DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS, MAY 2 – Walgreens (NYSE: WAG)(NASDAQ: WAG) is now offering daily testing for total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), blood glucose, and A1C at more than 1,400 pharmacies in 33 states and Washington, D.C., expanding the scope of convenient, preventive health care services provided by its pharmacists. A complimentary blood pressure reading and personal chat with a Walgreens pharmacist are also included with each test.
“Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness Kermit Crawford stated, “Providing quick, inexpensive access to health testing services is an important aspect of our commitment to disease prevention and chronic care management.” “Our pharmacists are spending more time with patients through consultations, vaccines, medication inquiries or concerns, health testing, and other vital services since they are the most accessible health care providers.”
Test results are not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment, and they are not conclusive in determining the presence or absence of any health condition. Test results should be shared with the recipient’s primary care physician.
Last December, Walgreens began offering scheduled testing days at a few locations. More than 40% of patients having cholesterol and blood glucose testing at these locations had results that were outside of the desired range or were abnormally high.
Walgreens discovered that more than one-third of participants who obtained above-normal testing results had made an appointment with their primary care physician as a result of the test during standard follow-up.
During American Heart Month in February, free blood pressure testing was offered at all of Walgreens’ more than 7,600 stores and Take Care Clinics around the country. More over half of those examined had blood pressure values that were higher than usual.
Additionally, from November 2009 to November 2010, Walgreens did blood glucose and A1C testing at select stores and Take Care Clinics throughout three time periods. During these events, nearly 300,000 tests were performed, with more than 20% of patients testing outside of the targeted range and consulting with a Walgreens pharmacist or a Take Care Clinic clinician about their results.
“These exams are an important aspect of preventive health care,” Walgreens chief medical officer Cheryl Pegus said. “Our pharmacists are educating patients on the necessity of ‘knowing your numbers’ and talking with a health care physician, both of which are critical steps in managing costly chronic diseases. We’re committed to working with health care providers in the communities we serve to enhance the outcomes of those who have recently been diagnosed or who have chronic illnesses.”
All adults should get their cholesterol levels evaluated at least every five years, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Adults over the age of 45, as well as those with other risk factors for heart disease or stroke, should consult their primary care physician to see if more frequent testing is required.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every six persons in the United States has excessive blood cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke dramatically.
How much should an A1C test cost?
What Does a Hemoglobin A1C Test Cost? The cost of a Hemoglobin A1C test on MDsave ranges from $10 to $53. Those with high deductible health plans or those who do not have insurance might save money by purchasing their procedure in advance with MDsave.
How much does an A1C blood test cost without insurance?
The quantity of glucose in your blood during the previous three months is measured by an A1C blood test. This test is widely used to determine whether or not you have prediabetes or diabetes. Without insurance, an A1C test costs $85.20 on average. This cost varies depending on the service’s location and the visit’s baseline price.
You can get same-day lab testing and low-cost urgent care appointments, where you can often get an A1C test, for only $45 each month. Prioritize your health over the bottom line. Become a member today.
Does Walgreens do A1C tests?
A1C and blood glucose testing are performed with a simple finger stick by Walgreens pharmacists and Take Care Clinic nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. No appointment is necessary for anyone aged 18 and up to get a test at certain stores throughout pharmacy hours on a daily basis.
Does insurance pay for A1C test?
When the A1c level of hemoglobin is measured Individuals with a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are eligible for reimbursement for hemoglobin A1c testing as follows: a) Establish a baseline value and treatment goals at the time of initial diagnosis.
What happens during an A1c test?
Some medical offices have an A1c machine that only requires a small drop of blood from the fingertip (similar to a home glucose test) and returns a result in a matter of minutes.
Other healthcare practitioners may request the A1c as a lab test, which can be drawn in a doctor’s office, a hospital, or a laboratory. The test normally takes less than five minutes, and the results are usually available within a day or two.
