Joined a health program, now i need labs

readytobeatfat54

My work offered a health program through our insurance and I signed up, thinking it would help stimulate my mind to focus on weight loss. Today I received an email detailing how I need to get labs: cholesterol and blood sugar, to start the program.

It makes me nervous. I guess I fear that I may have unknown high cholesterol or diabetes. I also worry that this would impact my insurance negatively. Anyone else have a similar program?

cathipa

If its a group plan how would that affect your insurance rating since they typically take into account everyone's health status. I would think this is to get a baseline and if it so happens there is something abnormal hopefully the health program will improve the next set of labs.

coreyreichle

Since it's a group plan, it shouldn't negatively affect your rate.

As far as a fear of the unknown: Would you be terrified to look at your account balance, in case it's low? Or would you need to know the balance, so you can figure out your budget?

Same principle.

deannalfisher

its always a good idea to have an idea of baseline blood work and should be included in your yearly health insurance as part of your preventative care

jenlowlow

My work offers $300 off medical every year if you get your blood work done and sent to your doctor through them; I have been doing it for the last 3 years and while our company's rates have gone up a bit over time there have been no repercussions against individuals

Theo166

You should be getting a periodic lab test on your blood regardless of a weight loss program. I had one in Dec which showed a couple borderline stats after never having an issue. I was knocking on the door of level III obesity yet it was these results that motivated me back to MFP and losing weight.

Now I'm down just over 20lbs since the new year. Don't run from knowing the facts, so you can respond before it's too late.

chocolate_owl

This should be something you do annually. Get it done. You'll either have peace of mind that you're in good health, or you'll catch a problem that you can start working to fix. Not knowing what's going on with your body isn't going to help you in any way. And no, it shouldn't make your individual rates go up.

cuadrado12

I don't think it would negatively affect your premiums. You could always contact the health program or your insurance if you have concerns.

Try not to be scared about getting your labs drawn. It will be great to know your starting point, even if it is not where you want to be. You may also find something you were unaware of that can be treated/prevented before it develops into something more serious.

mibeans

It shouldn't affect your insurance. But, it's better to find out if something is an issue now rather than later. And if anything is out of sorts diet and exercise can probably fix it. Make the appointment.

jcraig10

We have something like this as well. It will not affect your premiums. It is just a conversation starter - they likely also want you to have a relationship with your PCP.

readytobeatfat54

After posting I psyched myself into getting the labs done. I'm not really dreading it. But I did have some questions for the company running it and so I emailed them: no response. Further they didn't email me the lab slip. I'm somewhat perplexed and concerned that I haven't heard back or been sent a lab slip. I mean I am counting on them to report my results to me and do whatever is involved in the fitness program. So far not off to a great start.

Theo166

Have you ever considered meditation? You need to relax about this.

H_Ock12

We have an incentive program for a premium discount. You do their screening and if more than two things don't match the numbers they require, you have to do "health coaching" to get the premium discount. If you chose not to do their coaching, you don't get the discount for that year.

chocolate_owl

readytobeatfat54 wrote: »

After posting I psyched myself into getting the labs done. I'm not really dreading it. But I did have some questions for the company running it and so I emailed them: no response. Further they didn't email me the lab slip. I'm somewhat perplexed and concerned that I haven't heard back or been sent a lab slip. I mean I am counting on them to report my results to me and do whatever is involved in the fitness program. So far not off to a great start.

Wait, did you already get your labs done or did you just schedule an appointment? It usually takes a couple of weeks to get your results.

readytobeatfat54

chocolate_owl wrote: »

Wait, did you already get your labs done or did you just schedule an appointment? It usually takes a couple of weeks to get your results.

The program says that they will email you the lab slip to get them done. I didn't receive it. So I emailed them and still nothing.

zdyb23456

I just got blood work done. My potassium was .1 above normal and my good cholesterol was higher than normal, but apparently that's good. I'm attributing the potassium to my body eliminating excess sodium from the day before?

I'm almost 39, I wanted to know my numbers so I could make changes before it's too late. That being said I'm relieved my numbers are good.

I did decide to cut back on caffeine as a precaution. Apparently, it's like nicotine in that it affects your blood pressure.

readytobeatfat54

Just to update: i did get labs and everything actually looked much better than I expected. Thank you for the support. I always planned on getting them, but I just felt so leery given the possibility of seeing through the roof cholesterol or a high blood sugar. Anyway, I appreciate the support. You all are awesome!