Solutions for Those with High Deductibles or No Insurance

If you don’t have insurance or have a high deductible and have difficulty affording healthcare, there are still options for you to get tests done and make your health a priority. Any Lab Test Now offers a multitude of tests at low prices and convenient times, and you don’t even need insurance to use their services.

No Insurance Necessary

If you are currently uninsured, it can be difficult and pricey to get medical attention. Any Lab Test Now will provide you with the tests you need, no insurance required. Now, you don’t have to worry about skipping a blood test or ignoring possible allergies. All tests are available to you, regardless of your insurance status.

In addition, if you will be paying for your test out-of-pocket, you can use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for payment.

Low Prices

A lot of people skip their medical exams because they are overpriced. Any Lab Test Now offers tests at the lowest prices possible, ensuring that anyone can get tested and focus on their health. Patients are not charged excessive fees or high deductibles for their tests; instead, they are offered the same quality tests as other testing centers for an affordable price that can fit most budgets.

Easily Accessible

When cost is an issue, it’s easy to make excuses for skipping medical tests. It’s easy to blame the distance to the office or the time spent in a waiting room for not getting tested. After all, time spent on medical test can mean time spent away from work.

Fortunately, Any Lab Test Now understands this. Our locations are spread across the country and located in places where people work and live. You can easily find your local Any Lab Test Now and get started with your tests. You can also get your tests done in a convenient amount of time, so you don’t have to worry about sitting in a waiting room and wasting a whole day. Patients can, generally, have tests completed in 15 minutes or less and there is no appointment required. The locations are typically open at convenient times that will fit your schedule, including Saturdays, so you don’t even need to take time off during the work week.
Any Lab Test Now offers a service that allows you to prioritize your health. You can get any of the tests offered without insurance and at a low price. Now, there are no excuses to not get tested. Anyone can take charge of their health and get tests completed, even if they are uninsured or on a tight budget.

The Difference Between an HSA and an FSA Account

We’ve all had frightening medical situations. Maybe you were sitting on the sidelines when a baseball nailed your little man and he had to be rushed to the emergency room. Perhaps you were doing yardwork, got stung by a bee and realized that you needed a $400 round of medicine for a previously unknown allergy. Or maybe you felt painfully rundown and needed to find answers that only a lab test would provide. Whatever the situation, medical expenses happen from time to time, and you never want to find yourself in a situation where you have to make a choice between proper medical care and its cost.

Luckily, there are easy ways to save money for medical expenses. Aside from your basic savings account, there are two notable tools that can help you put money aside tax-free. These are the Health Savings Account (HSA) and the Flexible Spending Account (FSA). The fact that they are tax-free means you are able to save more using them than you would if you simply had money in a traditional savings account. Both plans are used exclusively to pay for qualified medical expenses, but this has a broad definition and may include vision, dental, medical testing and medication costs too.

Of course, there are some differences between the two accounts.

Who is eligible?

The first is eligibility. The HSA is only available to people who have selected a qualified high-deductible insurance plan. The FSA plan is available to anyone who has a job-sponsored health care insurance plan. Your employer should be able to help you figure out which one you can use.

When can you add money?

The second difference is the time of year that you can put money into your account. With the HSA, you are typically able to change how much you add to the account at any point throughout the year. In contrast, the FSA plan generally requires that you establish an amount during the open enrollment period that stays consistent throughout the year.

When do you have to use the money?

The third, and most important difference, is what happens to the money at the end of the year. With an HSA account, there is no time period in which you must use the funds that you set aside. Once you put money in, it remains in an investment account until you need it for qualified medical expenses. If you never use it, you can withdraw it after age 65 without tax penalties.

On the other hand, the FSA requires that the money saved is used within the plan year. There are some companies that offer a grace period, meaning you have an extra two and a half months to use the funds. Beyond that, however, unused money is surrendered to the fund itself; either you use the money in the plan year, or you lose it.

