My Health Tuesday - May 13th

My Health Tuesday is offered the 2nd Tuesday of every month: 7:30-10:30 a.m. in Imperial and 8:00-9:00 a.m. in Wauneta.

Patients may choose Direct Access Testing (DAT)-also known as direct-to-consumer or self-ordered testing-for several reasons:

1)      Convenience and Control: DAT allows individuals to select and order their own lab tests without needing a physician’s order or an appointment, often on a walk-in basis. This lets patients monitor their health on their own schedule, between doctor visits, or when they don’t have a primary care provider.

2)      Cost Transparency: Since insurance is not billed, patients pay up-front and know the exact cost, which can be especially appealing to those without insurance or with high-deductible plans.

3)      Privacy: DAT enables patients to keep certain sensitive test results out of their official medical records or away from insurers if they wish.

4)      Empowerment: Many patients, especially those who are proactive or highly educated about their health, value the ability to take charge of their own health decisions and access information directly.

5)      Rapid Results: DAT services often provide faster turnaround times for results, which can be important for early disease detection or peace of mind.

6)      Lower Barriers to Testing: By making testing more accessible and removing the need for a physician’s order, DAT can encourage more people to get tested, potentially leading to earlier detection and treatment of health issues.

It’s important to note that while DAT offers these benefits, patients are responsible for interpreting results and arranging follow-up care with a healthcare provider as needed, since these tests are typically ordered without professional consultation