Do you get your blood work done on an annual basis?

No.

Yes, just went a few days ago, EKG, blood work the whole 9 yards.

Only when Medicare pays for it which is probably every two years.

I don’t. I get a physical every year but I don’t always get my blood drawn. Two years ago, my doctor wanted it done because she was concerned about my low weight, but as someone who tends to faint or nearly faint when getting blood drawn (perhaps due to that low weight) I prefer to avoid if possible. Results have never revealed any issues, though.

Yes, every year !

Yep, but that is because it is medically indicated. I have a history of high cholesterol, and am on a cholesterol reducing prescriptiom. So they check to make sure the meds are working, and also to make sure it isn’t affecting my liver or kidneys.

A couple of weeks ago I made an appointment with my family practice doctor for the purpose of getting my blood tested (just routine tests).

He asked me what I wanted.

I said just a basic metabolic chemistry panel, CBC, Cholesterol and a PSA.

He asked me how I feel.

I said that I feel terrific.

He said in order to justify ordering the tests, you need to have some symptoms. So I’ll say that you are feeling tired and run down. Also he said that he could not order the cholesterol test because I had it tested last year. He ordered a complete metabolic test, CBC, PSA, TSH, FT4. All the results are absolutely normal.

I have 2 health insurance policies: US Family Health Care and Medicare Part B. There was no additional costs to me for the office visit or the tests.

Because of this I think that I’ll just have my blood tested every two years from now on.

@gondwanalon: That sucks. If you did have a problem right after you just got your blood work done you wouldn’t know it for two years.

I didn’t used to. But with the onset of these electrolyte issues, I have labs every few months. I’ve taken to grading my techs! :D

I don’t think high cholesterol causes instant problems @jca2. Like, you can go for a few years with hypertension without it being caught and it doesn’t do damage, as long as you do catch it sooner or later.

@jca2 If they suspect a problem, I would assume you could get your bloodwork done again. I believe it is only the routine that they will only allow every two years.

Just like dental checks are only allowed every 6 months.

I get a complete series of blood tests every year. The one number I really care about is my PSA. It has been near zero for the past 9 years but still get anxious about the test result every time.

@jca2 Of course if I get any symptoms I’ll make another appointment ASAP or go to Urgent Careright away.