Researchers set out to find what older folks thought of DTC tests, whether they use them and how often they reported their results to a physician who could provide care if there was a problem. "As more companies bring these direct-to-consumer tests to market, and buy ads promoting them, it's important for health care providers and policymakers to understand what patients might be purchasing, what they're doing with the results, and how that fits into the broader clinical and regulatory picture," said Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren. He directs the National Poll on Healthy Aging from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.