Dear Friends,

I’d like to thank all of you who came out to my lecture this weekend at the Conscious Life Expo! I enjoyed seeing you and hope you had a great time at the expo. It was another jam-packed weekend of holistic events. I love how popular all this stuff is getting. The LAX Hilton parking lot was full when I got there with attendees…. pretty amazing. I think it says a lot that in the midst of much of the chaos and stress in our nation, and internationally, and in our individual lives, that so many people find it a priority to attend an event like this… See you next time…
Now, on to a more clinical note: I’m asked a lot, and it was a major topic of discussion at my lecture this weekend….. When is it good to be tested and what type of testing is needed? So I’ve written this short article to give you a primer on medical TESTING…
Do I Need To Be Tested?
This is a question I am often asked by my patients. The question comes up in a few different contexts:
The first is when I ask a patient to get a blood test who has not had any testing in more than a year. They sometimes object, saying: “This is alternative medicine; why do I need a blood test?”
I explain that testing can often lead to a better, more specific and thorough diagnosis, as compared to Chinese pulse and tongue diagnosis alone.
The second is when the current tests are not comprehensive enough. Often, and especially with HMO insurance, the type of testing done is not adequate and complete enough to form the type picture needed to diagnose accurately from the Chinese medical perspective.
In What Circumstances Will Testing Really Help Me?
The answer to this question is based on a number of variables. It largely depends on you and your health goals and situation. But frankly, and to be practical, it also depends to a large degree on your health budget and financial situation.
In my mind, and for me working with you as your doctor, it’s always preferable to see the results of scientific tests. The more black and white information I have, the easier it is for me to diagnose you accurately and treat you effectively.
But if you’re on a tight budget, then I sometimes won’t require you to be tested. The exception to this is that at a minimum, I like all my patients to get basic blood tests.
Testing gives us both a more scientific way of knowing where you stand and gives us the tools we need to treat you more effectively.
Because of my 30 years of medical experience, I can sometimes predict some of your test results and spare you the extra fee. Not with blood tests, but sometimes with neurotransmitter testing, or adrenal stress testing.
But this is not always the case. And I can discuss your options with you. In general, I prefer the tests, if at all possible.
Which Tests Might We Want To Perform?
The following is a list of some of the more common tests that I routinely perform on my patients:
Blood Testing – general CBC, cholesterol, Chem Panel, Hormones, kidney and liver functions, Vitamin D Blood Tests
Urinalysis – blood sugar, infections
Hormones – Blood and Saliva
Brain Neurotransmitter Testing – Saliva
Adrenals – Blood and Saliva
Stool Tests for parasites, yeast, bacterial overgrowth, leaky gut, and digestive function
Anemia Testing – blood
Blood – Food Allergy Testing
Blood – Digestive Function and Leaky Gut Syndrome Testing
The following is a partial list of symptoms and problems which you may have that benefit from testing to get a more accurate diagnosis and create a more effective treatment plan:
Acne
Herpes
Infertility
Low Sex Drive
Low Motility and Male Sperm Count
Excessive Sex Drive
Addictions, Compulsions, Panic
Compulsive Eating
Bulemia and Anorexia
Alchohol or Sugar cravings
Drug Usage
Chronic Fatigue
Low Energy
Epstein Barr Virus
Lupus
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Menopause
PMS
Low or High Thyroid
Hashimoto’s Disease
Depression
Anxiety
Phobias
Irritability
Chronic Insomnia
Chronic Pain Syndrome
Headaches
Migraines
Attention Deficit or Hyperactivity
Memory Loss
Candida
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Chronic Digestive Problems
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Gas and Bloating
Will My Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Testing?
In some cases, yes. You will have to call and ask your insurance company about the specific tests. Each insurance company has different rules.
How Do We Know Which Tests I Will Need?
This is what we will discuss during your consultation. If you are already a patient, please schedule an appointment for a consultation to evaluate if you need testing and if so, which tests will help you to achieve your health goals.
Together ~ Let’s Make 2013 a Healthier Year
*Acupuncture*
*Homeopathy*
*Chinese Herbal Medicine*
*Nutritional Counseling and Diet*
Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD, CCH
Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Certified Classical Homeopath

 

Encino Office: PRIMARY MAILING ADDRESS

Tuesday and Thursday

12:30 – 7:30 pm

17000 Ventura Blvd #220

Encino, CA 91316

Telephone: 818 905 6171

 

West Los Angeles/Santa Monica Office:

Wednesday

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West Los Angeles, CA 90025

Telephone: 310 979 6495

 

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23332 Valencia Blvd

Valencia, CA 91355

Telephone: 661 312 9868

 

Email: drrandymartin@gmail.com

On the Web: www.drrandymartin.com

Dr. Martin’s Book Optimal Health is now available on Kindle and in ITunes
Dr. Martin’s Book Optimal Health – Now Available as an Audio Book on Audible.com

 

 

Do I Need Medical Testing?
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