With all of the recent changes in health insurance, blood testing is more expensive than ever. Below are few questions and situations we get from our patients and thought it would be good to discuss. Do any of the following sound familiar?
We see this often. Patients complain that they have been to many doctors, internists, endocrinologists and all that gets tested is a TSH for thyroid function. With the internet and dissatisfaction in healthcare, people are becoming their own health advocates. People are researching and keeping a keen eye on their health. People know that they want more than a TSH test for thyroid function. But they run into a wall’ with their conventional doctor. Their primary care, internist, or endocrinologist will not run a free T4 or a free T3.
Often thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s Disease can run in the family. I have a patient that swear their sister, mother or brother have a thyroid problem too. But either the family member is reluctant to approach their doctor about it. Or their doctor will not order the thyroid functional testing or Hashimoto’s antibodies. Read on so I can show you how to find out if your family member has a thyroid issue.
Unfortunately, health insurance can be costly. My monthly health insurance premiums cost more than my first car. Granted, my first car was not very nice, but I had a whole lot more fun with it than my health insurance. People know they need to get regular screenings, annual and routine blood work done; however, some are terrified that without insurance it will cost a fortune. Honestly, blood work out of pocket can be pretty much the equivalent of a mortgage payment. But read on, I have some tips to help you get blood work without having to promise your first born.
My deductible is $5000+. I hope that I never meet that 5000$ deductible because if I do, that means something unfortunate happened to me. I might get negotiated rates for blood work, but I will still have to pay out of pocket for my blood work. This could be quite costly.
Time is money. Time is not a renewable resource, meaning it is going to run out someday. And I don’t want to waste my precious time waiting in a waiting room full of sick people so I can see the doctor. The doctor will then spend 3 minutes with me and give me an order for blood work. Then I have to come back to go over those results. Let’s save some time and avoid all that nonsense. Read on to find out how.
I have heard this a lot recently, which is what prompted me to write this. I have patients that have insurance and still have to pay over a $1000 to pay for their blood work. Whether it is a high deductible or limited coverage, they end up with a bill several weeks later that can be well over a 1000$. I know it seems silly that you are paying for healthcare coverage and you get a large ‘out of pocket’ bill for blood work. This a pretty common theme in the last few years.
We all know you cannot walk into a lab like Quest or LabCorp without a requisition from a doctor. And everyone is under the assumption that if insurance is not paying for the test, then it is too expensive. Yes, paying Quest and LabCorp out of pocket directly for lab testing is very expensive, sometimes over 1000$.
We have physician-only accounts with Quest and LabCorp to get you reasonable out of pocket pricing. Recently, I have had three patients tell me that they were billed over a 1000$ for their blood work because of deductibles and limited insurance coverage. That is ridiculous because out of pocket those tests would have only cost them about $150 to $300 at the most! So if you want a specific lab test just let me know what tests you want, and I will put them together for you with pricing.
I have been getting a lot of patients that want to test their family member’s thyroid function lately. Recently I had a patient with Hashimoto’s hypothyroid tell me that she knows’ her sister has a thyroid problem, but her sister will not go to the doctor to get tested for Hashimoto’s or even for hypothyroid.
I felt terrible because I can’t legally order a test through their insurance without establishing them as a patient. We talked about how we can get her sister a test so she can see the data on paper and realize that she too has a thyroid issue. However, we can order the tests cash-pay without establishing them as a patient. They just buy the test, get it done and get the results emailed to them. It turned out, my patient purchased the test for her sister.
Just go to our online store to check out our lab panels and pricing. Like I said if there are tests you do not see that you like. Just email us, and we will get the test ordered for you.
As an end of the year special, we have put together a thyroid-function panel discounted. Click here and buy it for someone and they have six months to get the test done.
Thyroid Lab Testing Specials – get 25% off thyroid testing through the end of January 2018. Use the code THYROID to get the discount.
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Discover the common and unfamiliar symptoms that you might be experiencing. Get access to cases of real women with hormonal conditions.
In this episode, we discuss the best way to reduce triglycerides. Sasha, a podcast listener, asked us how to lower her triglycerides. We then go into depth about triglycerides, how to lower them, and why they could be high in the first place.
How to read a lipid panel
Supplements for lowering triglycerides
Lifestyle changes for lowering triglycerides
What do high triglycerides mean?
Building blocks for triglycerides
Improving metabolic health
Can menopause increase triglycerides?
High triglycerides and thyroid hormones
Sacha’s Question:”I know this isn’t a hormone question but was hoping you could give me some direction. I was wondering what is the best way to lower triglycerides? thank you for your help!”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we discuss a podcast listener’s question. ‘Alesha’ is concerned that she should not take estrogen replacement therapy because she has fibroids. This is a common concern. The idea that estrogen can cause or propagate fibroids has left many menopausal women without support for their symptoms. Just because women have or have had a history of fibroids does not mean they are not a candidate for estrogentherapy. In fact, women with fibroid can take estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
In this episode, we go into depth about taking estrogen with fibroids. And we break Alesha’s question into:
What are fibroids?
Fibroids and estrogen replacement therapy
Can I take estrogen if I have fibroids?
What is adenomyosis?
