Ask what each test is for

There is no blanket test rule

General federal prescribing law has no blanket rule requiring a blood test for each prescription. That does not answer which tests a particular patient needs.

State rules and the tests needed for good care still matter. Some medicines have extra safety rules, called a safety program. Those rules may require tests before that medicine can be prescribed.

Ask what the test would help the clinician decide. A clear answer connects the test with your care question.

Know who handles the result

In the Federation of State Medical Boards' testing advice, needed tests must be performed, arranged, or handled through referral to another health professional. This is advice to state medical boards. It is not a national law.

Ask who places the order and where it can be done. Ask whether existing results can help. Then ask who will read the new result and how the explanation will reach you.

If a result leaves another question, ask who deals with that question. Keep the name of the person responsible beside the test request.

Put the test on the bill

Ask whether testing is included in the care fee or paid separately. Ask the plan about the exact test order if you intend to use insurance.

Naming a set of tests cannot establish which ones your health calls for. Ask which tests are included and why each one is proposed. Keep the written price with the rest of the offer.