Feeling a little overwhelmed by the idea of scheduling a blood test? You're not alone! Healthcare navigation can sometimes feel like a maze. But don't worry, Northwestern Medicine makes the process of scheduling a blood test straightforward, and I'm here to guide you through every step. Let's get you set up for your blood test with ease!
Scheduling a Blood Test at Northwestern Medicine: Your Comprehensive Guide
Getting a blood test is often a vital part of maintaining your health, providing your doctor with crucial insights into your body's functioning. Northwestern Medicine offers a robust network of laboratory services designed for your convenience. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding what you need to preparing for your appointment.
Step 1: Confirm You Have a Physician's Order
Before you do anything else, the absolute first and most important step is to ensure you have a physician's order for your blood test. Northwestern Medicine, like most healthcare providers, requires a valid order from a licensed physician (MD, DO), Physician Assistant (PA), or Advanced Practice Provider (APP) before performing any laboratory tests.
Why is this crucial? Without a physician's order, the lab cannot proceed with your test. It's not just a formality; it ensures that the tests performed are medically necessary and tailored to your specific health needs, and that your results will be properly interpreted by a healthcare professional.
If you don't have an order yet: Contact your primary care physician or specialist at Northwestern Medicine. They will assess your needs and provide the necessary order. If you're a new patient or don't have a Northwestern Medicine provider, you can look for one on their website or by calling their Physician Referral team.
Step 2: Choose Your Scheduling Method
Northwestern Medicine offers a few convenient ways to schedule your blood test, catering to different preferences and urgency levels.
Sub-heading: Option A: The MyNM Patient Portal (Recommended for Existing Patients)
If you're already a patient with Northwestern Medicine, the MyNM patient portal is often the most efficient and preferred method for managing your healthcare, including scheduling blood tests.
Access MyNM:
Go to the official Northwestern Medicine website (nm.org).
Look for the "MyNM Patient Portal" link, usually prominent on the homepage.
Alternatively, download the MyNM app on your smartphone (available for both Android and iOS).
Log In: Enter your MyNM username and password. If you haven't set up an account, you can typically do so on the login page by following the registration prompts. You'll need your medical record number and other personal information to get started.
Navigate to Appointments/Scheduling: Once logged in, look for a section related to "Appointments," "Scheduling," or "Lab Services." The exact wording might vary slightly, but it will be intuitively placed.
Select Your Test: The portal should guide you to schedule a lab appointment. You may be able to select from your outstanding physician orders directly within the portal.
Choose Location and Time:
You'll be presented with a list of available Northwestern Medicine laboratory locations. These include outpatient labs at various hospitals and standalone diagnostic centers.
Consider convenience: Look for a location close to your home or work.
Check hours: Each location will have specific operating hours, and some may have different hours for scheduled appointments versus walk-ins (more on walk-ins below!).
Select a date and time that works best for your schedule.
Confirm Your Appointment: Review all the details – test type, date, time, and location – and confirm your appointment. You should receive a confirmation message, often via email or within the MyNM portal.
Sub-heading: Option B: Calling for an Appointment
If you prefer to speak with someone directly or if you're a new patient without MyNM access yet, calling is a great option.
Identify the Correct Scheduling Number:
For general diagnostic test scheduling, Northwestern Medicine advises calling the scheduling number for your nearest Northwestern Medicine hospital.
Many outpatient lab locations also list their direct scheduling numbers. For example, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Laboratory Services lists 847.535.8000 for scheduling. For other specific locations, you might find a direct number listed on the Northwestern Medicine "Where to Find Outpatient Labs" resource or on the individual location page on their website.
If you're unsure, you can always start by calling the main Northwestern Medicine contact number (often found in the "Contact Us" section of their website) and they can direct you.
Have Your Information Ready: When you call, be prepared to provide:
Your full name and date of birth.
The name of the physician who ordered the test.
The specific blood tests ordered (having the exact names helps!).
Your insurance information.
Your preferred location and availability.
Speak with a Representative: The representative will guide you through available appointments and help you find a suitable time and location.
Confirm Details: Before hanging up, double-check all the appointment details and ask if there are any specific instructions for your test (like fasting).
Step 3: Preparing for Your Blood Test
Proper preparation is key to accurate blood test results. Your physician will give you specific instructions, but here are some common considerations:
Sub-heading: Fasting Requirements
Listen to your doctor: Some blood tests, such as glucose (blood sugar) and cholesterol panels, require you to fast. This typically means no food or drink (other than water) for a specific period (often 8-12 hours) before your test.
Why fasting? Food and beverages can alter the levels of certain substances in your blood, leading to inaccurate results.
Always confirm with your doctor or the scheduling representative if your specific test requires fasting and for how long.
Sub-heading: Medications and Supplements
Inform your doctor: Always tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs.
Do not stop medication: Unless specifically instructed by your physician, do not stop taking any prescribed medications before your blood test. If a medication could interfere, your doctor will advise you on how to proceed.
Sub-heading: Hydration and Other Tips
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water (unless told otherwise for a specific test) helps keep your veins plump, making blood drawing easier.
