Low cost ways to get lab work?

[Simon]

Curious if anyone would have information on a low cost way to get your labs done without insurance or know of a provider close to Charlotte, North Carolina that does so?

My last test my T was really low which was strange since I'm post hysto. My doc increased my dose and said I could get blood work whenever but I want to in the next few months. I think I figured out why it was so low (the needles were too short so I was actually doing Sub Q injections in my butt, lol). My doctor's office charges over $400 for labs without insurance and that's a bit steep I think.

Any info is appreciated, thanks.

[Megan S]

The only way to find out is to call around. Lab tests can vary greatly from hospital to hospital or clinic to clinic. In most cases you can call the customer service or billing office and they will usually give you a price of how much they would bill. Institutions often bill slightly higher in hopes insurance does not cover it all and transfer some of the cost onto the consumer. You may be able to negotiate them to bill you the lower rate since you will be paying out of pocket. Where I live the price of a complete blood count varies over $50 in five blocks between organizations. In Charlotte you should have several different places you can call. Also ask if they charge a facility fee and a phlebotomy fee and how much those are as well. I hope this helps and you find what you need. A university clinic is also more likely to be cheaper than for-profit and most larger non-profits.

[Simon]

Thanks Megan, appreciate it.

[Jamie D]

Curious if anyone would have information on a low cost way to get your labs done without insurance or know of a provider close to Charlotte, North Carolina that does so?

My last test my T was really low which was strange since I'm post hysto. My doc increased my dose and said I could get blood work whenever but I want to in the next few months. I think I figured out why it was so low (the needles were too short so I was actually doing Sub Q injections in my butt, lol). My doctor's office charges over $400 for labs without insurance and that's a bit steep I think.

Any info is appreciated, thanks.

You might look into the Quest Diagnostics "Patient Assistance Program"
http://www.questdiagnostics.com/home/about/corporate-citizenship/community-giving/assistance.html

There are several locations in the greater Charlotte area.

[Alainaluvsu]

Also, ask if you qualify for Medicare. With the new healthcare act, the states are required to provide healthcare to the poor by using federal Medicare money to do so. Well.. I say that but I think the requirement doesn't start til 2014, but states can opt in and it's possible NC has opted in.