The Perils of Deprofessionalizing Laboratory Test Ordering: Are We Headed Down a Costly Path?

Abstract

Direct-access testing (DAT), in which the patient rather than the physician orders laboratory testing, continues to be a growing market. Demand has been driven by direct-to-consumer marketing, convenience, cost savings, and patient empowerment in managing his or her healthcare. In April 2015, Arizona passed House Bill 2645 (HB2645), which rewrites state law in regard to laboratory testing. HB2645 relaxes regulations related to DAT and allows individuals to ( a ) order any laboratory test without a physician's request or written authorization and ( b ) directly receive test results. The new bill does not require the patient to coordinate with a physician for consultation or interpretation of the results. Furthermore, healthcare providers are not liable for the failure to review or act on a laboratory test …