I have 3 doctors’ appointments coming up soon, Oncologist, Cardiologist and Endocrinologist. The last 2 are requiring labs. I do the cardiology labs at one lab and the endo at another. Between cancer treatments and regular endo labs my veins aren’t what they use to be. Well noting is.
So I arrive at the lab 7AM fasting for my cardio labs and they DON’T HAVE THE ORDERS!!! I have to wait until 8AM to call their office. Well, I ended up in their voice mail Hell so I took my life into my own feet and walked across two busy streets to their office. I got the orders, and thought, call my endo’s office and get them to FAX their orders to this lab. By the time I got across the streets it was there. I got 2 doctors’ labs with one draw.
CarlosLuis - yes, we have to take our wins where we can get them. With insurance companies trying to keep costs down, it would make sense they encourage labs to not repeat recent similar tests and to combine whenever possible. I have one doctor who reviews my recent labs and will use those instead of writing his own lab order when possible
Of course, the current method creates more income for the labs, but given overall health costs have been getting out of control, this simple improvement might be a good idea to help delay major changes that will really impact their bottom line.
Good for you! In this day and age, we all must be our own health advocates. I try to schedule my Endocrinology and Rheumatology visits so I can coordinate ONE blood draw to encompass orders from both doctors. It works better in Minnesota than it does in Florida, but as you said, you take the wins when you can. Have a fabulous week!
Well noting is.
I have to wait until 8AM to call their office. Well, I ended up in their voice mail Hell so I took my life into my own feet and walked across two busy streets to their office. I got the orders, and 
thought, call my endo’s office and get them to FAX their orders to this lab. By the time I got across the streets it was there. I got 2 doctors’ labs with one draw.