At-home testing kits could help Maryland residents engage in their health – WBAL TV Baltimore

As of October, Marylanders can now buy at-home test kits to check for things like diabetes, cholesterol and more.The state was one of four holdouts until the General Assembly passed a new law allowing it.Maryland residents don't have to head to the doctor for certain medical tests anymore. Now, residents can get tested for things like high cholesterol, diabetes and even testosterone from the comfort of home.Public health physician Dr. Charlene Brown said it's something to which everyone should have access."It reduces barriers to engaging in home health systems. I believe that at-home testing is the final frontier in terms of engaging people in their own health. People can answer their own questions and work closely with their physicians," Brown said. The sample you collect is sent off to the same labs that do the testing for doctors."The tests are accurate as any other tests being sent to the lab that's been inspected and cleared," Brown said. Brown said at-home test kits are good for busy people and people who are reluctant to call their doctor about a concern."I don't believe people should be off by themselves outside of the health system making decisions. It's a tool you can use in concert with your provider. Get the test, conduct the test then bring the results into your doctor," Brown said. Results will come in easy to understand, layman's language and a detailed report for your physician. It is important to check with your insurance company to see if the cost of the test is covered.In some instances, the at-home test may be cheaper than what your doctor orders or vice versa. Also, they can by bought in store or online.

As of October, Marylanders can now buy at-home test kits to check for things like diabetes, cholesterol and more.

The state was one of four holdouts until the General Assembly passed a new law allowing it.

Maryland residents don't have to head to the doctor for certain medical tests anymore. Now, residents can get tested for things like high cholesterol, diabetes and even testosterone from the comfort of home.

Public health physician Dr. Charlene Brown said it's something to which everyone should have access.

"It reduces barriers to engaging in home health systems. I believe that at-home testing is the final frontier in terms of engaging people in their own health. People can answer their own questions and work closely with their physicians," Brown said.

The sample you collect is sent off to the same labs that do the testing for doctors.

"The tests are accurate as any other tests being sent to the lab that's been inspected and cleared," Brown said.

Brown said at-home test kits are good for busy people and people who are reluctant to call their doctor about a concern.

"I don't believe people should be off by themselves outside of the health system making decisions. It's a tool you can use in concert with your provider. Get the test, conduct the test then bring the results into your doctor," Brown said.

Results will come in easy to understand, layman's language and a detailed report for your physician.

It is important to check with your insurance company to see if the cost of the test is covered.

In some instances, the at-home test may be cheaper than what your doctor orders or vice versa. Also, they can by bought in store or online.

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At-home testing kits could help Maryland residents engage in their health - WBAL TV Baltimore