What are the Benefits of DTC (Patient-Ordered) Blood Testing?

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) blood testing is growing exponentially in popularity among consumers. As people choose to take much greater control of their own health care, DTC blood testing fits in well with the do-it-yourself mentality people have toward the medical services delivery system.

Consumers, in general, are wanting to circumvent the medical bureaucracy – including obtaining permission from their primary care doctors for a blood test – and be in charge of their own personal health. As a result, the market for DTC testing has increased and is anticipating incredible growth in the next few years.

What is Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Blood Testing?

Direct access for patients and customers means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to order blood tests.  Instead of the conventional process that involves a clinician ordering a test for a patient, individuals in certain states – including here in Washington State – are able to purchase a lab test directly.

At Tomorrow’s Health, consumers have access to many lab tests and test panels for general wellness, men’s and women’s health, and other conditions like diabetes, anemia, and thyroid function. In Washington State, DTC blood testing is completely legal and open to anyone with no restrictions.

Benefits of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Blood Testing

Consumers greatly value the benefits of DTC testing as it allows them to have direct access.  People enjoy a more efficient medical services delivery system, including receiving test results directly, quickly and privately.

Here are some of the benefits of Direct-to-Consumer Blood Testing:

Convenience

Without the availability of DTC blood testing, patients must initially schedule an appointment with their primary care physician. Once there, the patient obtains a referral for the blood test, after which they must travel to a laboratory. After the lab tests are completed, the results are sent to the patient’s primary care provider. The patient must then schedule another appointment with their doctor to discuss the lab test results.

This lab testing process can take many days or even weeks to complete. By taking away the role of the primary care doctor, it significantly reduces the waiting times, and makes the process much more convenient for consumers.

The vast majority of DTC collection facilities do not require an appointment.  So, consumers can make an appointment with the lab directly, when it is convenient for them.

Confidentiality

There are some tests that consumers would prefer their primary care physician and their insurance company did not know about, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or drug screenings. DTC testing allows the consumer the privacy they desire. 

Affordability

Although DTC tests are usually not covered by insurance, they are typically cheaper to acquire than even the co-pay required at a primary care doctor’s visit. What’s more, consumers can choose which DTC blood testing lab they want to visit, considering cost as a relevant factor.

Empowerment

With the availability of DTC blood testing, consumers take control of much of their own health care.  Whether they want a lipid panel to find out about their cholesterol levels or a hemoglobin A1c test to determine their blood sugar levels, consumers obtain more information and directly, without delays created by multiple visits to the doctor’s office.

Receiving lab test results quickly and easily empowers consumers to make healthy lifestyle changes and encourages them to continue to be pro-active with their health.

Accessibility

For people who reside in rural or remote communities, it can be very challenging to receive the necessary health services. They may have to travel many miles for a clinical test and then return to learn and talk about the results with their doctor.

DTC blood tests are accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.  Consumers can search for the DTC blood testing lab that is the most affordable and accessible.

Preventive Health Testing

DTC testing is also very beneficial for preventive health or other non-health related purposes. The popularity of DNA test kits has soared tremendously during the past few years, as more people want to find out about their ancestry or to find out what their genetics say about future illnesses to avoid.

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Tests Offered at Tomorrow’s Health

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) laboratory tests are now available at Tomorrow’s Health. Because you can order your lab tests directly from Tomorrow’s Health, you will more quickly receive critical information about your health and be able to take charge of your own health care.

Among the DTC lab tests that we offer at Tomorrow’s Health are:

• General Health and Wellness
• Women’s Health
• Men’s Health
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Thyroid Function
• And we offer many other types of important blood tests at Tomorrow’s Health, as well. If you need a blood test, then we invite you to schedule an appointment today with Tomorrow’s Health so you can enjoy the many benefits of personalized lab testing.

Tomorrow’s Health Provides Cutting Edge Laboratory Testing Capabilities 

Tomorrow’s Health was started in 2013 to fill a need in the Tri-Cities for local lab testing, including COVID-19 testing. We are very excited to bring this advanced technology to the local area, providing superior diagnostic lab testing that will aid our local healthcare providers in providing life-saving care to all members of our great community!

In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic that is gripping the entire world, Tomorrow’s Health is responding to the call for increased lab capacity by providing COVID-19, Influenza A/B and a variety of other lab tests.

In company with COVID-19 testing, we offer a wide menu of laboratory tests, including thyroid function, reproductive health, comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, lipid panel, hormone panel, various cancer screenings, and much more!

At Tomorrow’s Health, you don’t need to obtain a referral for blood work. We will also provide you testing at an affordable price.

The revolution is upon us – let’s carry it out together!