Lab testing

[chrsispy1]

I'm curious why people don't use their primary care provider when getting lab work done.

Are there privacy or legal concerns, or is it just that you don't want a 20 min lecture on the dangers of taking exogenous hormones?

 

[Avarice911]

Because I can’t go to my doctor 4-5x a year and request the bloodwork that I want. I’m at the mercy of what the doctor can/will justify to insurance. Plus, I don’t mind spending the little bit of extra money for the privacy it offers of having my bloods done privately

 

[chrsispy1]

Fair enough. I just feel like most of us pay quite a bit for insurance premiums and we should be able to get tested whenever we want. I mean we're paying for a service and we should be able to utilize it. I've got tested a couple times with my PCP and my doc gave me a 20 minute lecture and was acting like I was going to die because my testosterone was in the 1800 range.

 

[chrsispy1]

I just feel like a lot of guys will skip testing all together instead of using there primary care provider, which is never a good idea.

 

[Avarice911]

I just feel like a lot of guys will skip testing all together instead of using there primary care provider, which is never a good idea.

I'd be inclined to ask my doc for more bloodwork if the private option weren't there for sure

 

[RomanMVP]

Then there are guys like me that don't have access nearby for any of the labs most people use. Closest one is 3 hours away.

 

[chrsispy1]

Damn that does make things a little more difficult.

 

[Deskoze38192]

Definitely not a wise option to go to your doctor 4-6 times a year to request a test to specifically see how high your levels are from illegal steroid use lol
That’s why there are private options

The reason for the test is what the issue is.
You can’t just make something up either. It’s going to be very obvious to your doctor when your results come in
I would much rather pay to not get in trouble or have everyone know my business
Or how about getting your insurance cancelled because you are using illegal drugs that negatively affect your health?

 

[chrsispy1]

It sounds like a fair response and I get your point. I have no knowledge if your work provided healthcare can drop you for such reasons. By that thinking, would they drop alcoholics or smokers with lung cancer or cirrhosis ? Although, they are "legal" but the intentional harm to your health is still present.

 

[chrsispy1]

I've gotten tested a few times with highly elevated testosterone levels and other then my doc telling me how unhealthy it was, that was about the only issue I had.

 

[laclark89]

Definitely not a wise option to go to your doctor 4-6 times a year to request a test to specifically see how high your levels are from illegal steroid use lol
That’s why there are private options

The reason for the test is what the issue is.
You can’t just make something up either. It’s going to be very obvious to your doctor when your results come in
I would much rather pay to not get in trouble or have everyone know my business
Or how about getting your insurance cancelled because you are using illegal drugs that negatively affect your health?

That's what I worry about.

someone els here also mentioned to me getting life insurance can be a bitch after they know ur on gear mabe even trt also. That's something that's very important for someone with a family.

I dont even tell them I'll have a occasional drink or smoke a little canabis. They always ask that shit and I dont think it's to help you, Its none of they're business. What benefit would they get out of knowing if you have a drink or 2 on the weekend?

 

[laclark89]

Then there are guys like me that don't have access nearby for any of the labs most people use. Closest one is 3 hours away.

Where the hell are you timbuktu?

 

[Deskoze38192]

It sounds like a fair response and I get your point. I have no knowledge if your work provided healthcare can drop you for such reasons. By that thinking, would they drop alcoholics or smokers with lung cancer or cirrhosis ? Although, they are "legal" but the intentional harm to your health is still present.

Yes all that affects your policy and premium

 

[chrsispy1]

I get that, but can your doctor divulge such information without violating HIPPA privacy, or medical ethics? I don't think doctors can discuss your medical history with outside entities without written consent from the patient. At least, that's my understanding.

 

[Avarice911]

I get that, but can your doctor divulge such information without violating HIPPA privacy, or medical ethics? I don't think doctors can discuss your medical history with outside entities without written consent from the patient. At least, that's my understanding.

I’m not sure how it works with life insurance but in the case that if they were to require release of medical info, you’d have to sign to release ALL of it, not just some

 

[laclark89]

A quick google search says

 

[Deskoze38192]

I've gotten tested a few times with highly elevated testosterone levels and other then my doc telling me how unhealthy it was, that was about the only issue I had.

Yeah but going regularly with the sole purpose of testing for the effects of using steroids is a completely different thing. And that’s exactly what we are needing to do when we get bloodwork
The other advantage of doing bloodwork privately is that you get to choose what you want tested and when, which is very important
Before a blast I want my lipids and metabolic panel done
When using GH I want a Thyroid panel and IGF-1
During a blast I want E2 and test levels
It’s not as simple as getting a free testosterone level test from your doctor a couple of times
That’s why there isn’t a reason for the doctor to write the requisition papers or for the insurance to pay for it, they wont

 

[chrsispy1]

I’m not sure how it works with life insurance but in the case that if they were to require release of medical info, you’d have to sign to release ALL of it, not just some

I'm not sure either. I guess of your applying for new life insurance you may have to

View attachment 267117

A quick google search says

Wowzer! I'll have to investigate this a little further. Thanks for the info

 

[laclark89]

I'm not sure either. I guess of your applying for new life insurance you may have to

Wowzer! I'll have to investigate this a little further. Thanks for the info

I dont always believe everything 100 percent from just a quick google search but it is a good start.

 

[Avarice911]

I would imagine that an undisclosed medical issue would void out your life insurance policy.