Forum Discussion

wanda573's avatar
wanda573
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014

lab work needed while snowbirding

Hello,

I will be needing a blood test every month while we are in Florida. My Dr. will give me an order for the test. I have medicare and Tricare for life. I would appreciate some advice from people who have to get lab work while snowbirding. Since we will be moving to a different campground in a different area of Florida every 14 days, how do I make arrangements to get lab work done. I do not want to go to a military base. This lab order is from a private Dr. My Dr. really was not sure what to do. Maybe try a hospital out patient lab. How does one go about doing this? If you have actually had lab work done while traveling, please give me your best advice.

Thanks for your help.
RV Lifestyle

10 Replies

  • TripleE's avatar
    TripleE
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2014
    We are similar to you - Medicare and TFL. I just Google medical labs in the city I am in. Labcorp and Quest also work well. If I have to fast I make an early morning appt but most of the time I just go in. Rarely takes more than 15 minutes or so. Most of that time is spent filling out the paperwork. The bills are paid by Medicare and TFL.

    I asked about doing it at a military facility but that was a no go. You have to make an appt to see one of their doctors and get them to rewrite the order. They won't take an order from an outside doctor.
  • NashTT's avatar
    NashTT
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2014
    We live in central Florida and it seems that Quest and Labcorp are all over. My ins. requires Quest and I've never had a problem finding one. Where ever you go use a computer and make an appointment. It will keep your time wasted to a minimum. Quest has been very good in my experience getting me in on or before appt times.
  • pigman1's avatar
    pigman1
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2014
    I get recurring lab work at the outpatient clinic at a hospital. I could also go to Lab Corp or any other local lab where you are. Just be sure you have the name, address, and phone/fax number of your prescribing doctor. Medicare and Tricare for Life will cover it wherever you choose to do it. Of course you'll need a photo ID, your Medicare card and your retired ID card.
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Dec 19, 2014
    When I first went on blood thinners I had to be checked every week...I just went to the local Quest Lab and had it done...they called the results into my doc , and he called me to adjust my treatment....

    Only issue was when I was in a large Mexican populated area...they kept calling Jose up for his turn.each time he did not show I giggled , until I realized they meant Joe
  • tomkaren13's avatar
    tomkaren13
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2014
    When we travel we also need access to monthly testing. Quest or Labcorp are two we use. If necessary we have used a Hospital out patient can be used.
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2014
    We have in the past in Florida just looked up labs locally and either dropped in for the tests or phoned ahead for and appointment. Lots of them around. They even sent the results back to our physician in Canada.
  • rr2254545's avatar
    rr2254545
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2014
    I bet spell check changed the title of this post

    I would think any lab would do the test - most urgent care facilities have labs

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,138 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 07, 2025