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  • Question 1: Am I the right candidate for PT/INR self-testing?
    Answer: Yes, as long as you meet the following criteria listed below. • You have been on Coumadin/Warfarin for a minimum of three (3) months for one of the following medical conditions: Mechanical Heart Valve Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Pulmonary Embolism​ Deep Vein Thrombosis​ Venous Thromboembolism • You have the manual and visual ability to perform a self-test or have a committed support person to assist with testing. • Your doctor believes patient self-testing is right for you. • You are willing to test consistent with your physician's prescribed testing preferences.
  • Question 2: How can I start PT/INR patient self-testing?
    Answer: Your doctor will need to complete and fax a prescription for patient self-testing to Real-Time Diagostics (RTD). We will first verify your insurance and discuss your coverage (co-pays and deductibles) with you before we set you up for a home training with our clinical staff or training at your doctor's office. During your training, you will recieve a meter, lancets and test strips - everything needed to perform a successful fingerstick test.
  • Question 3: How often will I need to test?
    Answer: Your doctor will determine your testing frequency but typically, most patients test weekly. Medicare has determined that more frequent testing can lead to fewer Coumadin/Warfarin related complications. Recent studies have shown that people who test their PT/INR levels weekly leads to fewer complications (problems) and improved outcomes (results), specifically fewer strokes, major bleeding and clotting episodes or death. Medicare covers up to 52 tests per year or 1 test per week.
  • Question 4: What do I do with my test result after I finish each test?
    Answer: After each test, you will immediately report your test result into RTD using one of the following: - Call our toll free number (1-866-662-7897) to report your result - Visit our website, www.rtdlabs.com, and submit your information online - Email your test result to RTD at, support@rtdlabs.com After each completed result is received, RTD will complete a patient result report and send it directly to your doctor for them to review. Based on your test result, either RTD's clinical team or your doctor's office will direct you as needed.
  • Question 5: Do I still need to go to the lab or my doctor’s office for monthly PT/INR testing?
    Answer: Weekly PT/INR patient self-testing will now replace your monthly trips to the lab or doctors office for PT/INR blood tests. You will now experience the flexibility and convenience of self-testing in the comfort of your home or while traveling.
  • Question 6: Do I have to pay for the PT/INR meter?
    Answer: The meter is property of RTD and is on loan to you as part of the service. Should you discontinue services with RTD, you are required to return the device to RTD to avoid any fees.
  • Question 7: If I have a covered diagnosis, will my insurance cover the cost of these testing supplies (lancets, test strips)?"
    Answer: Yes. Medicare and many private health insurances cover the cost of the self-testing service. Depending on your particular coverage, your out-of-pocket costs may vary. RTD will first verify your insurance and discuss your coverage with you before you enroll.
  • Question 8: How often do I receive a shipment of supplies from RTD? Do I have to pay for shipping?
    Answer: It is very important that you test as often as your doctor has perscribed. To ensure you do not run out of test strips, each time you call your result into RTD, we will confirm the number of test strips you have left. You can expect to receive a shipment of supplies from RTD every 4-6 weeks. With RTD, you will benefit from FREE home delivery of your PT/INR testing supplies.
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