In some instances, psychiatric providers may order labs for patients to complete. Learn why some psychiatry patients may need to complete labs and how the process works at Rula. Patients should always discuss any questions or concerns about lab tests with their psychiatric provider.
Why do some psychiatry patients need to complete labs?
Patients may need to complete laboratory tests (labs) for psychiatry to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their overall health in order to address their mental health concerns.
Key reasons for psychiatric lab tests:
Identifying medical causes for mental health symptoms:
- Blood tests can reveal physical issues like thyroid imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, or electrolyte abnormalities that might manifest as psychiatric symptoms.
Medication monitoring:
- Certain psychiatric medications can have side effects that need to be monitored through blood tests, ensuring the dosage is appropriate and not causing adverse effects.
Baseline assessment before treatment:
- Before starting new psychiatric medications, a baseline blood test can help identify any pre-existing medical conditions that might influence medication selection.
Screening for substance abuse:
- In some cases, lab tests can be used to screen for potential drug use that could be impacting mental health.
How the process to complete labs works at Rula
When a psychiatric provider identifies that a patient should complete lab tests, the provider will discuss this during an appointment, and instruct the patient to go to Quest Diagnostics to complete the tests.
Process steps:
- The provider will order the specific lab tests needed and send them electronically to Quest Diagnostics. Once the order has been placed, the provider or the Rula Psychiatry Support team will inform the patient.
- Note: If you are unable to find/go to a Quest Diagnostic location, please email psychsupport@rula.com to ask for a copy of your lab order. You will be able to take a copy of this order to any laboratory and they will complete the appropriate test for you. Once you receive the results, you'll have to send them to psychsupport@rula.com so that they can be shared with your provider
- Quest Diagnostics will receive the lab order and will be able to identify the patient and lab orders when the patient arrives to get the labs drawn.
- Patients will then need to find a Quest Diagnostics facility near them and complete the labs in person. Patients can go to any Quest facility, as all locations will have access to their lab orders.
- Patients can use the following location finder to find a facility near them: Find a PSC Location | Quest Diagnostics
- Lab results are typically sent directly to the ordering provider. If you receive your lab results directly from the lab, you can send them to psychsupport@rula.com and we will ensure they are attached to your chart for review by your provider.
- The provider receives and interprets the results and discusses them with the patient.
Notes:
- Patients’ insurance might not be in-network with Quest Diagnostics. In this case, they should contact their provider directly and ask to be referred for lab orders to a different local, in-network provider.
- Patients with HMO insurance plans must go to their Primary Care Provider (PCP) to get lab orders.