The good news is that the the list of qualified medical expenses includes lab fees, which means you have time left in the year and extra money to take charge of your health! Now is the time to investigate why your energy level has been lower lately. Perhaps you are tired of the constantly running nose? Find out if you have an allergy. Blood tests can even help detect warning signs of a variety of medical conditions, from diabetes to arthritis, so you can begin feeling better more quickly.  At Any Lab Test Now, we have more than a thousand tests available, and you’re able to use those FSA and HSA funds to cover the cost of your tests. It’s a great time to take advantage of the extra savings so you don’t lose them!

PSA Testing – Why You Need To Get Checked

You feel young and healthy; you’re in your 30s or 40s and still in the prime of your life. You get regular medical checkups, but anything more comprehensive than that hasn’t really crossed your mind. You’re too young to be thinking about special screenings and tests. After all, 40 is the new 30, right? Well, you might want to think again. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. But the good news is it’s 100 percent treatable if caught early. Most men don’t think about getting tested before the age of 50, and while Medicare and other insurance plans cover screenings for men 50 and up, the younger guys are left out in the cold. And for some, getting tested earlier could have saved their lives.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is the best way to catch prostate cancer in its earlier stages. In a nutshell, PSA is a substance made by the gland cells in the prostate (both normal cells and cancer cells). The PSA blood test will measure your PSA levels, and if they are elevated, it may indicate prostate cancer or prostatitis (an enlarged prostate). Most men have a PSA level under 4 nanograms per milliliter when they are healthy. However, the risk of prostate cancer increases as your PSA level increases. If your PSA level is about 4 but below 10, you have about a one in four chance of having prostate cancer. But if your PSA level is above 10, your chances increase to around 50 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.

Here are a few reasons why men should consider being screened earlier for prostate cancer:
You Have a Family History. Like many other forms of cancer, prostate cancer tends to run in families. If you have a father or a brother with the disease, your chances of developing it are almost double. Actually, if you have a brother who developed prostate cancer, your chances are even higher than if your father had it. Your risks go up the more family members you have that had or have prostate cancer. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should definitely be getting tested early and regularly.

To Establish a Baseline. No matter what age you are, all men should get a PSA test. It’s important to establish a PSA “baseline,” so that you can, over time, monitor any changes in your PSA levels. Get tested even if you are below the age of 40 so you know what your normal PSA level is. Then doctors can use that for comparison in the future. Proactive blood testing like this can help you monitor your levels and possibly detect and treat disease before it’s too late.

For Continual Monitoring. Since the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, there are no current guidelines for preventing prostate cancer. You may be thinking, “If I can’t be proactive in preventing prostate cancer, what can I do?” The answer is simple; you need to keep an eye on the situation with regular testing. The probability of finding prostate cancer early is high because the disease usually progresses very slowly. If you are at a higher risk, start getting regular tests at the age of 40. If you are at a lower risk, start getting regular tests at the age of 50. Get tested every year after the age of 40 if you have more than one risk factor for prostate cancer or your PSA levels naturally sit a higher level.

Not only can prostate cancer be caught early, but it has amazing survival rates when you do catch it early. For those who catch the disease while it is still in the prostate, the five-year survival rate is 100 percent. Even if you catch the cancer after it has spread to the surrounding areas of the prostate — but before it spreads elsewhere — the five-year survival rate is still 100 percent. However, if the cancer isn’t caught until it travels to distant parts of the body beyond the prostate, the five-year survival rate drops to just 28 percent. So, if you’re above the age of 40 and have one or more risk factors, it’s important to get tested regularly to keep an eye out for the beginnings of prostate cancer.

Talk to our medical assistants at Any Lab Test Now about getting a PSA Test today! Now is the time to take control of your prostate health. If you wait, it could be too late.

Unknown Substance Analysis and Unknown Poison and Toxins Analysis

Do you suspect an employee, friend or loved one is abusing drugs or being poisoned somehow? Or maybe you are worried you have been drugged or poisoned yourself? Then you might want to consider getting an Unknown Substance Analysis or an Unknown Poisons and Toxins Analysis at Any Lab Test Now. These tests are designed to give you peace of mind, whatever your needs happen to be. Once you get a definitive answer, you can finally act on your suspicions and help improve your health or the health of someone you know. But which test is right for you? Read on to learn what each analysis scans for and why you may need to get one.

