In-home lab testing is a convenient and accessible service to members that can make a valuable addition to any provider practice. An in-home lab test kit often warrants quicker test results, while being a cost-effective solution for both members and providers.1
QualChoice will be mailing out in-home lab testing kits to members with open care gaps for colonoscopy (COL), HbA1c (HBD/GSD), chlamydia (CHL), and kidney health evaluation (KED) screenings during the mid-summer/fall months this year. Please note that during June and July, members will be contacted by an approved in-home lab testing kit vendor, allowing them the option to confirm whether or not they want to have a kit mailed to the address on record.
During visits, we would like providers to inform members that they have an option to have testing kit(s) mailed to their home. After the member has confirmed their address for the vendor, the kit(s) shall arrive between July and September. It’s important that providers encourage members to complete the specimen sample for the kit(s) and return the sampled kit(s) via mail as directed.
The lab will provide the testing results to the PCP of record for each member’s returned/collected specimen(s).
What Is In-Home Lab Testing?
In-home lab testing refers to lab tests that are done at home and sent to facility to be used for diagnosis, screening, monitoring, disease risk assessment, wellness optimization, and ancestry research. The types of tests available in in-home lab kits are self-tests and self-collection tests. These kits are designed to be self-administered.2
Typically, these tests involve saliva, urine, stool, or blood samples being sent to a lab for analysis.1 In many cases, these testing kits can be approved by insurance. When self-collection or lab tests are completed, patients generally get results through an online portal, and/or results are sent to their PCP within a few business days.2 It’s important for providers to ensure appropriate follow-up care and guidance based on the results of any completed at-home lab tests.1
What Are the Advantages of In-Home Lab Testing?
Many patients prefer the convenience of in-home lab tests. These tests allow individuals to avoid the hassle of having to visit a doctor or lab to complete lab tests.1 Patients can complete their regular testing on time and at home without having to coordinate transportation or wait for an appointment.Offering patients greater privacy and autonomy allows them to conduct their own assessments without having to disclose personal information. Testing at home may remove barriers to care for people who:3
- Have mental health conditions, physical disabilities, or mobility concerns
- Are home-bound
- Are experiencing socioeconomic or transportation barriers
- Have time constraints that limit their availability to visit the doctor/lab
1 https://www.gethealthie.com/blog/at-home-lab-testing-advantages
2 https://www.testing.com/at-home-testing/
3 https://www.healthline.com/health-news/at-home-blood-tests-are-becoming-a-trend-what-it-means-for-healthcare#How-at-home-testing-can-help-remove-barriers-to-care
