Open a business during the nation's worst economic recession? That's exactly what Amy and Jon Mullins of Monument, Colorado did.
A new company in Colorado Springs is making healthcare services accessible and affordable for the estimated hundreds of thousands of under and uninsured in the Pikes Peak region. Any Lab Test Now recently opened at 7824B North Academy Boulevard.
The thirty-something couple saw a niche opportunity amidst poor economic conditions, servicemembers returning from war and the growing crisis for residents to have access to affordable to healthcare laboratory services.
Amy Mullins, co-owner of Any Lab Test Now describes the process as direct access testing.
"Customers can get one of 1,800 standard tests done and receive results directly in 24 hours," said Mullins, "Essentially, it allows people to shop for their own healthcare services." Results are always confidential and discreet.
Many of their customers come in for standard lab tests at the recommendation of their primary care physician; although no doctor's referral, appointment or insurance is needed. The clinic is ideal for thousands of Coloradoans with astronomical insurance deductibles, often $7,000-10,000. For those with insurance, most major plans are accepted at the clinic.
Jon Mullins, co-owner of Colorado Springs' new facility, said "As part of our facility's grand opening new customers and employers can receive $10.00 off any test throughout November and December. "People in Colorado Springs are concerned about their health especially when it comes to chronic disease management," said Mullins.
Like the popular "Minute Clinics" popping up in the nation's leading retailers the concept of direct access to affordable healthcare has experienced phenomenal growth. In 2008, 170 Any Lab Test Now clinics opened across the U.S. Currently three more Colorado Springs locations are planned.
"The population is becoming more educated on health issues. The majority of people know about getting their diet-related needs checked," Mullins pointed out. She went on to say that testing for diabetes has become popular. "Like a hospital or physician office we follow strict medical guidelines and have highly-trained medical professionals on-staff to ensure the accuracy of laboratory tests," she said.
The most common tests include: cholesterol, glucose, chemistry profile, STDs, thyroid, cancer screen, tumor marker panel, paternity and pregnancy (which shows fetal age). Any Lab Test Now also serves local small businesses seeking to obtain affordable pre-employment and random employee drug screening.
"The easy access of our facilities takes the wait out of the waiting room, providing employers with a quick testing solution for their employees; doctors with an alternative testing site for their patients, and the public with the best-in-class lab results that are convenient and confidential," said Joe Neely, Atlanta-based CEO of Any Lab Test Now.
The Lab specializes in discreet tests that in ordinary doctor's offices, people might feel uncomfortable asking for. For instance, STD testing, genetic testing and paternity test results are confidential and given directly to the client.
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