DIY health - tech gadgets, lab work, and more

[chassis]

3PedalJake Yes I agree with the comments about the healthcare system. It’s not set up for cost effective *and* medically effective health improvement. It’s organized around critical care and the rest is very inefficient and of questionable effectiveness in my view.

[UncleWede]

chassis How receptive is Quest to you just scheduling your own tests? I haven't tried, but even when I went in for my normal HA1c before a scheduled Dr. visit, if the Dr. didn't order, they didn't want to draw any blood.

[vreihen16]

Our local Quest location offers self-prescribed testing in their online appointment portal. I never tried it to see if it was limited to drug screenings and simple stuff, or if they would do stuff like INR and creatinine.

The bigger concern to me would be if my health insurance would pay for the lab work without my doctor ordering it. Fortunately, my primary care doctor will gladly add additional lab tests to my order if I ask.....

[chassis]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

chassis How receptive is Quest to you just scheduling your own tests? I haven't tried, but even when I went in for my normal HA1c before a scheduled Dr. visit, if the Dr. didn't order, they didn't want to draw any blood.

Easy. Any test listed on their website is no problem. If you need/want a test that is not listed, I have no experience with that. Also look at Jason Health, they issue lab orders online and the sample collection can be done by Quest. Jason Health was referred to my by a physician during a phone consult.

It’s been a while since I looked, but I thought Jason Health offered a wider menu of tests that can be ordered by the consumer.

HSA can be used to pay for Quest work. Self pay via credit card also an option. Don’t know about insurance.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by geytusokva

I wouldn`t rely on a portable ECG device. After all, this procedure is done in clinics under the supervision of a doctor for a reason.

No issues whatsoever. The ECG trace can be sent to a cardiologist online using the app and a physician determination delivered within 20 minutes on a holiday Sunday. Awesome service in terms of response time and cost. I strongly recommend the Kardia mobile ECG device without hesitation.