How lab orders work with telemedicine

Audience: all

Telemedicine allows patients to consult healthcare providers remotely, including ordering laboratory tests when needed. During a telemedicine visit, your provider may recommend lab tests to help diagnose or monitor your health condition. They will send an electronic lab order to a testing facility near you. You can then visit that facility to have samples collected, such as blood or urine. Results are usually sent back to your provider electronically, who will review and discuss them with you in follow-up appointments. This process helps maintain continuity of care without needing an in-person visit for every step. However, some tests may require specific facilities or in-person evaluations. Understanding how lab orders work in telemedicine can help you prepare for your visit and follow-up care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain or sudden worsening of symptoms after lab testing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of infection at the sample collection site such as redness, swelling, or fever — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Lab results indicating critical values (e.g., very high blood sugar, low oxygen levels) — follow urgent instructions from your provider or emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Ordering routine blood, urine, or saliva tests.
• Discussing lab results and follow-up care.
• Providing instructions for sample collection locations and procedures.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical sample collection during the visit.
• Managing medical emergencies requiring immediate in-person care.
• Ordering tests that require specialized equipment not available at local labs.

What is a lab order in telemedicine?

A lab order is a request from your healthcare provider for specific tests to be done on samples like blood, urine, or saliva. In telemedicine, providers send these orders electronically to labs near you. This helps diagnose health issues or monitor ongoing conditions without needing an office visit.

How do I get my lab tests done?

After your telemedicine visit, you will receive instructions on where to go for sample collection. Labs or clinics near your home usually perform the tests. You may need to schedule an appointment or walk in, depending on the facility. Once the samples are collected, the lab processes them and sends the results to your provider.

Reviewing and following up on lab results

Your provider will review your lab results and discuss them with you, often through a follow-up telemedicine visit or secure messaging. This helps you understand what the results mean and decide on any next steps, such as treatment or further testing.

Limitations and considerations

Not all lab tests can be ordered or completed through telemedicine. Some require specialized equipment or in-person evaluation. Also, emergency or urgent conditions may need immediate in-person care rather than remote testing. Always follow your provider's advice about when to seek direct medical attention.

Privacy and security

Lab orders and results are handled with strict privacy protections. Telemedicine platforms use secure systems to transmit your information safely. If you have concerns about privacy, discuss them with your provider before your visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your medical history and current medications ready to discuss.
• Ensure you have a list of symptoms or concerns to share with your provider.
• Confirm your location and identify nearby labs or testing centers.
• Check your insurance or payment options for lab services if applicable.
• Prepare a quiet, private space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a device with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Visit the designated lab or testing center as instructed for sample collection.
• Monitor for any side effects or complications after sample collection.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine appointments to review results.
• Ask your provider questions if you do not understand your lab results.
• Follow your provider's recommendations based on test outcomes.
• Seek immediate care if you experience any warning signs or severe symptoms.

FAQs

Can I get lab tests without going to a clinic?

While the telemedicine provider can order lab tests remotely, you typically need to visit a lab or collection center in person to provide samples like blood or urine. Some services may offer home collection kits, but these are less common and depend on the test type.

How long does it take to get lab results?

The time varies depending on the test and lab. Routine blood tests often take 1 to 3 days, while specialized tests may take longer. Your provider will inform you about expected timing during your visit.

Are lab orders from telemedicine providers accepted everywhere?

Most accredited labs accept electronic lab orders from licensed telemedicine providers. However, availability can vary by location and lab policies. Your provider will usually direct you to appropriate facilities.

What if I have trouble accessing a lab near me?

Inform your telemedicine provider if you have difficulty reaching a lab. They may help identify alternative locations or discuss other options suitable for your situation.

Is my lab information kept confidential?

Yes. Both telemedicine platforms and labs follow strict privacy laws and use secure systems to protect your personal health information.

Sources

1. Lab Tests and Procedures — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Telehealth: What You Need To Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring — National Library of Medicine | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Lab Tests: What You Need to Know — Mayo Clinic.
5. Telemedicine and Lab Testing — Testing.com.

This guide provides general information about lab orders in telemedicine and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine cannot replace in-person evaluation when urgent or complex conditions arise. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and seek immediate care if you experience severe symptoms or emergencies.