Unknown Substance Analysis
An Unknown Drug Test is a drug-based scan of many classes of drugs, including prescription medications, illegal drugs and over-the-counter medications. It can be used to identify a pill, powder or substance suspected to be a drug or identify drugs already present in the body. This test uses blood, urine or hair, drug paraphernalia or beverage containers to identify any substance that may be present. Test results are typically available within 10 business days after your specimen is collected.

This may be a good option for you if you suspect a friend, family member or employee is abusing drugs or if you are curious about a substance, pill or powder you can’t identify. This analysis can also be used if you believe you have been drugged and would like to identify the suspected drug. If an unfortunate situation has happened to you or a loved one, an Unknown Substance Analysis may provide you with the answers you are looking for.

Unknown Poisons and Toxins Analysis
An Unknown Drug Test screens for and identifies the presence of more than 1000 common chemicals, poisons and toxic substances. The test includes frequently used pesticides, poisons, organic chemicals, painting and cleaning products, and hygiene-type products. This analysis does not include drugs or heavy metals testing. Testing can be done using blood, urine or hair samples, as well as food or beverage samples. Test results are typically available within 10 business days after your specimen is collected.

This may be a good option for you if you suspect that you or a loved one has been poisoned, intentionally or unknowingly. Getting the answers you need can ease your mind, get you on the path to better health and may even save your life.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Driving while intoxicated is no laughing matter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone dies every 51 minutes in the U.S. due to alcohol-impaired driving. And sadly, it is not always the drunk driver who suffers the consequences. About 17 percent of traffic deaths among children are caused by an alcohol-impaired driver.

Driving under the influence endangers you and everyone around you, not to mention it puts you at risk for criminal charges and a lifetime of regret. If you have had more than one drink or your blood alcohol content (BAC) is higher than .08 percent (the legal driving limit), JUST DON’T DO IT. During Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over this month, we are urging people to make safe driving decisions or — you guessed it — you’re going to see some flashing blue lights in your rear view mirror.

Any alcohol you drink is absorbed by your stomach and enters your bloodstream where it circulates through your body before making its way to the liver. There, enzymes in the liver break down the alcohol slowly, and the alcohol your liver can’t process fast enough continues to circulate through your bloodstream. In the average person, the liver can process one ounce of liquor or alcohol in one hour. This is why your BAC increases when you have more drinks than your liver can process in a certain amount of time. The higher your BAC, the more “drunk” you feel. Once your BAC is above .08, you will start to experience loss of motor skills, your reaction time decreases, your judgment becomes impaired and your ability to process information decreases, among other side effects. This is why it is so important that drivers stay off the road until they are sober.

Drunk drivers are a serious danger to themselves and everyone around them. Remember, if your BAC is above the legal driving limit DO NOT DRIVE. Stay safe, drive sober … or you’ll get pulled over.

Concerned about the alcohol consumption of an employee or loved one? Here at Any Lab Test Now, we have several types of alcohol tests for whatever your needs may be.

An Alcohol Screen (Saliva) tests for the presence of alcohol in the saliva. This test may be used as an alternative to a breath alcohol test by non-DOT (Department of Transportation) employers. You may also wish to get this test done if you are a parent who suspects your child has been consuming alcohol. This test is also commonly used by schools requiring an alcohol screen for certain events such as dances.

A Breath Alcohol Test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the breath. This test is required for certain situations by DOT testing regulations as well as by other employers. Parents or schools may also want to use this test to check if children or students have been consuming alcohol.

A FAEE Hair Alcohol Abuse Test checks for the presence of Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEEs), a metabolite of ethyl (drinking) alcohol, in a person’s hair. This test is capable of detecting alcohol consumed over long periods of time and can accurately determine if an individual is alcohol dependent. This test can be used to differentiate between social drinkers and those who consume alcohol excessively. Results from this test may be requested as evidence in court or provide answers if you have concerns about the alcohol usage of a loved one.

