Understanding Healthcare Costs: What Are Diagnostic Tests?
In the US, 60% of adults have a chronic disease, and 40% have two or more. It’s not only important to diagnose these things quickly, but also to find the right treatments. That way, patients can have longer and more fulfilling lives.
How do doctors do this? Well, in addition to listening to their patients’ complaints, they also order some things called diagnostic tests.
What are diagnostic tests? And how do they work? Read on to find out more.
What Are Diagnostic Tests?
Diagnostic tests are tests used to help medical professionals find out what conditions or diseases their patients have. After the diagnosis, doctors can also use diagnostic tests to figure out if their treatments are working. If not, then they can adjust accordingly, run tests again, and repeat the process if necessary.
Some examples of diagnostic tests include (but aren’t limited to):
Blood tests
Urine tests
CT scans
MRIs
X-rays
Biopsies
Ultrasounds
Mammographies
Bronchoscopies
Colonoscopies
As you can see, there’s a wide scope of diagnostic tests, and they can be either invasive or non-invasive.
There are over 110 tests available, so it takes some experience and knowledge for your doctor to order the right combination for a diagnosis. Typically, they’ll start with non-invasive tests to determine if invasive ones are necessary.
Preventative Care vs. Diagnostic Care
Many people think diagnostic care is synonymous with preventative care.
With preventative care, you’re going to doctor’s office visits and getting procedures that prevent you from getting ill. These include annual physicals, immunizations, and flu shots.
On the other hand, diagnostic care happens when you go to your doctor with complaints. They’ll use diagnostic testing to either confirm or rule out illnesses and conditions they may think you have.
The best healthcare insurance plans will cover diagnostic testing. However, you should always read the fine print and contact your healthcare insurance company if you have any questions. That way, you’ll avoid any surprises.
How Does Diagnostic Testing Work?
First, you’ll go through your initial diagnostic assessment. Your doctor will take down and look at your medical history and give you a physical exam. After they form a differential diagnosis, they’ll then order the tests needed.
After you’ve gone through these diagnostic tests, the doctor will then receive and interpret the results. They’ll contact you to discuss what the next steps are, if there are any.
Catch Your Health Problems Early On
Now you know the answer to the question, “what are diagnostic tests?” You also know some examples and how they work.
If you feel like something’s wrong, then it’s important to tell your doctor right away. That way, they can order the necessary tests to determine if you’re ill, and if you are, they can give you the medical care you need.
If you want to learn more about medical matters, then check out the rest of our blog page.
