what to know for my first blood work appointment

[srocco112]

Hey all, i am not on/or ever used AAS or any PH's but feel that i just want to go get some bloodwork done to see how all my hormone levels check out. I am 26 year old male.

I just scheduled an appointment with a local labcorp online for next Monday, but the online process was very short and did not ask specifics on the type of work i was requesting, so i assume i will have to fill out paperwork when i get there.

What are the specific levels i want to have checked when going? Total, free, e2, etc..

Also, if i booked this appointment on my own and not as a script from a doctor, will i be required to pay for it myself or do you know if i can still push it through my insurance?

Its been a while since iv been to the doctor and now that i have moved and have a new job with good insurance, i am currently working on establishing new doctors. Wanted to get the bloodwork done for my own knowledge and curiosity.

 

[heavylifter33]

I don't know how your insurance works, but typically you need to go through your doctor to get bloodwork paid for, or mostly paid for. You may be better off just finding a doctor covered by your plan, and then pushing for some bloodwork. Remember, even if they say no it's your right to request it.

You'll want to get a full hormone panel done.

 

[srocco112]

Ok thanks, i guess i can give Cigna a call tomorrow and ask. Although if the hormone panel is reasonable, i wont mind paying for it out of pocket.

On average, do you know how much it would cost?

 

[heavylifter33]

Ok thanks, i guess i can give Cigna a call tomorrow and ask. Although if the hormone panel is reasonable, i wont mind paying for it out of pocket.

On average, do you know how much it would cost?

No clue. You can have an online place do it for about 75-100$ though.

 

[mw1]

Ok thanks, i guess i can give Cigna a call tomorrow and ask. Although if the hormone panel is reasonable, i wont mind paying for it out of pocket.

On average, do you know how much it would cost?

I have Cigna OA Plus in network and labs are free

 

[srocco112]

I have Cigna OA Plus in network and labs are free

Do you know if its free if you make the lab appointment on your own or just if refered by doc?

 

[mw1]

Do you know if its free if you make the lab appointment on your own or just if refered by doc?

I dont know cause my Dr's Office does draws the blood there so i have never had to go to a "lab" to have it drawn. I would just make a dr appointmenet and tell him youve used supplements etc and would like to get a full panel done. I seriously doubt he will refuse to get you one

 

[kisaj]

I had Cigna when I had my first full labs done at 30 and they did not cover full hormone panels unless referred to a specialist. You can get a normal CBC and anything related to a physical, plus just a total test lab- which tells you nothing.

Go ahead and request the full hormone and see what is covered. They should be able to tell you.

BTW-
Total test
free test
SHBG
TSH
FSH
thyroid (T3, T4, free T3)
LH
Cortisol
DHEA-s
Pregnenolone
Estradiol

 

[srocco112]

Hmm ok ill make a call to cigna tomorrow and find out.

 

[srocco112]

Made an appt for monday with a new primary physician. Since i am a new patient they said their first meeting they take bloodwork then the following week i come in to meet with dr and review. I requested if i can also have a hormone panel done at the same time and she noted my request but said the only reason they may not be able to do it is if they do not have the vials in office. The bloodwork will be drawn at the actual dr office.

So we shall see how it all goes!

 

[Doc_Holliday]

Just out of curiosity, why not do the "Privatemedlabs" for $52 (coupon code) and skip all the BS? No doctor, no questions. Just fill it out online, print, and walk right into the lab clinic of your choice. You don't even need ID. Results available in 24hrs. And for mid cycle, choose Labsmd for $62 (coupon code again) which shows your total test higher than 1500 (takes up to a week for results doing this method because of the higher test readings).

Of course being your bloods show nothing in them right now, I can understand trying to use your insurance. That's how I did it at first until I learned the ropes visiting this site and a few others i'm more active on. But i mean... It's only 50 bucks and a WHOLE lot less hoops to jump through.

Also, if you do cycle, I would suggest NOT going through insurance EVER. Last thing you need is to have proof on record that you've at some point in your life had higher levels of band substances giving your insurance a reason to deny you coverage should you actually ever really need it (God forbid).

Good luck man!!!

 

[srocco112]

Well i did have a labcorp test set up on my own for next week. But i also needed to establish a new primary physician since i have moved and have not gone to the doctor in years. So yeaterday i called a doctor that was recomended to me by a gym buddy and their protocol for new patients is just to do bloodwork upfront so the dr can screen all your normal levels. I just asked if i can also have a hormone panel included so i can cancel my other test and not have to draw blood twice next week.

For future reference i will keep your method in mind as well.

Thanks