Lab Screenings Offered at Ohio Hills Health Services

Ohio Hills Health Services (OHHS) offers affordable lab screenings at all five of its sites several times throughout the year. Lab screenings are open to everyone. You do not need to be a patient at OHHS to utilize this service. Screenings consist of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a lipid panel, complete blood count (CBC), A1C, prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) and Vitamin D. Participants may also choose to do a colorectal cancer screening.

Upcoming lab screenings will be held at the Freeport Family Health Center on July 15th from 8:00 am to 10:30 am by appointment and at the Barnesville Family Health Center on Saturday, July 25th from 8:00 am to 10:30 am, no appointment required. The Caldwell Family Health Center will offer a lab screening on August 12th, Monroe Family Health Center on September 9th and Quaker City Family Health Center on September 18th.

“We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has financially impacted many people in our region and some people are struggling to obtain the healthcare that they need,” said Jeff Britton, CEO, OHHS. “We have also heard from people who have health insurance but unfortunately they have high deductibles which discourage them from seeking healthcare. By offering lab screening at cost we are hoping to make these lab screenings readily available to all individuals in our communities.”

The CMP is a test that measures 14 different substances in your blood and provides important information about your body’s chemical balance and metabolism. The TSH test shows thyroid function. The Lipid Panel measures cholesterol levels and triglycerides. The CBC looks at red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The A1C is a common blood test to diagnose and monitor diabetes control. The PSA is primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. Vitamin D is necessary for building and maintaining healthy bones. The FIT is used to test the stool for blood and can detect bleeding in the digestive tract. Blood in the stool can be caused by a number of conditions including cancers of the digestive tract such as colon cancer.

“The lab screenings that we offer are the most common screenings that providers order and hopefully meet the needs of most area residents”, said Carol Davolio, RN, Director of Clinical Services “These screenings can give a healthcare provider tremendous insight into a patient’s health. However, a specialist may order more sophisticated tests that we don’t provide.”

The CMP, TSH, LP and CBC combined cost is $35. The A1C is $15, PSA is $10, and Vitamin D is $25. The colorectal screening is $8. Patients can choose which tests are right for them. People can pay for the screenings by check, cash, credit or debit card. Insurances are not billed for this screening. Patients do not need a physician’s order and results will be mailed directly to the patient to follow up with their provider.

“We strongly recommend that all patients share the results of their lab work with their health care provider,” said Carol Davolio, RN, Director of Clinical Services. “Their healthcare provider can help them to accurately interpret the results and can assist them to determine if they need to make some lifestyle changes or if any type of medication would be warranted.”

Health care costs have risen faster than the median annual income. High insurance premiums, high deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket expenses are just some of the costs that make healthcare prohibitive for some individuals. OHHS provides medical, dental and behavioral health counseling services and OHHS is committed to offer quality healthcare regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. For information regarding an upcoming Lab Screening please call OHHS at 740-239-6447.

Photo: (l-r) Dorthea Blon-Reineke, LPN, Amanda Hagan, Medical Assistant and Aarica Hanes, LPN

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