Storefront lab testing

I saw Rob made a reference to one of these places, I noticed one in my community recently. It is in a strip mall and called something like 'Any lab test any time'. I wondered about using it for the occasional platelet count instead of a whole doctor appointment production. Has anybody been using one of these places?
Erica

No but I am thinking about it too! I have not looked for one in my area of Indiana yet. But it is a thought!

Jeffrey

These storefronts are actually not labs - they are "draw centers" and will mostly send your blood off to other labs, often the same labs your physician might use.

I haven't been to one myself, as my wife Ellen has great insurance through her work, but it sure looks like a good option for the less-well insured.

Also, for those times when you just don't have the energy to convince your arrogant doctor that you aren't being a hypochondriac, and that it may be worthwhile to rule out one more possible diagnosis.

And how about getting that scheduled CBC while you are out of town?

Or how about that test you need, but don't want to have jeopardize your future insure-ability (anonymous testing is possible).

So, who goes first? :whistle:

We voted Rob! You are it!

Jeff

While not exactly a strip mall shop....I've been getting my draws/tests done at LabCorp for about a year now. A CBC costs me $8.16 after insurance. It's less than $40 even if you have no insurance.
My hematologist gave me a standing order for a CBC and LabCorp keeps it on file. I stop in at my convenience, they draw my blood, it's sent off to their main labs, results go to my hematologist within a couple hours of draw. Rinse and repeat as necessary. The same draw/count done and analyzed at The James costs me over $500.00 now ... AFTER my new crappy insurance is factored in. I did that once in 2012. Got the bill, then I started using LabCorp.
I do miss my old good insurance. These days I must explore every inexpensive alternative available.

I think I'll write a book; 'Adventuring With ITP On 50 Cents A Day'

.

Jeffrey, once again I am Ed McMahon to your Johnny Carson (can we still say straight man?).
Sorry, I don't need any blood work, and my kids are all adopted, so no point in doing a paternity test! Does anyone do storefront psychological testing?

I guess we are very lucky here in the land of Oz.

My daughter has a standard Pathology request with a '6 month, 2 weekly, Rule 3' attached. That means whenever I am concerned, we can go to our Path Lab (for us it's Dorevitch) for 6 months, twice a week for standard FBE's.

They keep a copy, but I also have a copy of the request in case we are on holidays and need a count done. Results are sent to both GP and A & I specialist. I can call the lab after 4 hours and get her platelet count. If it is really low, I always get a phone call. All of this is covered by Medicare - nil cost.

Jac

I am in Georgia and been to Lapcrop. It was $29 for a CBC that is the no insurance cost. I got the labs back next day and they have a whole list of test they do online. Don't have to have doctor request.

I'm going to try it, the next time I think my count has dipped but I don't want to hassle with - as Rob said - convincing an arrogant doctor that I need a particular test (and paying for the doctor appointment, and waiting, etc.) It sounds like a great idea for a quick count.
Erica