An Alcohol Test, ETG (Ethyl Glucoronide) (Urine) is used to detect the presence of the ethyl alcohol metabolite, ethyl glucuronide, in urine. The detection period is typically up to 80 hours after ingestion. This is not an under the influence test. It may be used by programs that require this test, as well as used by court systems for persons who have had a DUI. Employers who have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol use also use this test. This test is also frequently used by parents who would like to know if their child has recently ingested alcohol.

An Alcohol Test, ETG (Ethyl Glucoronide) (Hair) is used to detect the presence of the ethyl alcohol metabolite, ethyl glucuronide, in hair. This test can detect the ingestion of ethyl alcohol within the past seven to 90 days. This test is not an under the influence test. People who request ETG testing may be in a program that requires them to have this test. It is sometimes used by the court system for persons who may have had a DUI in the past. Employers that have a zero tolerance alcohol usage policy may be interested in this test, as well as employers that have substance abuse programs in place that require enrollees to be tested. It is also frequently used by parents who would like to know if their child has recently ingested alcohol.

What are the Differences between a Lipid Panel, VAP® Test and PLAC Test?

So you’ve been told you may need to have some cholesterol tests done.  Or, maybe you are getting ready to get in shape and eat right, and want to set a baseline to measure what’s going on inside. Getting tested is the first step to becoming a healthier, happier you. Any Lab Test Now is here to help you Take Control of your Health® with the Lipid Panel, VAP Test or PLAC Test – three different tests to measure your cardiovascular health. But which test is right for you? Read on to learn more about each of these tests.

Lipid Panel
A Lipid Panel is used to determine if you have abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. These measurements can help your doctor determine if you are at risk for heart disease or other coronary illnesses. A Lipid Panel includes five tests: Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, HDL/LDL ratio and triglycerides. When evaluated together, these tests can help your doctor determine if you would benefit from a cholesterol maintenance medication. You are required to fast for at least eight hours prior to the tests. A Lipid Panel costs only $49 at Any Lab Test Now.

VAP Test
A VAP Test, or Vertical Auto Profile test, is used to provide an extremely accurate picture of an individual’s potential for heart disease and diabetes. Not only does this test include the basic cholesterol tests seen in the Lipid Panel, but it also gives a detailed report of individual lipoprotein subclasses and apolipoprotein subclasses. It identifies any cholesterol abnormalities that may be a precursor to heart disease or diabetes and can help your doctor provide the proper care to prevent future heart attacks. Best of all, you are not required to fast for this test so can come in anytime during the day. A VAP Test costs $79 at Any Lab Test Now.

PLAC Test
A PLAC Test measures the increase of an enzyme present when your arteries are inflamed. This test can help your doctor better assess your risk for heart attack and stroke, as well as determine any necessary medication or lifestyle changes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration uses this test to assess the risk of coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke, associated with atherosclerosis. The PLAC Test is usually an “add on” to other tests, and no additional blood work is necessary if done with another blood test or panel. You are not required to fast for this test. A PLAC Test costs $139 at Any Lab Test Now.

Ignoring it won’t make it better!  If you haven’t had your cholesterol checked lately, now is the time to do it – for you and your family.

National Immunization Awareness Month: What that Means for Your College Student

Now that August has arrived, that can only mean one thing — it’s time for your student to start heading back to school! But did you know that August is also National Immunization Awareness Month? Getting immunized against infectious diseases is important for your health, as well as the health of those around you. And with the start of the new school year just around the corner, you may need to make sure your student is up to date on all their vaccinations.

Most colleges, universities and technical programs require students to provide proof of their necessary immunizations. Our titers tests for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella are an easy alternative to tracking down your old pediatrician from 10+ years ago or finding those old medical records you promised yourself you’d get around to organizing. Instead of spending hours searching for lost records, a titers test can quickly and easily check if you are immune to certain diseases. In just one visit, we can have you tested and your results ready to send to your student’s school within 48 -72 hours of testing.

Some health care study programs may require additional tests including proof of immunization for Hepatitis B and C, a yearly flu shot or even drug testing. The good news is, we can provide these, too! Instead of going to your doctor and racking up lots of fees and sitting through several separate doctor visits, why not make it easy on yourself and get everything done at once — cheaply, efficiently and hassle-free!

