Walk-in-lab

I don't have experience with them but when I go to the local clinic for my PSA test, I see the results online within 4-6 hours.

I use Walk-in Lab and Lab Corp. Very happy. No hassle. Don't have to schedule a visit with a PA or MD before hand, etc, and pay unnecessary costs for a simple 3-month PSA check.

Since my SBRT treating physician is about 2 hours away, this is very convenient for me

For you or any man to have had surgery, followed by a series of <.001 and then to get a 3.5 from Quest only to find out that it was mistake is unforgivable. Do they know what that did to you during those 2 days?
There's not a man alive who's been through surgery and had that happen who couldn't understand how egregious that was. That calls for serious retribution.

I’ll walk back my statement, you are right. I guess the passage of time Dulles the senses. Your comment brought back to me how crazed I was for 24 hours after that happened.

Post Edited By Moderator (Pratoman) : 1/7/2019 7:02:44 AM (GMT-7)

With my PCP in TN I use Labcorp. If I use Labcorp in FL, is that considered “using the same Lab” or “using a different lab”?

I use labcorp, and have been happy with the results. The last time I was in there, they have gone to these kiosks for check in, and they are not particularly user friendly. I wound up helping an elderly gentleman get signed in--even though there is a big sign (HIPPA?) that essentially says that you're not supposed to ask anyone to sign in for you--but there is no staff person to help either.

I suppose it's the world we live in--but really?

island time said...

With my PCP in TN I use Labcorp. If I use Labcorp in FL, is that considered “using the same Lab” or “using a different lab”?

I dug around a little on the Walk-in web site and found these Q/As, but no explanation as to why the states listed are blocked out (but would be interested to know):

Q - Are there certain states where testing can’t be done?
A - Due to state regulations we are unable to offer services through LabCorp in NY, NJ, RI, MD and MA and through Quest Diagnostics in NY, NJ, and RI or to its residents. No matter where you live, your lab order cannot be used at lab locations in the above-mentioned states.

Q - Can I order laboratory tests if I live outside of the United States?
A - Yes, however, you must provide a local address in the state that you will be tested. Prohibited states for Lab Corp include NY, NJ, RI, MD, and MA. Prohibited states for Quest Diagnostics include NY, NJ, and RI.

Island time, not sure why you would not be able to get your tests done. Before I retired from government work a few years ago, there were definitely times when I was in state A when I ordered a test through an online service, got the blood draw in state B, but my home residence and drivers license were in state C. It worked fine (but none were the "prohibited states").

This is getting to be a competitive market. I have used other services like Walk-in in the past. The customer supports at each have always been friendly and helpful. Let's face it, they get a cut of the fees when we order through them, so we are the "paying customer". And all they have to provide is some software, a few doctors able/willing to work across state lines, help desk, etc. And, oh yeah, I forgot...a legal staff to fight all the state medical boards that are probably pi**ed at losing control over their slice of a lucrative niche in our big health care system.

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On other comments:

Yeah, the lab kiosk thing was kinda a pain the first time.

Yeah, the lab staff can be kinda edgy at times. I noticed sometimes there is only one person working that day. They seem kinda frantic, handling a line of people at the front desk, then running back to do a blood draw on someone, etc. Plus being exposed to sick people all day. Also, they have blocks of time set out each day for drug screens, and that's when all the kids/parents come in. I notice the signs in the front window, "If you are here for a drug screen, you may not leave once you have checked in...". Must be hard for one employee to corral all those kids trying to figure ways to cheat their tests, while at same time running to the back rooms to do blood draws. I try to avoid the drug screen blocks of time.

One thing that helps me is when I hand my Walk-in order to the front desk, I say "This is prepaid blood draw, and the doctor's order is on here". That seems to get a little smile and eases the tension. They know they won't have to fuss with insurance paperwork, etc., and they can just poke my arm and send me on my way. Usually in and out within 20 mins.

Someday, I think we will have drive through blood draws--"please, have some fries or a scone while you're waiting..."

Robert

These 2 readings, today and tomorrow, are particularly stressful. It has been 4 years since my Proton treatment. I have a history of bounces, some likely caused by the radiation effect or prostatitis. RO warned me that prostatitis could still occur any time after treatment.
It’s very stressful to get PSA results up from the prior reading even though logically I know it may not mean recurrence. After 4 years I feel like I should be at Nadir now and would love to see something <.50.

With all the nasty germs in those labs, coupled with people hard of hearing or just terribly demanding, working in one of those labs must be a real joy.

I've never had a problem with Quest or LabCorp other than getting a standard PSA result when an uPSA was ordered. Interesting that they save the drawn blood for some unknown time period and they just retested it.