VITAMINTESTING.COM: Test Your Vitamin Levels

Finding a Provider

Vitamin, mineral, amino acid and other nutritional tests are usually not ordered by conventional doctors or specialists. Due to what doctors and insurers say is an insufficient amount of conclusive research in the area of vitamin balance and effectiveness (and there is some truth to this claim–see the Research Page), these tests are often considered “medically unnecessary” or “esoteric” and are often not covered by insurers.

However, given the large amount of evidence (from credible sources such as the National Institutes for Health and various medical journal articles) that vitamin and mineral excesses and deficiencies can be harmful, physicians will hopefully learn more about dietary supplements. Most medical schools and post-graduate medical training programs fail to offer physicians courses in vitamins, minerals, herbs and dietary supplements. Fortunately, there are various websites, societies and publications that are helping to bridge this gap. For instance, the well-known Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) now has versions for Vitamins and Herbs (PDR for Nutritional Supplements and PDR for Herbal Medicines). Unfortunately, few physicians appear to own these PDRs.

So, although your doctor and specialists are unlikely to order vitamin supplement tests, these tests require, by law, a lab order from a licensed healthcare provider. Medical doctors (MDs) and osteopaths (DOs) can order tests in all states. In addition, some states allow licensed professionals such as nurse practitioners, chiropractors (DCs) and naturopaths (NDs) to order medical tests. So, in order to get tested you’ll want to find a medical professional who, in addition to a license that allows her to order laboratory tests, has certification and experience in fields such as: alternative medicine, holistic medicine, integrative medicine, complementary medicine, functional medicine or naturopathic medicine.

Tips for Finding a Provider

See what type of alternative care is covered by any health insurance plan you have. For example, some insurers cover visits to a chiropractor. So, if chiropractors are licensed in your state to order medical tests (just call a chiropractor’s office to check), you may want to proceed in seeing one that is covered on your insurance plan. Most insurance companies provide lists (via a website and/or booklet) of providers in their network. Note that a limited number of alternative therapies and providers are covered by health insurers and you’ll likely be responsible for at least a copay.
If you’re not insured or your insurance won’t provide coverage for these types of services, you may want to use some of the “Online Resource Links” below to locate possible providers. Also, local chapters of professional organizations (e.g. association of chiropractors or holistic health specialists) can provide referrals as can local hospitals and medical schools. A complete list of professionals near you can also be found in the Yellow Pages.
Ask your doctors, friends and other health professionals if they have recommendations and/or are willing to make a referral. Tell them about what you are considering and get any input they have. But don’t be discouraged by less-than-enthusiastic support based on the “lack of conclusive scientific evidence” about the benefits of balanced nutritional health and vitamin supplements.
Contact providers you’ve identified and ask if they are licensed to order laboratory tests and have a history of ordering vitamin, mineral and nutrient tests for people with health conditions similar to yours. You may also want to ask what tests and laboratories they use and then check them out online.
Once you’ve identified several providers, visit one (see Your First Visit Page) and see if there appears to be a good match. If not, don’t be afraid to consult another one.

NOTE: Caution needs to be exercised in all testing to ensure that either the laboratory or healthcare provider has no commercial interest (e.g. selling you vitamin supplements) in finding deficiencies.