Looking For A Doctor That Will Let Me Add On Preventive Labs

Posted by flowjcv@reddit | plano | View on Reddit | 17 comments

Maybe I've had bad luck, but the doctors that I've visited would not let me add lab tests that I was interested in adding because they were 'out of the norm'.

I wanted to do a Magnesium lab test and a Vitamin B12 test.

I know there's an out of pocket expense, which I am fine with. It would fall towards my insurance deductible, which I'm fine with.

Are there any doctors in Plano/Allen that will allow patients to do any tests they choose?

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archergirl78@reddit

You can just do the tests though Labcorp on Demand. They're not very expensive at all.

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flowjcv@reddit (OP)

I'd like it to fall on my insurance deductible ideally. They don't take insurance, I'm assuming.

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You can look up the form from your insurance to submit the cost for the tests so it will count toward your out of pocket max. Won’t be your deductible since it’s not medically indicated, but to the OOP.

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BlazinAzn38@reddit

If they’re add-ons that are preventative chances are they won’t be covered anyways

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Cloudy_Automation@reddit

It's a ding against the doctor for ordering unnecessary tests, and his reimbursement rate will go down. Maybe not for one patient, but it will of he makes a habit of it. Or, the insurance might drop the doctor as a provider.

He didn't want to let on how much insurance companies drive what his practice can do.

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archergirl78@reddit

I'm not certain if they do or not.

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FabulousBullfrog9610@reddit

Insurance could deny in which case the cost would NOT be applied to your deductible.

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spikelike@reddit

I don't want my doctors to be any busier... but I do like the care at Village Health Partners. I am able to add on Vit D and expanded thyroid panels on my yearly with no fuss. I pay whatever I need to and I'm happy to have the numbers.

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kzone15@reddit

Same.

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DowntownComposer2517@reddit

I also have had good experiences with Village Health Partneds.

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flowjcv@reddit (OP)

Would they add anything? Or only the 'known' add-ons?

A lot of people will do the common ones like Vitamin D or Testosterone. They won't do Homocysteine or Magnesium though.

By expanded thyroid panel, do you mean an advanced lipid panel that has LDL-P info? Something like this?

Do you need to have a medical reason for this or do they just add it because you ask for it?

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Even_Kangaroo_3799@reddit

Look at Function. They have a great panel for ~$400

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LalalaSherpa@reddit

If there's not some semblance of a medical indication for labs, few doctors will write the order because there needs to be something in the medical record that justifies it.

Otherwise, out of pocket is the way.

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flowjcv@reddit (OP)

Yeah I might just have to do out of pocket. I'd rather get it towards my insurance deductible but whatever. Seems like doctors are unwilling.

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LalalaSherpa@reddit

There's an AnyLabTestNow location at Park and Ohio.

I've used them a couple times and thought the prices were reasonable.

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Neither-Effect-6101@reddit

I’d try Adam Kaplan if you haven’t already. He’s a pretty agreeable guy and works with a lot of athletes so I’m guessing he’s more used to one off requests.