BLOG: The Testing Revolution

We're in a new era of diagnostic testing 🩸

The floodgates are bursting open. Not only do we have an overwhelming array of tests available, but patients can now bypass physicians entirely and order them directly – almost as easily as buying something on Amazon.

I have two conflicting emotions on this.

First, genuine excitement! Patients should have easier access to medical information and can use this to build a deeper understanding of their own bodies. This holds awesome potential for preventive care and patient engagement, and historically, we've kept way too much behind the physician firewall.

But I also have real concern. If we aren't careful, there is risk. The shotgun approach to diagnostic testing comes with statistical pitfalls – when we apply tests designed for specific populations more broadly, we inevitably generate noise. Even as a physician, I sometimes struggle to know what is clinically meaningful.

Beyond the statistical concerns, there's an emotional toll. Anyone who has seen an abnormal lab result marked in red knows that pit-in-stomach feeling. It really sucks! And one of our roles as physicians is to hold this anxiety together, contextualize the results, and develop an action plan.

In my practice, I take a measured approach. While I embrace cutting-edge diagnostics, I never order a test without having a clear plan for how to act on any possible result. As we expand access to testing, we need to ensure this energy isn't lost.

If you're sitting alone with your lab results or thinking about ordering them for yourself, reach out. I'm happy to help support you in thinking through next steps.