Order Tests Directly from Labs

Updated 7/27/08

Many people with chronic illnesses have sought answers through Internet research. During that research, they may have stumbled upon the right answers, but faced resistance from primary care providers unwilling to order the necessary tests.

If you have an idea of what may be ailing you, you have the right to order tests directly from a specialty laboratory. Some insurance companies pay 100% for these services.

Representatives of the lab come to the patient’s homes to draw blood, if necessary. Patients collect their own gene or stool samples in a kit provided by the lab, and mail the samples to the lab for analysis. Representatives then contact patients to convey the results and recommendations for further action.

Some popular labs are:

• Prometheus Laboratories, 888-423-5227, 858-824-0895, www.prometheus-labs.com
• Specialty Laboratories, 800-421-7110, www.specialtylabs.com
• EnteroLab, 972-686-6869, https://www.enterolab.com/Home.htm, Genova Diagnostics, 828-253-062, http://www.gdx.net/home/
• Immuno Laboratories, Inc., 954-691-2500 or 800-231-9197 www.immunolabs.com

From Unmasking a Diagnosis: How to Find Help for a Confusing Illness Without Filing for Bankruptcy, the third edition of the book formerly titled Secrets of Finding a Diagnosis Unmasked and Secrets of Getting a Diagnosis Unmasked

Unmasking a Diagnosis, by Jacqueline L. Jones, is available now as a paperback for $8 and as a download for $6 from Lulu.com.