Star Valley Health is making changes to the procedure for blood tests known as Health Fair Annual Wellness Screening Labs.
Previously, any community member could request screening labs without a provider’s order. They received the results of the screening in the mail along with a document explaining each test and normal ranges.
However, “receiving blood tests without the help of a professional with expert understanding can often lead to inappropriate conclusions about one’s health,” explains Dr. Donald Kirk, chief medical officer. “It can also lead to unnecessary anxiety about tests that are out of the range of normal.”
Beginning April 1, patients will need to have a provider’s signature to request Health Fair Annual Wellness Screening Labs.
- If the patient has a provider, they can request the blood tests by contacting their provider’s office in person or over the phone. Their provider may want to meet with them to discuss which tests would be most beneficial to them.
- If the patient does not have a provider, they will need to schedule an office visit with a primary care provider to have the form signed and receive recommendations on which tests would be most beneficial.
The provider’s office will contact the patient with the lab results, and patients can request a copy of the screenings by contacting the medical records office at 307-885-5800.