And again, that’s if your doctor calls for any blood work at all.
So then the question becomes: What’s a happy medium between bare-bones and borderline excessive lab testing?
It’s important to note that everyone’s health insurance coverage is different.
“So if you get a wonky CBC, it’s a reason to be more thoroughly evaluated.
That’s why it’s a really good basic test.”
Who should get it?All adults.
Coverage:A CBC is very likely to be covered by insurance as part of your annual physical.
Coverage:A CMP is very likely to be covered by insurance as part of your annual physical.
An HbA1c test measures the percentage of red blood cells saturated with glucose.
The higher your A1C, the higher the estimated average blood glucose.
Then, you could retest in three to six months to see if you’ve moved the needle.
Ideally, you’ll want your HbA1C to be 4 to 5.3, though lower is better.
Coverage:An HbA1C test is pretty likely to be covered by insurance, but check first.
“So your HDL should be higher than or equal to triglycerides.”
TSH alone can miss many cases of Hashimoto’s.
A more comprehensive panel can spot issues early while they can still be addressed with lifestyle changes.
Coverage:Thyroid testing is often covered by insurance if you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue.
In some cases, you may need to start with a TSH test first and go from there.
This can occur for a number of reasons.
Deficiencies in vitamin D can also be a factor in autoimmune disease and certain cancers.
If you’re below that, supplementation will likely be necessary.
Who should get it?Most adults, particularly women and those experiencing fatigue and poor mood.
Coverage:Vitamin D testing is typically covered if you’re experiencing symptoms.
Your doctor can test for these separately or all at once on an anemia panel, says Godwin-Gorga.
Folate plays a crucial role in healthy pregnancy and preventing birth defects but often is not screened.
And pretty much any menstruating woman has the potential to be low in iron.
So, this combo of tests can be pretty revealingand low levels can be easily remedied.
“Iron is an interesting one,” says Godwin-Gorga.
“It affects your thyroid, and if your iron is low, it can present as hypothyroidism.
It’s so common for women to feel normal once we replenish their iron.”
After your labs are completed.
“It takes them getting abnormal before anyone even says something to you.
So, what’s the solution?
Bottom line: Getting the right tests (for you) can be empowering.
Start by doing your homework.
And remember, always call your insurance company to ask about coverage!
