[Sticky] Lab Result Review

Yes — lab result review and treatment adjustments are commonly done through telemedicine and are a good fit for many routine follow-ups.

Telehealth works especially well when:

• The labs were ordered by your provider or are uploaded/shared

• You’re generally stable and not having severe new symptoms

• The visit is for interpretation, counseling, or medication adjustment

• Ongoing monitoring or follow-up is needed

What telemedicine providers can typically do for lab review

During a virtual visit, clinicians can:

• Explain lab results in plain language

• Compare to prior values and trends

• Discuss what the results mean for your condition

• Adjust medications or dosing when appropriate

• Order follow-up labs or imaging

• Provide lifestyle or monitoring recommendations

• Coordinate care with your primary provider or specialists

Common examples appropriate for telehealth:

• A1C / glucose trend review

• Cholesterol and lipid management

• Thyroid labs

• Kidney and liver function monitoring

• Medication safety labs

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Mild anemia follow-up

When an in-person visit may be needed

You may be asked to go in-person or to urgent care if labs show:

• Critically abnormal values

• Severe anemia

• Dangerous electrolyte changes

• Kidney failure concerns

• Possible internal bleeding

• Signs of infection requiring immediate treatment

Also in-person is preferred if:

• You have significant new or worsening symptoms

• A physical exam is needed to guide treatment

Tips to prepare for a lab-review telehealth visit

Have ready:

• The lab report (or ensure it’s visible in your portal)

• A list of medications & supplements

• Any recent symptoms

• Blood pressure / glucose logs (if relevant)

• Questions you want answered

If your provider ordered the labs, they can usually see them directly. If they’re from another clinic, uploading a copy beforehand helps.