We know starting the new school year can be hectic. That’s why we at Any Lab Test Now want to relieve some of your stress by offering easy and affordable solutions to all of your most pressing back-to-school health care needs. We can provide proof of immunizations, flu shots and even help you fulfill those extensive requirements for health care study programs. And there’s no additional cost for a physician’s visit — we provide the doctor’s order. So don’t run all over town. We’re your one-source solution at Any Lab Test Now.

Researchers Suggest Knee Pain May Be Early Sign of Arthritis

Have you ever started climbing a set of stairs and all of the sudden reached down to grab your knee as a reaction to a quick, sharp pain? A recent study published in the Arthritis Care and Research journal has suggested that knee pain while using the stairs may be an early sign of arthritis. Research leader and professor of musculoskeletal medicine at the University of Leeds in England, Philip Conaghan, stated that, “At present, we have little concept of ‘early’ osteoarthritis and often only see people when they have significant, longstanding pain and loss of function.”

To gain a better understanding of what early symptoms may be linked to arthritis, researchers located more than 4,600 people who were at a high risk for arthritis and followed the volunteers for up to seven years. During this time, the researchers paid close attention for any signs of pain or discomfort the people experienced during daily physical activity. They found that using stairswasthe first weight-bearing activity in which people with early knee arthritis noticedpain. Over time, they began to notice pain in other routine kinesthetic motions like standing, sitting, walking and even resting in bed.Conaghanexplained that if they can begin to identify early symptoms of knee arthritis, further research can be done to help doctors intervene sooner and develop medication to alleviate pain before it becomes more serious.

Have you been experiencing joint pain or stiffness in your body? Nearly 1 in every 5 adults in the United States are affected by some type of arthritis and many report joint pain or stiffness as being one of the first symptoms that caused them to seek answers. Any Lab Test Now® offers an Arthritis Screening Panel made up of different blood tests that will help you and your doctor determine if you have an autoimmune disorder such as arthritis. Contact your local Any Lab Test Now® today to learn more.

Diabetes. Are You at Risk?

It’s rare for someone to seek medical advice on a health condition unless they are noticing relative symptoms, right? For example, a person who thinks they may have the flu will schedule a time to see their doctor only after they’ve been experiencing ailments like a runny nose or frequent coughing.

The difference with diabetes is that there are no immediate outwardly physical symptoms like a high fever or runny nose to help you know that you could be at risk. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that 27.8% of people with diabetes are currently undiagnosed. That’s 8.1 million people. Living a life with diabetes and being unaware of it is extremely dangerous and the longer it takes to get diagnosed, the greater chance you have of developing other serious health problems.

Through educating yourself on the disease and taking precautionary measures, you can help prevent yourself from becoming a part of the 8.1 million. Here are a few factors that could help you determine if you’re at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

You could be at risk if…

• 45 years of age or older

• Overweight

• Have a parent with diabetes

• Family background is African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American-Indian, Asian-American, or Pacific-Islander

• Had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 lbs. or more

• Physically active less than three times a week.

If you think you may be at risk of diabetes, let Any Lab Test Now ®  help you. Our Diabetes Maintenance Panel consists of four thorough, effective tests that will provide clear and quality results for you and your physician.

Have You Had Your Annual Check Up?

When’s the last time you had your health checked?

August 11 is Annual Medical Checkup Day. Preventative checkups can catch problems before they start. Your age, family history, lifestyle choices, and other important factors determine the types of checkups that are recommended for you. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life!

August 10th – August 16th is Health Center Week. This is a time set aside to celebrate community, migrant, homeless, and public housing health centers. Some of the successes that are celebrated are their ability to provide affordable, high quality, cost effective health care to underprivileged people throughout the United States. During this week, we should take the time to be thankful for the health care providers in our community.

Celebrate life and health by scheduling your annual checkup appointment today. Annual Checkup Day is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to have a preventative medical check-up that will keep you healthy longer!