

 

[JMapleton]

http://www.amazon.com/TRUEResult-Blo...g_bs_3777171_1

I don't think a basic blood sugar test is what he was talking about.

 

[brainhulk]

I don't think a basic blood sugar test is what he was talking about.

Oh you think he wants the complicated one?

 

[jagec]

An abnormal result can be normal. A result falling in the normal range can be abnormal

Education + experience = clinical judgment to properly interpret results

Sometimes it's not so simple

You don't have to have any license or training to buy a gun in most states, a normal driver's license is enough to operate a massive RV, anyone over 21 can get industrial amounts of vodka at any liquor store without being questioned, Home Depot will rent a broad array of power tools to any idiot who walks in the door, and you can buy tannerite online with nothing but a credit card.

So, who are we trying to protect from their own stupidity again? I have trouble believing that misusing the results of a cholesterol test has ANYWHERE near the potential to cause harm that misusing any of the above do.

 

[brainhulk]

Ok let every hypochondriac order their own tests

A lab only has so much staff, they can barely handle md orders. You'll compromise their ability to deal with important tasks.

If there existed for profit cash only labs dedicated to the public. I guess ill be ok with that, lol

 

[Anarchist420]

i agree with the OP 100%.

anyway, it's called medical fascism. prescriptions are another example. it is obvious that prescription requirements for certain chemicals are just to give doctors above market salaries.

A lab only has so much staff, they can barely handle md orders. You'll compromise their ability to deal with important tasks.

then the firms that wanted to stay in business would just refuse service. the market naturally corrects itself.

 

[allisolm]

http://www.walkinlab.com

Here you go. Test away. Appparently available in 45 states.

 

[BladeVenom]

I agree. I think it's awful. Doctors would rather you die than not give them your business.

You remember the first quick AIDS test. They wouldn't release those to the public, under the BS excuse they were protecting people from false positives. They do have one you can buy now, but it is less accurate.

Birth control pills should be over the counter.

I'm sure there are plenty more examples.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Suppose I want to know my blood cholesterol level, triglycerides or blood sugar, why cant I just want into a lab and ask for the test? Why the F do I need a doctors order or permission to do that? There is no possible danger to me from the test, if I am willing to pay, why cant i get it? The only word come to my mind to for the situation is collusion and gouging, screw American doctors and the medical system

/random_daily_rant

This must be specific to you or where you are. Hell, Costco gave free cholesterol test a couple of months ago.

 

[IronWing]

i agree with the OP 100%.

anyway, it's called medical fascism. prescriptions are another example. it is obvious that prescription requirements for certain chemicals are just to give doctors above market salaries.

I'm... I'm agreeing with Anarchist420. D:

 

[uclaLabrat]

I agree. I think it's awful. Doctors would rather you die than not give them your business.

You remember the first quick AIDS test. They wouldn't release those to the public, under the BS excuse they were protecting people from false positives. They do have one you can buy now, but it is less accurate.

Birth control pills should be over the counter.

I'm sure there are plenty more examples.

Yeah, no they really shouldn't be.

 

[disappoint]

You get this thread the hell out of here making me agree with these crazies!

 

[CottonRabbit]

Because the average American has no understanding of basic statistics. And there are plenty of useless or even harmful tests when not used correctly, for example, testosterone and PSA.

 

[zinfamous]

pretty sure an NP can do that at most drugstores now, right?