I'm always surprised to hear how many patients don't realize that in most states in the US, we have the option to order our own blood tests -- without a doctor's lab slip or order. At the same time, it's no surprise to hear that some doctors don't want patients to have this fundamental right -- probably because they then can't charge exorbitant markups for the test fees, and they can't require multiple visits -- and associated fees. (You know the type. The doctor has his/her own laboratory -- and tests are costly -- or he/she marks up the costs of tests, and you or your insurance end up with a hefty bill for tests. Then, you can't even get a copy of your own test results unless you come back in for yet another costly appointment, even if the test results are normal, and you don't even get to see the doctor!) So if your doctor or HMO refuses to do certain thyroid - or other -- blood tests, remember that there are testing options you can pursue yourself. (And if you are uninsured, ordering your own tests may actually make them more affordable, as you can bypass the usually hefty doctor's office markup on many blood tests.) Find out about self-test options now.
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True, true! I was actually shocked when I learned that I could get my own tests run for just about anything. I guess that can be filed under “things they don’t want you to know about.” Women to Women uses Geneva Diagnostics for their thyroid testing (it’s all off site) http://www.genovadiagnostics.com/
Here’s the article on thyroid testing that describes how to do off sit testing – http://www.womentowomen.com/hypothyroidism/testing.aspx