Online testing and lab services are a great way to save

It is probably safe to say that many or most of us in Samaritan Ministries are here because we are taking an active part in our health choices. And we love the personal fellowship with other believers through cards and prayers, and the fact that our monthly payments are far less than the typical insurance company. We also know that in order to keep our shares low, we can help by seeking reduced costs. So, it is with great joy that I would like to pass on the best online lab service I have found so far, with low prices plus great deals and convenience.

Direct Labs is found at DirectLabs.com. Our doctor recommended this online lab and told me to “go shop and have fun.” I love a good bargain, and this lab provides the best I have found so far. After setting up an account with them, I can take advantage of their monthly sales listed on the homepage. Their prices are already up to 80 percent less than regular labs. The monthly sales offer even greater savings. Plus, in our birthday months (I set up separate accounts for my husband and myself), they offer an additional 20 percent off of the non-sale tests. If you don’t get a birthday card, call them. They will honor the sale. And, yes, you will get to talk with a real person!

There are full descriptions of each test and a shopping cart. Payment online keeps the process very easy. There is a directory for finding a lab nearby. A couple of hours after buying the tests, an email alerts us that our requisition forms are ready to print out. I then go back to the homepage and click on the link for my account in order to access the requisitions, take them to the nearest lab, and wait for the results.

It was another surprise to find that there was no draw fee at the lab! In a couple of days, another email informs us that the results are ready to be viewed. We actually receive the results earlier or at the same time as the doctor.

One tip that I do, as I know which tests the doctor is having me do quarterly, is to go to Direct Labs monthly to check out their sales. When the ones that I’ll need are on sale, I go ahead and buy them ahead of time and print out the requisitions to use when I’ll need them. For instance, as I am having to have thyroid tests every three months, I can buy three or four sets of tests at the sale price and use them as needed. Direct Labs also offers a link to print out receipts that can be sent to Samaritan Ministries, when the time comes to use the test.

A second doctor recommended his favorite website, www.SaveOnLabs.com, which I checked out. Their prices are even less expensive on single tests. However, I found that some of the tests that I needed had to be part of a package, which costs more. I took my recommended test list and checked them out on both websites and found that the totals came out about the same. Depending on the tests needed, SaveOnLabs.com, might be the better choice.

On both websites, it’s very easy to check the prices of common tests, with categories for allergies, diabetes, thyroid, vitamins, and many more. I’ve found great savings with these online tools, and I hope they will help many members. May God bless you all as you continue to bring glory to Him in your life.

Vickie Waldier

Ilwaco, WA

Editor’s Note: Routine tests are often not shared as regular needs, but individual members can still use the approach in this article to save money on non-publishable needs.