RA doc drives me nuts | Arthritis Information

I don't understand how my family doctor can take blood tests and have results in 2-3 days, but my RA doctor gets her back in 1-2 weeks. [QUOTE=bubbagump]I don't understand how my family doctor can take blood tests and have results in 2-3 days, but my RA doctor gets her back in 1-2 weeks.[/QUOTE]

They might use different lab services. Also, the ones your GP orders are very common and run locally. The RA tests might require more specialized equipment and it probably has to get mailed to a lab somewhere.
I do not know either. Every doctor I go to uses the same lab services. And they are an hour away from each other.

Some docs have full labs in the office and others have to send out for their labwork.

Hi Bubba, If you're having CRP done, it takes about a week. At least here in Yuma it takes that long. Usually they won't let you know test results until they have all of them in hand. I hate waiting. When we go to Mexico and I have labs done there it's the same amount of wait time as in the states. I think it's just how long it takes to get certain results. LindyI agree it depends on the type of test. We've been waiting over a month for some freaky stuff they just tested my daughter for. I want it to hurry so they can up my arava lol :)

She also costs a "ton" more than my family doc for the same tests, but i want her to have all the paperwork since i bring the test results from my family doc to her and she looses it.

LinB....

You live in Yuma Arizona?

If so, my parents have a retirement home (bought from grandma) out there. They are going to go down next winter. I LOVED it in Yuma when i went 20yrs ago, i want to live there some day :)

The majority of my health care is handled at a university teaching hospital. When I have a Rheumy appt., his nurse always gives me my lab sheet for the next scheduled appt. I arrive about an hour+ before the Rheumy appt., have my blood drawn in the lab one floor down and the results are back and on his computer by the time I am roomed for my appt.. Heres whats on my lab sheet for my upcoming appt.: Albumin, ALT, AST, Hemogram w/ diff., Creatinine, CRP & ESR. The lab at my clinic can do all these tests in a tad over an hour. So, thats how long results of these tests take in a full service lab.

With regard to clinics and practices that do not have on site or as sophisticated lab access, I would recommend asking your physician to schedule your routine RA labs for 7-10 days prior to your appointment so that you have your results and can discuss them during your appt..

My Rheumy says that she, "doesn't like the 'quick' version of some of the tests, she prefers the lab that does them the 'indepth' way." whatever the heck that means.That means she gets a commission for using a long company :) I wouldn't doubt it. They get paid commissions, free gifts and vacations for telling patients to use select medications.

My family doc told me about it but he lets me choose between things for treatment when many drugs are available.

But, still waiting..... and waiting.... and waiting.... probably be next wednesday before i hear anything lol