Why does my doctor want another blood test?

If a doctor asks you to have a repeat test it is usually because: The result was borderline or unclear – so the doctor wants another sample to monitor the situation or to re-check. The result is abnormal – and the doctor is unable to interpret the result without further tests, so has asked you to come in for more tests …

Can you sue for incorrect lab results?

Yes, you can sue when a doctor gets your illness or injury wrong. This is called “misdiagnosis” and is part of the legal field called medical malpractice. The umbrella to this legal area is personal injury law.

Can a pathologist order lab tests?

Remember the following tips to help you avoid errors. The physician who treats a patient must order all diagnostic x-rays, diagnostic laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tests for a specific medical problem.

Who is responsible for lab results?

Sometimes called a ‘doctor’s doctor’, pathologists work with primary care physicians as well as specialists, and use laboratory testing to identify or rule out diseases and conditions. A laboratory may employ one or more pathologists depending on the requirements of the lab.

Would a doctor lie about test results?

A doctor might fail to disclose test results for several reasons. For one, they may simply forget to tell the patient about the test results. More often, test results can be lost or confused along the chain of communication in a hospital.

Can doctors write lab orders for themselves?

Except in emergencies, it is not appropriate for physicians to write prescriptions for controlled substances for themselves or immediate family members.

How long are lab orders valid?

six months
Can I come in and be tested or do I need to go back to my doctor for a new form? Most test orders are valid for at least six months (unless your doctor has specified otherwise). If your lab testing order is more than six months old, please contact your doctor for a new form.

Are doctors ordering too many tests?

Now, a new survey of emergency room doctors suggests why. Of the 435 ER physicians asked about the tests they order for their patients, more than 85% admitted that in general, they call for too many tests, even if they know the results won’t really help them decide how to treat their patients.

Why doctors order lab tests?

They included: physicians order laboratory tests to: confirm a clinical opinion, establish a baseline, to complete a database, curiosity, insecurity, public relations, documentation, peer pressure, patient pressure, pressure from recent literature, question of accuracy of prior result, unavailability of prior result.

What happens when your doctor orders a test?

So when your doctor orders a test out of fear that you may sue or become upset, your health insurance may still deny payment on the basis that the test is not justified. Nevertheless, it is estimated that over-testing costs the system millions of dollars annually.

What do you need to know about specimen collection?

Please contact the laboratory for clarifications, if needed, prior to specimen collection. Specific specimen requirements for each test are listed in the Test Directory. Specimen requirements include information such as specimen volume, collection and transport containers as well as transport temperature.

How are frozen specimens transported to the laboratory?

Frozen specimens must be transported in insulated containers surrounded by an ample amount of dry ice to keep the specimen frozen until it reaches the laboratory. Thawed specimens are unsuitable for analysis. In the event a thawed specimen is received, you will be asked to resubmit an adequate specimen.

How does Quest Diagnostics handle specimen collection and handling?

The specimen collection and handling process can be completed by you and your staff, or by referring your patient to a Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center. Please contact the laboratory for clarifications, if needed, prior to specimen collection.

How does an out of state lab work?

The out-of-state lab is likely to refer tests to the existing lab. This may require the existing lab to obtain a license from the state from which the specimen is obtained. Additionally, it must be determined which lab will bill Medicare for these tests. The existing lab that performs the test (performing lab)…

How to contact a laboratory for a requisition?

To have a customized laboratory requisition please contact your Laboratory Account Manager or call the Laboratory Customer Service Support Team at 616.774.7721 or email [email protected].

How to fill out an outpatient lab order?

Supply Order Form (X06246) – Outpatient Lab Supplies are filled 8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday, excluding holidays. Fax filled form to the number on the form. Supplies may take up 5 days to deliver. Contact the Lab Call Center with pick up requests or questions: 616.774.7721.

How long does a doctor’s test order last?

Most test orders are valid for at least six months (unless your doctor has specified otherwise). If your lab testing order is more than six months old, please contact your doctor for a new form.