Estrogen’s role in fibroids
Difference between perimenopause and menopause
How menopause can affect prediabetes
Alesha’s Question:
“Is there any hope for someone with adenomyosis take estrogen? If so, when is the right time? I know adenomyosis is stimulated by estrogen. I even had 1 dr offer a hysterectomy so I could take estrogen without any issues ??!! I have a history of heavy periods have had many trans vag ultrasounds and biopsy’s over the years Uterus was enlarged, lining was wnl. Had a hysterscopy to remove some cysts they found 4 hrs ago. Last ultrasound showed probable adenomyosis.i am almost 57and I am in late perimenopause. Cycles have been erratic just went 6 months without a cycle then had a normal cycle…for years of perimenopause I had symptoms of high estrogen. Most of the time for the last year I had symptoms of low estrogen. Poor sleep waking up 4-5x night, dry skin, vaginal dryness, night sweats, brain fog, difficulty concentrating which makes my job very difficult. I have also developed mild sleep apnea(sleep lab) and after my last physical I am on the edge of pre diabetes. ( am normal weight, I walk daily and lift weights, eat high protein diet with lots of veggies and healthy fats.) I am currently taking a progesterone troche( 1/4 lozenge 50mg 2x day) and vaginal estrogen. I was taking an oral progesterone 300 mg thought it would help with sleep but didn’t. The progesterone has helped with GI issues, puffiness, bloating, cramping and anxiety.”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we talk about POI (primary/premature ovarian insufficiency) and earlymenopause. Samantha sent in a question about whether she is in menopause or hasPOI at the age of 36.We break Samantha’s question into:- What is POI (Premature/Primary ovarian insufficiency)?- Taking estradiol during perimenopause- Difference between perimenopause and menopause- What is an FSH?- Insulin resistance and perimenopauseSamantha’s Question:I am 36 and have been slowly noticing perimenopause/low estrogen symptoms for thepast year and a half. I went to an online provider and started HRT and haveexperienced so much relief! From mental symptoms to night sweats to dryness(everywhere) I have started to feel so much better being on estradiol and progesteronefor 3 months. I have been working with a functional nutritionist on my diet, walking daily,etc.i had gestational diabetes for all 3 pregnancies and also got my tubes removed lastyear. After I came off the birth control all of my symptoms started! I recently saw mynormal OBGYN so I could get my HRT through insurance and he agreed- but made itclear this isn’t menopause, could be POI, but seemed skeptical. I got bloodwork doneand my FSH has risen in the past few months from a 3.7 to an 8. But it’s still considerednormal. All of my thyroid and other bloodwork also comes back normal. Is POI apossible diagnosis? I feel crazy!!If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats,was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim topromote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various healthtopics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of somethingyou have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested indiscussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
Can you be in both in perimenopause and menopause? Can you be menopausal andperimenopausal at the same time? The difference between perimenopause andmenopause is not a line in the sand. It is not like crossing through the Peace Arch fromBlaine Washington to the country of Canada. And at times, there is nothing peacefulabout perimenopause or menopause.There is a gray area where you are just moving out of perimenopause and intomenopause, where you are not quite in perimenopause but are not completely inmenopause. We delve deeper into the place that is between perimenopause andmenopause:- What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?- Can you be both in perimenopause and menopause?- The difference between perimenopause and menopause- What it feels like to go from perimenopause to menopause- Can you take estrogen or biest when you are going from perimenopause tomenopause?- Is bleeding in menopause considered perimenopause?- Top symptoms of perimenopause- Top symptoms of menopause- Are you a candidate for estrogen replacement in perimenopause?If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats,was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim topromote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various healthtopics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of somethingyou have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested indiscussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question about how to apply estriol to your face. ‘Connie’ is confused about whether she can use her Biest cream on her face. And she wanted to know the difference between estriol and Biest when it comes to treating menopausal symptoms.
We analyze Connie’s question into:
Applying estriol to the face
What is biest?
What is estriol?
What is the difference between estriol and biest?
Applying estriol vaginally
It is not a good idea to apply biest to vaginal tissues if you have a uterus
Connie’s Question:
“HI there, I loved your article on estriol for the face. I was prescribed an 80-20 bi-est cream for HRT. My question is, how is that different from a 0.3 estriol cream for the face like the kind My Alloy makes? Could I just use more of my Biest cream on my face? Would that be stronger than the My alloy 0.3 estriol cream? Lastly, the .3 estriol cream is not supposed to affect your overall hormone levels, but the Bi-est cream is supposed to affect your hormones and relieve symptoms of menopause. Why does one estriol work differently than the other? Thank you so much for any guidance you may be able to offer. It’s so hard figuring all of this out!”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode we talk about where to apply hormone creams. Sadie, our listener wants to know if she needs to rotate the application sites of her hormone cream.
In this episode we discuss:
Where to apply biest cream
What to apply testosterone cream for females
Places you should not apply your testosterone cream
Best absorption sites for hormone creams
Sadie’s Question:”I have been using hormones for a little over a year. I swear by them!! I have not rotated sites at all. I use testosterone/DHEA cream behind both of my knees and E3/E2 on both of my inner thighs every morning. I take a progesterone capsule at bedtime. My doctor and everything I read says to rotate sites. I found an article by Dr. Collins and now I found your article about not having to rotate sites, so I am going to keep doing what I have been. I put the cream on both of the backs of my legs and thighs. My question is should I alternate one back of knee and then the other and the same with the inner thighs or does it matter?
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
