Take Charge of Your Health: Understanding Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing

Healthcare is changing — and patients today want more access, convenience, and control over their health information than ever before. On this episode of Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy, pharmacists Paul White and Brad White welcomed guests from Aultman Health System to discuss the growing role of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Laboratory Testing and how it is helping patients become more proactive about their wellness.

Special guests included Allison Blake, Julie Girtton, and Rachel Irvin from Aultman Laboratory Services, who shared how DTC testing is making routine wellness screening more affordable, accessible, and patient-friendly across the community.

What Is Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing?

Direct-to-consumer laboratory testing allows individuals to order certain lab tests without first obtaining a physician’s order. Patients can walk into participating lab locations, select tests they are interested in, pay out of pocket, and receive results directly.

The goal is not to replace your primary care provider — but rather to give patients another tool to monitor their health, identify risk factors early, and encourage conversations with healthcare professionals.

According to the Aultman team, this model is especially helpful for:

• Patients without a primary care provider

• Individuals interested in wellness monitoring

• Patients wanting more frequent tracking of certain markers

• Consumers seeking affordable preventative screening options

What Tests Are Available?

Aultman Laboratory Services currently offers several wellness-focused tests including:

• Comprehensive wellness panels

• Cholesterol/lipid testing

• Hemoglobin A1C (diabetes screening)

• Thyroid testing (TSH)

• PSA testing

• Vitamin D testing

• Urinalysis

• Respiratory PCR testing for COVID, Flu A/B, and RSV

The team also discussed plans for future expansion, including:

• Hormone panels

• FIT colorectal screening tests

• Allergy testing

• Additional preventative wellness options

Why This Matters

One of the most important themes of the episode was the value of knowing your numbers.

Far too often, patients discover issues like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, or diabetes only after symptoms appear. Preventative screening can identify concerns earlier — when lifestyle changes and treatment may have the biggest impact.

The discussion highlighted that many patients avoid routine healthcare visits due to:

• Cost concerns

• Lack of insurance

• Busy schedules

• Fear or intimidation surrounding medical visits

DTC testing creates a lower barrier entry point for patients to engage with their health.

As Paul White shared during the episode, many patients first discovered elevated blood pressure or glucose levels during routine pharmacy screenings — information that ultimately helped them seek treatment and improve their health outcomes.

Convenient Access Across the Community

Patients can access Aultman’s DTC testing services at multiple locations throughout the region, including:

• Canton

• Alliance

• Orrville

• Massillon

• North Canton

• Carrollton

• Dover

Patients may either:

• Register online ahead of time, or

• Walk in and complete the process onsite

Results are typically available quickly and may be accessed through:

• Patient portal access

• Mailed reports

• Medical records requests

The Role of Pharmacists in Preventative Care

This episode also reinforced the evolving role pharmacists play in community healthcare.

At Medicine Center Pharmacy, pharmacists routinely help patients:

• Monitor blood pressure

• Screen blood glucose

• Understand medication therapy

• Navigate preventative care options

• Connect with appropriate healthcare providers

Healthcare works best when patients, pharmacists, laboratory professionals, and providers work together as a team.

Final Thoughts

Direct-to-consumer lab testing is not about replacing healthcare providers — it is about empowering patients to become more informed, proactive participants in their own health journey.

Whether it’s checking cholesterol, monitoring blood sugar, or simply establishing a wellness baseline, small steps toward prevention can lead to major long-term benefits.

If you have questions about wellness testing, preventative care, or healthcare screening options, stop by your local Medicine Center Pharmacy location and speak with one of our pharmacists.

Your health starts with knowing your numbers.

Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.