Decoding Common Labs

There are few things more overwhelming than opening your patient portal and seeing a bunch of numbers, letters, and ranges and being told they’re either normal or abnormal, without knowing what that specifically means for you.

Today’s conversation is about taking the mystery out of common lab work. We’re discussing what labs are and how they provide critical trend data for your health and well-being. 

My guest today is Angela Trackwell, a nurse practitioner at Gateway Hancock Health for Family Medicine and Primary Care.

Specifically this episode highlights: 

- Common labs ordered as part of preventative care

- Common misunderstandings when it comes to lab work

- Things to keep in mind about lab results

- How labs fit into a patient’s health plan

- Ways to schedule an appointment and start a conversation with your primary care provider

MENTIONED LINKS & RESOURCES 

We want to hear from you! Submit your mailbag questions here: justjennunfiltered@gmail.com 

Learn more about Angela Trackwell, NP 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/doctor/angela-trackwell-np/ 

Learn more about Family Medicine at Hancock Health’s Gateway Center https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/family-medicine/ 

Labs & Pathology at Hancock Health 

https://www.hancockhealth.org/healthcare-service/labs-pathology/ 

Preventative Care Guidelines from the CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html 

Just Jenn Blog - Season 02 Episode 08 - Preventative Health Isn’t About Being Perfect

https://thisisjustjenn.substack.com/p/preventative-health-isnt-about-being

Hancock Health Blog - What is Primary Care and Why It Matters More Than You Think: https://www.hancockhealth.org/2025/07/what-is-primary-care-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think/

Hancock Health Blog - Essential Appointments to Make: https://www.gatewayhancockhealth.org/2025/06/5-essential-medical-appointments-to-make-this-fall/ 

Hancock Health - Women’s Health Built for the Whole You: https://www.hancockhealth.org/just-jenn/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisisjustjenn.substack.com