Gothenburg Health is offering an expanded range of Direct Access Testing (DAT), starting October 1. DAT is a service designed to give patients more control over their health and healthcare expenses, especially those with high-deductible insurance.

Brady Beecham, chief medical officer at Gothenburg Health, stressed that the expansion of DAT is part of a broader effort to reduce barriers to healthcare access. By offering tests that insurance may not cover or may only cover infrequently, patients can take a proactive approach to managing their health. Additionally, the cash price may be less than the insurance price. This is particularly beneficial for the uninsured or under-insured.

The key benefit as explained by Kim Russman, laboratory supervisor at Gothenburg Health, is that it puts "patients in the driver’s seat" when it comes to their health decisions. While Gothenburg Health has offered DAT in the past, it has significantly expanded the range of tests available from the lab. These include general health profiles, such as women’s and men’s hormone panels, wellness profiles, and a new high-sensitivity CRP test, which indicates a predisposition for heart conditions.

“This allows patients to be responsible for their lab results,” Russman emphasized. “Should they have questions about the lab results, they can make an appointment to visit with their primary provider.” Results are mailed directly to the patient, but if something requires immediate attention, it will be flagged for physician notification. In that case, patients will receive a call from a physician.

Russman noted that the expanded DAT offerings cater to a broad range of patients. “It allows people to take control of their lab screening without a physician’s order, which is a huge benefit.”

Expanded Imaging Services Available Through DAT

In addition to laboratory testing, Gothenburg Health’s DAT program now offers a variety of imaging services. According to Marcy Nichols, director of diagnostic imaging, four procedures are now available as part of the expanded DAT offerings. These include bone density DEXA screening, body fat composition (BMI), ultrasound aortic screening, and cardiac calcium scoring.

The imaging DAT process is different than that of lab DAT as it involves scheduling an appointment and receiving results before leaving the facility. These results are also scanned into the patient’s medical chart for future reference.

Nichols highlighted the benefits of these new imaging options, particularly for those with a family history of certain conditions. "People know their health history, and with DAT, they can be proactive and get a baseline screening. Insurance doesn’t always cover some of these procedures, so this gives patients access to preventive care that could potentially catch a problem before it develops."

For instance, Nichols added, bone density screenings can be useful for those with a family history of osteoporosis, while aortic screenings can be vital for individuals with a family history of aneurysms. Cardiac calcium scoring helps assess coronary artery health and can help calculate a patient’s risk for heart disease.

Reducing Barriers to Healthcare

“DAT offerings are an example of Gothenburg Health’s innovation in promoting healthy communities. We are removing barriers so people can make proactive decisions about their health, which in turn promotes wellness,” Beecham said. “When patients get the results, that may be adequate for them. If it’s not clear, they can still discuss the results with their primary care provider.”

Beecham emphasized that while DAT allows patients autonomy in their health decisions, the Gothenburg Health medical community is still available to assist with interpreting results when needed.

Laboratory DAT is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins welcome. For imaging services, patients are required to schedule an appointment by calling 308-537-4042.

For more information about DAT offerings at Gothenburg Health, visit https://www.gothenburghealth.org/direct-access-testing-gothenburg-health or call (308) 537-3661.