HealthCare Clinical Laboratories offers a variety of diagnostic laboratory
testing services to healthcare professionals, consumers, and employers.
The following answers are designed to help answer questions frequently
asked of HCCL's staff. If the question you have is not being addressed
here, please click on the Contact Information
to help evaluate the staff member who may best serve you.
Can I request my own laboratory tests?
Patients cannot order tests on themselves. If you are interested in a
specific laboratory test, please consult your healthcare provider.
However, the CA Business And Professions Code Section 1246.5 states
that patients can order a very limited number of tests on
themselves. Those tests are considered any test which is available over
the counter at your local drug store and approved by the federal Food and
Drug Administration for sale to the public. In other words, if you can perform
the test at home, you can order it in a licensed laboratory. For example:
- Glucose
- Pregnancy
- Occult Blood
- Cholesterol Level
My doctor has ordered a lab test for me, how do I
find a Patient Service Center who can collect my specimen?
Please click on the Lab Locations for a complete listing of our
Patient Service Centers, their hours and phone numbers.
Can I make an appointment to have my blood drawn at
a Patient Service Center?
Appointments are not usually necessary. It is recommended that you
bring a completed test requisition from your healthcare provider and a
copy of your medical insurance card in order to expedite your visit. Our
Patient Service Centers are busiest in the early mornings when patients
who need to have fasting tests usually arrive. Your wait will usually be
shorter after 10 AM. However, appointments are available and
recommended for tests such as Glucose Tolerance Testing, (GTT).
Do I need to fast before having my specimen
collected?
Please contact your healthcare provider for his/her requirements for
your specific testing.
When will my doctor have my results?
Depending on the test performed, most tests are completed and reported
to your ordering healthcare provider within 24 hours of receiving the
sample. However, certain tests may take several weeks to complete. Your
healthcare provider is the best person to contact regarding your test
results.
Can I have a copy of my test results?
The Data Privacy Rule under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act) allows patients to request access to their medical
information. However, the law in California prohibits clinical
laboratories from releasing laboratory test results directly to the
patient without prior authorization from the ordering physician; The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) require
that HealthCare Clinical Laboratories follow this law. We advise our
patients to contact their healthcare provider to obtain copies of their
results. (Please see the Health And Safety Code section 123148 for more
information.)
I have question regarding my bill/statement. Who
do I contact?
HealthCare Clinical Laboratories billing office is directly available
by telephone at (209) 956-4400. HCCL’s Customer Service Department is also
available to help with some of these issues. They can be reached at (209)
467-6430.
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