Laboratory Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need laboratory tests?
Laboratory tests provide valuable information for making health care decisions. Practitioners use them to help determine your health status, diagnosis disease, establish appropriate treatment or to monitor treatment.

Who may order and interpret lab test results?
In the state of Oregon, only certain licensed health care professionals may order laboratory tests. However, you may get blood glucose, cholesterol or lipid panel testing at Health Fair prices on a walk-in basis at our outpatient draw sites.

When are lab tests completed?
Most test results are delivered within 24 hours. If urgent care and lab results are needed rapidly, tests are ordered "STAT" and results are reported to the doctor within minutes or hours.

May I have a copy of my lab test results?
Under Oregon law, patients may have copies of their reports 7 days after results have been reported unless tests were ordered with instructions specifying the "patient may have results." A release form is required and you must show identification to pick up a copy of your results:

Release of Information Form (English)
Release of Information Form (Spanish)

Are lab tests covered by Medicare?
Medicare will pay for these screening tests under the following conditions:

  • Cholesterol, Triglycerides and HDL (Lipid panel): Once every 5 years.
  • Glucose: Once per year (each 365 days) for someone without pre-diabetes. Twice a year for someone with pre-diabetes.
  • PSA Screening: Once every year (365 days) for men age 50 years and over
  • Occult Blood Screening: Once year (365 days) for age 50 years and over (no specific diagnosis code required)

Other screening test might not be covered by Medicare, which only pays for tests considered medically necessary. To be covered, tests must be ordered with a specific Medicare-related diagnosis code.

Why can't I test for certain conditions with a home kit?
You can and may but caution is advised. Currently available are kits for blood glucose, cholesterol, HIV, occult blood, ovulation and pregnancy Home-based testing kits will only give reliable results if the directions are followed exactly.