Telehealth Physician Oversight over Direct to Consumer Testing: Doctors Working with Patients Towards Patient Empowerment

Abstract

Objective: Patient empowerment has increased the demand for direct to consumer (DTC) laboratory testing. Multiple professional societies and advocacy groups have raised concerns over how DTC laboratory testing is being offered to consumers without proper physician oversight. Physician telehealth services can properly oversee DTC laboratory testing in a safe and medically sound manner. Materials: Using telehealth protocols and standards established by professional health organizations and state regulators, physician telehealth oversight in DTC laboratory test ordering can be effective to increase patient access to healthcare services. Results: With proper physician oversight in test interpretation, post-test counseling, and information collaboration, DTC laboratory testing can remain a reliable and convenient option for consumers. Working within the channel of distribution of most DTC laboratory testing, physician telehealth services can properly oversee DTC laboratory testing in a safe and medically sound manner to ensure that proper test interpretation, counseling, and information collaboration are achieved. Conclusions: Physician telehealth services can properly oversee DTC laboratory testing to ensure that proper test interpretation, counseling, and information collaboration are achieved.