Are there any risks with an A1c test?
Blood tests are extremely common and pose no substantial dangers. When the needle is put, you may experience some discomfort and a minor bruise.
How can I test my A1C?
On Amazon (as of September 2020), the A1CNow SelfCheck I used in the video costs $53.83 for four tests. This kit was the most affordable option, although similar home A1C kits may be obtained on Amazon for $60-$100 for four tests.
There are other A1C kits that need you to collect a blood sample at home and mail it to a lab. The Home Access Health home A1C test, which costs $40, is one FDA-approved kit that I’ve tried (as of September 2020).
These tests necessitate a much larger blood sample (4-5 large drops), and depending on how quickly the mail gets to the lab and back to you, you may have to wait up to 4 weeks for your test results (as I did when I tested it out).
Does Medicare cover A1C lab test?
The first thing you should know is that in order for Medicare to fund diabetic services or supplies, you must be registered in Medicare Part B. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, so as long as you pay your Part B monthly fee, you should be covered as described below.
Look at your red, white, and blue Medicare card or call your current health insurance carrier if you’re not sure if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B.
The following diabetic services are covered by Medicare Part B and require a prescription from a Medicare-participating doctor:
- Diabetes screening: If you’re at risk for diabetes, Medicare will cover testing to check for the disease. These tests could include a fasting plasma glucose test or other Medicare-approved testing that your doctor may request for you. Depending on your risk factors, Medicare may fund these screenings up to twice a year.
- Diabetes self-management training: Medicare offers a training program that teaches you how to control your diabetes if you qualify. It covers information about blood glucose self-monitoring, food, exercise, and prescription drugs. Medicare may reimburse 10 hours of initial diabetic self-management instruction, to be completed within a year, and two hours of follow-up training each year if you fulfill specific criteria.
A component of the training is done one-on-one with your health teacher, but the majority of it is done in a group setting. If you’re blind or deaf, have language barriers, or haven’t been able to find group lessons within two months of your doctor’s order for training, you may be eligible for 10 hours of individual training.
If you live in a rural region where diabetes management training is difficult to come by, you might be able to get it at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for more information (1-800-633-4227; TTY users call 1-877-486-2048) Seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
- Annual eye exams are covered by Medicare once every 12 months to screen for diabetic retinopathy. These examinations must be performed by an eye doctor who is legally permitted to perform them in your state.
- Glaucoma screening is covered by Medicare once every 12 months for persons who are at high risk for glaucoma, such as those with diabetes or a family history of the condition, African Americans 50 and older, and Hispanic Americans 65 and older. The test must be administered or supervised by an eye doctor who is licensed to do so in your state.
- Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services: If you have diabetes or renal illness, Medicare will cover medical nutrition therapy treatments. Your fasting blood glucose must meet certain criteria to be eligible for this service, and your doctor must prescribe it for you. A registered dietitian or a Medicare-approved nutrition expert can provide these services. They involve a dietary evaluation as well as advice to assist you in managing your diabetes or renal disease. The first year of one-on-one medical nutrition therapy services is covered by Medicare, and the following years are covered by Medicare for 2 hours. If your doctor finds that there has been a change in your diagnosis, medical condition, or treatment regimen related to diabetes or renal illness and orders extra MNT hours during that episode of care, you may be eligible for additional MNT hours.
- Foot exam: If you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy and have lost protective feelings, Medicare may reimburse a foot exam every six months if you haven’t seen a foot care expert for another reason in the time between visits. If you’ve had a non-traumatic (not due to an injury) amputation of all or part of your foot, or if your feet have altered in appearance, which could suggest serious foot illness, Medicare may fund more regular visits to a foot care specialist.
- Hemoglobin A1c Tests: A hemoglobin A1c lab test may be ordered by your doctor. This test assesses your blood glucose control during the previous three months. This test may be covered by Medicare if it is prescribed by a doctor for someone with diabetes.