COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 94
Fee Limitations
Laboratories may only charge reasonable, cost-based fees for
providing access [15].
No Interpretation Requirement
While laboratories must provide test results, they are not required
to interpret those results for patients. They may refer patients with
questions about interpretation back to their ordering or treating
providers [16].
This regulatory framework has fundamentally altered the
relationship between consumers, healthcare providers, and
laboratory services, creating more direct pathways for individuals
to access and engage with their health information.
The Future of Laboratory Access
The trend toward greater consumer access to laboratory testing
continues to evolve. Several factors are likely to shape the future
landscape:
Technology Integration
Digital health platforms increasingly incorporate laboratory data,
providing more sophisticated tools for interpretation and
visualization.
Expanding Consumer Education
As access expands, so do resources for helping consumers
understand and contextualize their test results.
Regulatory Refinement
State and federal regulations continue to evolve to balance
consumer access with appropriate safeguards. In 2025, numerous
states have introduced comprehensive privacy laws that may
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