Cost of testing

[Guest guest]

It has come to my attention many times that some doctors charge a mark-up for

certain

tests, others do not do this.

Generally if you pay the doctor you may be paying a 'retail' price, if the

doctor has you pay

the lab directly you may be paying a 'wholesale' price.

This situation generally applies to 'alternative' tests like hair, red blood

cell elements,

urine elements, etc. from labs like Doctor's Data, MetaMetrix, Genova/Great

Smokies, etc.

Given that some people end up doing a lot of testing it may be worth their while

to travel

and see a doc who lets them pay the lab direct. Such doc's will generally have

to charge

for their time to discuss things, but this in the end may be a lot less than

paying a retail

markup on tests.

You can always ask who is who when you call.

One provider I know lets people pay the lab directly so as to save their money

is L.

, ARNP in Seattle. She can be reached at . Please note

that

under the law she can not do much for you unless you are a patient, which

requires

showing up in person at her office for an intake appointment (and if your kid is

the

patient, they have to be there).

also has very reasonable rates by the standards of DAN! and ACAM

and

other detox doctors.

Hope this helps people keep it from getting too expensive.

Andy