[HiTech RedNeck]

This is where having a free market again would be helpful. Even if the tests are not so good, people could choose them according to their own judgment. And in the meantime the medical science has an incentive to progress. Someone who comes up with a slightly better test can sell it for a higher price, etc.

[RightField]

Many of these basic tests are available on the open market. There are tests you can do at home for a1c, cholesterol, pnr levels, PSA, etc. I have used a couple of these and the results are very close to my doctor ordered lab results. An internet search will show several sources for many tests. I do an annual a1c for about $14.

Home Health Tests

Shoot, you can even get a paternity test kit at Walmart for about $25. They're on the bottom shelf near the diabetic testing supplies.