Ordering Lab Tests On Your Own
Genetics can tell you what you are likely to be susceptible to, such as high cholesterol or low folate. But in most situations, diet and lifestyle factors interact with genes. The best way to know if a genetic variant is affecting you is to see where you stand with a blood test. For many people, seeing their doctor is the best way to get tested. If you have Medicare or a great insurance plan that covers everything, your doctor’s office is the way to go. But what if you’re uninsured or have a high deductible? Or if your doctor won’t order a test you want? In the US (except NY, NJ, and MD), you can order your own lab tests and have them done through LabCorp, Quest, or other lab testing companies. There are a number of online companies that facilitate this process. However, they all have different prices for the same tests. There is a variable markup on lab tests, and prices depend on the volume the company orders. Once you have the test done, you can take the …
