Regular visits with a primary care physician are an important component of overall health and wellness. In addition to annual exams and evaluations, patients can seek treatment and care for illnesses and health conditions, as well as maintain a healthy regimen of necessary prescription medications. Many of these primary care offices are also able to offer laboratory services on site. Participating in certain screenings and testing at such locations can be a practical and prudent choice for many patients.
The more information a physician has on a particular patient, the more thorough the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment can be during well and sick visits. Choosing a primary care office with laboratory services can help expedite the recovery process, since it may allow physicians to interpret and act upon results in a timelier manner.
It also helps ensure that patient records are thorough and accurate, which can help physicians recognize underlying conditions or the need for further testing. In many cases, what originates as a standard screening for work or insurance purposes can prompt a physician to request an in-office appointment for further evaluation based on the results.
In-office laboratories are typically equipped with the tools and personnel necessary to perform the tests and screenings most frequently requested for healthcare patients. While some options may vary by location, most offices are able to conduct the following tests:
Strep throat, the flu, mono and pregnancy all require a blood test or culture swab for an accurate diagnosis. Because symptoms for these common conditions can overlap with other issues, testing is an important part of the diagnostic process. Results help determine the appropriate course of action for the patient.
A CBC or complete blood count test measures each of the following components in a patient's blood:
By looking at the results of this testing, a physician can help identify underlying conditions, such as anemia, or check for an infection in the body. The test can also help monitor the body's response to various medications or cancer treatments.
Studying a patient's urine can help diagnose a wide variety of disorders, including kidney disease, liver disease, urinary tract infections and diabetes. It can also be used for drug screening and to detect and monitor pregnancy.
High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides are often precursors to heart disease. This screening can help detect issues before symptoms arise, giving patients more time to make diet and lifestyle changes. A medication may also be prescribed until levels return to normal. Frequent screenings for high-risk patients can be a critical step in treating and even preventing a heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure.
Laboratory screenings play an important role in achieving and maintaining good health. Patients should consult their primary care physician for annual bloodwork and any other recommended testing. When other situations require additional screenings, choosing to get tests at a primary care office can help physicians maintain a more accurate patient profile.
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