Direct access testing: nuts and bolts of starting DAT in a hospital environment.

Direct Access Testing (DAT) is a consumer-driven phenomenon that is sweeping the country. It is a highly controversial subject, the implementation of which requires methodical planning and development to be successful. DAT's purpose is to allow the consumer to order a battery of laboratory tests previously available only with a physician's order. With proper planning, DAT can be beneficial to a medical facility in a number of ways. Whether introduced to a hospital or an integrated health system, physician buy-in is vital to the success of DAT. Physicians need to publicly champion the program, even if members of the laboratory are doing the behind-the-scenes work. DAT is growing rapidly, but everyone still wants the stamp of approval from their physician(s) when it comes to their health.