Last week I was grousing about not being able to “opt out” of seeing a doctor in order to get a needed blood test. Turns out I was wrong. (It happens!)

Yesterday I discovered that there is a new program at the local hospital which will allow me to get the test without a doctor’s order. Now these are bundled, not individual tests, but one combination available isn’t too much more expensive than I expected for the single test I actually need, so it is doable.

And, miracle number two, they will send the results directly to me. No doctor need be involved. In fact, they are clear that taking the results to your doctor is your responsibility. They won’t do that, even if you want them to. I have to tell you I was shocked. But pleased! And even better, they don’t take Medicare or any kind of insurance… cash on the barrel.

So, if you have a problem and think you may be able to figure it out on your own if you have a test or two done, look for a “wellness” program at your local hospital. Someone may have snuck a little free market medicine in while nobody was looking.