Dress comfortably: Wear loose clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up to expose your arm.
Relax: If you're nervous about needles, try to relax. Deep breathing exercises can help. Inform the phlebotomist if you have a history of fainting or feeling dizzy during blood draws.
Bring necessary documents:
Physician's order: Even if your appointment is scheduled, it's always a good idea to have a copy of your physician's order with you.
Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID is required for verification.
Insurance card: Bring your current insurance card.
Step 4: Arriving for Your Appointment
Sub-heading: Location and Check-in
Arrive on Time (or slightly early): Aim to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow for parking and check-in.
Know the Location: Confirm the exact address and suite number of the lab location. Northwestern Medicine has many facilities, so make sure you're headed to the right one.
Check-in Process:
Upon arrival, you'll typically check in at the reception desk.
You'll present your photo ID, insurance card, and physician's order.
You may be asked to confirm some personal details and sign consent forms.
Sub-heading: The Blood Draw
Phlebotomist Interaction: A trained phlebotomist will call you for your blood draw. They will confirm your identity and the tests being performed.
Comfort and Safety: The phlebotomist will select a vein, usually in your arm, clean the area, and draw the necessary blood samples. They use sterile, single-use needles. Don't hesitate to communicate if you feel unwell or have any concerns during the process.
After the Draw: Once the blood is collected, the phlebotomist will apply pressure to the site and then a bandage. You'll typically be advised to keep the bandage on for a short period and avoid strenuous activity with that arm.
Step 5: Receiving Your Results
Sub-heading: MyNM Patient Portal for Results
Most results are accessible via MyNM: Northwestern Medicine generally makes blood test results available through your MyNM patient portal. This is often the fastest way to view your results.
Timeline: The time it takes for results to appear can vary greatly depending on the type of test. Some basic tests might be available within 24-48 hours, while more complex tests could take several days or even longer.
Doctor's Review: Your physician will also receive your results and will typically contact you to discuss them, especially if any follow-up is needed. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor's office if you have questions about your results.
Sub-heading: Discussing Results with Your Doctor
Even if you see your results in MyNM, it's essential to discuss them with your doctor. They can provide context, explain what the numbers mean for your specific health, and recommend any necessary next steps.
Important Note on Walk-ins:
While scheduling is highly recommended to minimize wait times and ensure efficiency, some Northwestern Medicine outpatient lab locations do accept walk-ins for blood draws. However, availability can vary, and scheduled appointments will always take priority. If you plan to walk in, it's advisable to check the specific location's hours and walk-in policy on the Northwestern Medicine website or by calling them directly. Always remember to bring your physician's order, photo ID, and insurance card.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find a Northwestern Medicine lab location near me?
You can find Northwestern Medicine lab locations by visiting the "Locations" section on nm.org and filtering for "Laboratory Services" or by looking at their dedicated "Where to Find Outpatient Labs" PDF document available on their site.
How to prepare for a fasting blood test at Northwestern Medicine?
To prepare for a fasting blood test, do not eat or drink anything except water for the number of hours specified by your physician (typically 8-12 hours) before your appointment. You should also continue to take any prescribed medications unless your doctor explicitly tells you otherwise.
How to access my blood test results from Northwestern Medicine?
Your blood test results are primarily accessible through your MyNM patient portal online or via the MyNM app. Your physician will also review the results and communicate with you about them.
How to know if my insurance covers blood tests at Northwestern Medicine?
Northwestern Medicine works with a wide variety of insurance plans. It's best to review their "Accepted Insurance Plans" page on nm.org or call your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage for lab services at Northwestern Medicine facilities.
How to get a physician's order for a blood test at Northwestern Medicine?
You will need to consult with a licensed physician (MD, DO), Physician Assistant (PA), or Advanced Practice Provider (APP) at Northwestern Medicine. They will assess your health needs and provide the necessary order for the blood tests.
How to reschedule or cancel a blood test appointment at Northwestern Medicine?
You can typically reschedule or cancel your blood test appointment through your MyNM patient portal or by calling the scheduling number for the specific lab location where your appointment is booked.
How to ensure accurate blood test results?
Ensure accurate results by strictly following all preparation instructions from your physician (especially regarding fasting), informing the lab about any medications or supplements you're taking, and staying well-hydrated (unless advised otherwise).
How to contact Northwestern Medicine Laboratory Services for questions?
For general questions about laboratory services, you can often find contact numbers on the specific lab location's page on the Northwestern Medicine website. For scheduling-related questions, use the scheduling numbers provided by the hospitals or look up the general contact number on nm.org.
How to bring a specimen to Northwestern Medicine for testing?
If you have collected a specimen at home or your physician's office, you can drop it off at a Northwestern Medicine outpatient lab location. You will still need your physician's order, insurance card, and identification for registration.
How to get help with MyNM portal login issues for blood test results?
If you're experiencing trouble logging into MyNM, you can use the "Forgot My Username" or "Forgot My Password" options on the login screen. For further assistance, contact the MyNM Help Desk, typically available during business hours.