Lab Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use HealthAnchor?
We offer a convenient, low-cost option for blood testing. You don’t need to schedule or pay for multiple doctor visits or worry about health insurance coverage or deductibles. Everything is taken care of in three easy steps, and you can stop by a LabCorp facility at any time without an appointment to get your blood work done on your own schedule.
How long does it take to get my blood test results?
Ordering lab testing through the HealthAnchor website takes only a few minutes. You will then receive your confirmation and information regarding your nearest LabCorp facility within 1 business day. Once you’ve dropped by the lab to have blood drawn, you can expect to receive your results within a few days.
Will anyone else have access to my test results?
No. After the lab processes your blood sample, the results will be delivered to you digitally through a secure download that only you can access.
Why can’t I pay with my health insurance?
HealthAnchor wants to make getting blood test results simple, so we’ve eliminated the need to deal with the hassle of health insurance through discounted services. For most people, the cost to order your tests through HealthAnchor will be less expensive than going through your health insurance.
Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately we can only offer refunds on orders that have not yet been completed.
How soon after I place an order do I have to stop by the lab testing facility?
A lab test requisition form is valid for 6 months after its creation so you can go anytime within that period. However, the sooner you go and get tested, the sooner you’ll have your results.
Why would I want or need a blood test?
Getting a lab test is a way to check on your health by determining where you fall within normal ranges and identifying any potential health concerns that you can then discuss with your doctor. A blood test can identify medical issues that can go unnoticed for years after onset and not have any symptoms, including diabetes and heart disease.
Should I ask my primary care physician before ordering a test?
HealthAnchor provides blood testing without the need for your physician’s approval. However, only your physician can determine whether you are in need of specific tests and help you interpret your results. If your physician recommends that you get certain testing, even if they have already given you a requisition form to a lab, you can still use HealthAnchor to order the testing as it may be a cheaper option for the same service.
Can I go to any lab after I get confirmation from HealthAnchor?
At this time, HealthAnchor works solely with LabCorp, one of the world’s premier blood testing organizations. Your lab test requisition form will not be valid at any other health care facility.
Can I go to any LabCorp location?
Yes. The choice is entirely up to you. HealthAnchor will provide you with a list of LabCorp locations near you via email when you order your lab tests.
Do I need anything besides my HealthAnchor confirmation when I got to LabCorp?
LabCorp staff will ask to see a photo ID as well as the requisition form we send you. You will not be asked for any other identification or payment (your order will be shown as “pre-paid” in LabCorp’s system). Please wait to receive and print the lab test requisition form before going to the lab.
What do my test results mean?
HealthAnchor does not provide diagnostics or medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns after receiving your blood test results, you should talk about them with your primary care doctor. Any abnormal results (those outside the normal reference range) will be noted in your results download. However, it may not be anything to worry about – check with your physician if you are unsure.
Can I use HealthAnchor no matter where I live?
Only five U.S. states currently do not allow residents access to the service HealthAnchor offers: Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. If you live in these states, you may not order through our site and any requisition form you receive will not be valid at a LabCorp lab in these states. If we see that you are ordering from one of these states or want to go to a lab there, your order will be canceled immediately.
How long will I have to spend at the lab?
LabCorp offers both walk-in visits and appointments. Once you have your requisition form for the lab test and you have printed it out, you can drop in at any LabCorp location at your earliest convenience. But if you prefer, you can make an appointment on the LabCorp website to ensure a specific time for your visit. Depending on the busyness of the specific lab you’ve chosen, your blood draw may go faster if you have an appointment.
What exactly is LabCorp and how do I know it’s safe?
LabCorp is one of the world’s largest clinical laboratory providers and has been in business for 40 years. Its work is governed by the federal clinical standards under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988. As of 2018, it handles 2.5 million lab tests results every week.
How do I know my credit card information and test results won’t be stolen?
Your security is our primary concern at HealthAnchor. All ordering information and payments are fully encrypted. Your blood tests results are sent as a secure downloadable file that only you can open.
My question isn’t answered here. What can I do?
HealthAnchor welcomes your questions. Please feel free to email us at any time. We will respond as soon as possible.
Can I place more than one order, including for someone else?
Absolutely. You can order as many tests as you’d like and place orders for others; however, to ensure privacy and security, each requisition form requires a separate order and checkout process. These can all be done at one sitting, if you wish.
Do I have to fast the night before my test?
Blood test requirements vary. While some do require you to fast, others do not. Fasting information will be sent to you with your order details. If you have concerns, we suggest you speak to your primary care doctor about what will be required of you for your specific testing.
Will all my blood testing be done on one visit?
Every order placed through HealthAnchor is unique, so the blood testing you request in each order must be done in one visit. However, you may place more than one order at any time. For example, if you want to check your morning and evening cortisol levels to evaluate your adrenal health, you may order the separate tests in one sitting and receive separate requisition forms. You will then take one form with you to the lab for your morning test and the other to the lab for your evening test.
Do you send my doctor a copy of my results?
No. You are the only person who will receive your blood test results. Of course, you are free to take the results to your doctor to ask questions.
Should I talk to my doctor before purchasing blood testing through HealthAnchor?
HealthAnchor wants you to be as informed about your own health as possible, but our aim is also to make getting blood testing done as simple and cost-effective as possible. We encourage you to consult with your doctor if you have any particular concerns, but we do not require your doctor to sign off on your blood testing.
Which blood tests are right for me?
HealthAnchor offers access to a wide range of blood testing, as shown on our website. However, our services do not replace nor do we offer medical advice. If you are not sure which blood testing is right for you, please talk with your primary care physician before ordering.
Why haven’t my results been sent to me yet?
The vast majority of blood test results are delivered via secure email download within five days; however, depending on the details of the testing you have ordered, it may take longer. We pride ourselves on quick turnaround and make results available to you as soon as possible.