RVMC Enhances Community Laboratory Health Fair Services

Ruby Valley Medical Center (RVMC) has revamped the program for discounted laboratory services through its Health Fair to serve the Ruby Valley and Whitehall communities better. The new program offers each community member one annual discounted set of lab tests and a menu of over twice as many lab tests compared to past Health Fairs. "We are very pleased to provide more flexibility and options for how our patients can receive this important healthcare benefit," said RVMC CEO Jim Gillhouse.

How does it work? Patients should discuss with their healthcare provider which lab tests will be beneficial. At the patient's convenience and during regular business hours, visit RVMC's registration desk and request the annual discounted lab tests. No appointment is necessary. RVMC's lab department will draw the necessary blood. The test results will be mailed to the patient. Payment is due at the time of service, and RVMC does not bill insurance. Cash or credit cards are accepted for payment.

"For many years, we held the Health Fair for a few days in the spring," said RVMC Chief Medical Officer Louis Bartoletti, MD. "Last year, we had an excellent turnout when we ran the Health Fair for June. We decided we could enhance the benefits of flexible scheduling for the lab tests by offering a single annual discounted, any-time blood draw for every community member."

The tests offered have been expanded to include an anemia panel, tests for sexually transmitted diseases, and analyses for phosphorus, magnesium, C-reactive protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and total testosterone levels. Dr. Bartoletti believes these additional tests will be very helpful in monitoring additional aspects of patient health and can provide an early indication of potential healthcare issues.

The complete list of Health Fair lab tests and pricing can be found at http://www.RVMC.org/laboratory and on RVMC's Facebook page.