Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find answers to the Frequently Asked Questions.
In case you have other questions, please click here to contact us, and we will gladly answer and clarify your doubts.
Q:
Do I need a doctor’s order to get tested ?
No; however, Blood Tests are only a part of what goes into a diagnosis; and they are not intended to be a substitute for a physician's consultation. Further, we do not recommend self-diagnosis or self-medication; and thus, the results of your tests should be considered in the context of an overall relationship with your personal physician.We encourage you to discuss abnormal resutls with him/her.
Q:
Do I need to make an appointment ?
An appointment is usually not required at most Patient Service Centers. The requisition form we send to you will indicate if one is necessary.
Q:
Is fasting required prior to the blood draw ?
This depends on the test, such as tryglycerides, fasting glucose and some others. If fasting required it is recommended that you avoid food and liquids for a minimum of 8 hours prior to the collection. Water or black coffee are permitted during your fast.
Q:
When and How do I receive the results ?
Results are faxed or e-mailed to you within 28-48 hours after your blood is drawn for serum tests. Results from other specimens such as hair, saliva, urine, and stool may take a week or longer.
If requested, we can also mail you a hard copy.
Q:
What about confidentiality ?
We respect our clients' privacy and maintain confidentiality.
You are the only one who receives the results unless you specifically direct us otherwise - with a signed HIPAA release form. Not even your insurance company will obtain results from econoLABS and/our associates.
Q:
Would the results be understandable to me ?
Your results are either norml or abnormal, negative or positive. However, all test results include the normal reference ranges; and abnormalities are clearly indicated.
Blood Tests are only a part of what goes into a diagnosis; and they are not intended to be a substitute for a physician's consultation. Further, we do not recommend self-diagnosis or self-medication; and thus, the results of your tests should be considered in the context of an overall relationship with your personal physician. We encourage you to discuss both normal and abnormal resutls with him/her.
Q:
Are the test results reliable ?
To assure reliability, econoLABS uses the same National laboratories commonly used by many physicians across the Untied States. These laboratories are fully accredited and licensed Medical Reference laboratories.
Q:
Can you send a copy of the lab tests to my doctor ?
Although we deal directly and confidentially with you, if you complete and return our
HIPAA release form, we can forward a copy to your doctor.
Q:
Is fasting required prior to the blood draw ?
This depends on the test, such as tryglycerides, fasting glucose and some others. If fasting required it is recommended that you avoid food and liquids for a minimum of 8 hours prior to the collection. Water or black coffee are permitted during your fast.
Q:
What if my lab results are abnormal ?
Although abnormal blood tests should be considered an early warning, they do not necessarily mean you have an illness or disease.
You may call or write ECONOLABS with any general questions regarding your results; however, it is important for consumers to understand that Blood Tests are only a part of what goes into a diagnosis; and they are not intended to be a substitute for a physician's consultation. As such, we do not recommend self-diagnosis or self-medication based on your test results.
The results of your blood tests should be considered in the context of an overall relationship with your personal physician; and, we strongly recommend you discuss abnormal results with your Doctor for evaluation, further testing, and diagnosis.
Q:
Does econoLABS accept insurance ?
econoLABS does not accept insurance nor file insurance claims; and we do not accept Medicare or any other type of government insurance.
If your insurance plan has a "wellness" or "prevention" benefit plan, we can provide you with the ICD/CPT codes so that you may file for reimbursement.
Q:
What is a Patient Service Center ?
Major Certified National laboratories have Patient Service Centers throughout the United States, where patients have their blood drawn by licensed Phlebotoists. These are the same facilities referred to by Doctors.
Q:
Is there a location near me ?
econoLABS uses only National, CLIA-certified Medical Reference Laboratories with thousands of Patient Service Centers throughout the United States. Chances are great that there is Patient Service Center near you. If not, special arrangements can be made.
Q:
I am ready to order, how do I get started ?
After processing your order by phone, fax or online, one of our agents will mail you a physician's requisition form to present to the laboratory's Patient Service Center nearest you. There, your blood is drawn by a certified phlebotomist.
The results are received by our office generally within 24-48 hours and e-mailed or faxed confidentially to you.
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Q:
May I order by credit card ?
Yes, you may do so by calling our toll-free phone line, or you may complete our secure online order form that protects your credit card information.
Q:
May I cancel my order ?
If the lab test(s) is / are cancelled within one (1) month from date of order, you are entitled to a refund - minus a $15 cancellation fee.
Q:
What if I can't find a test(s) that I need ?
Contact Us with the name of the test(s), and we will get back to you within 12-24 hours.