OT: Anyone try HeathFair bus heart/stroke/blood tests?

[SleepyCPAP]

Hi, my doctor mentioned it would be less expensive for me to try the screenings done on those buses that come around to malls and churches, for a full slate of EKG, artery ultrasound, blood tests, etc. He seemed to think that would be fine for initial screening. One that I see online is HealthFair, and I'll go ahead and give it a try. Has anyone else tried this "testing on a bus" kind of screening? Is there anything I should know?

Other than throwing money at tests, the only part I'm wary about is their "health questionnaire" which means they end up getting a "check the box, history of heart disease in family... etc." types of information on me. I might see if I can refuse that, and just sign the release at the bottom.

[Laurie1041]

My step-mom has utilized the HealthFair bus for her annual wellness check because she is still a few years away from being eligible for Medicare and is only able to afford a high-deductible ($5,000/year) catastrophic insurance plan. From what she describes, HealthFair checks her carotid arteries by doppler to check for any signs/symptoms of blocked/partially blocked carotid arteries, does an EKG, checks blood pressure, and performs a fasting finger stick for blood glucose levels and liver function/cholesterol values. Although the testing is limited in its scope (cardiovascular risk and diabetes screening), it certainly has value for the money spent, especially for those who have limited access to health care.

The health questionaire (health history) is protected under HIPAA privacy laws and ensures that your medical history and test results remain confidential. The purpose of the health questionaire is very important in order to help screen those patients who may be at high risk for stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol due to familial history.

The health questionaire and subsequent screening tests go hand-in-hand and allow the clinician to identify high-risk patients so that they can be properly referred to their physician for further evaluation. For further information about patient privacy acts, do a google search on either patient privacy, or HIPAA.

[SleepyCPAP]

Thank you Laurie1041 for sharing the info from your step mom's use.

My insurance situation is better than hers, but the fact that my doctor thought this was effective and economically more sensible than sending me for the more expensive route impressed me. I'll probably pay out-of-pocket for this method though. I will see if my insurance company says, one way or the other.

And thanks for this advice -- it helps me get a clearer (and less anxious) perspective:

The health questionaire and subsequent screening tests go hand-in-hand and allow the clinician to identify high-risk patients so that they can be properly referred to their physician for further evaluation. For further information about patient privacy acts, do a google search on either patient privacy, or HIPAA.