Costs for Blood tests

[NeNe]

Hey everyone, I'm new here and have some questions when in relation to everyone's experience when concerning blood tests. My therapist had recently wrote the letter necessary for beginning Hormone Replacement Therapy. I had actually had my first appointment with a doctor just the other day, and am scheduled for some blood tests in the lab in about a couple of weeks. Thankfully, I was actually able to get some information when in relation to the total costs, which would be $850 in my case.

I was told that this would actually be half off of the full price since, I would be paying it in cash. However, I just kind of wanted to get an idea on others experience when concerning the costs in this area, though I know it may very. I am actually located in a suburban area in Texas, though I schedule the appointments with my doctor in the city (Houston, Texas). If anyone here has experience from visiting a doctor in Houston, what kinds of costs did you have to pay for these types of tests and examinations? I just want to make sure that I am making a realistic decision, or if maybe a second opinion would be a better option at this point.

Thank you for your time.

[Christine167]

You will need to check the fine print on that and try to pay a head when you can if you are paying cash.

The hospital where I work honors a 50% discount if you are self pay, ie cash, but only if you pay within a given time period. You can at most offices however pay a head if you will be using their services often.

Also if they do not have their own lab you might check to see if the lab will take the sample from you directly instead of the office and still send the results to your endo. The whole use the lab as a middle man thing adds cost to your visit. Where I am it can be a difference of more than $100. Mind you I have not started HRT yet but these are observations I made while working with lab staff while building their electronic medical records system.

Try to reduce what dollars you spend on labs and office visits for health care and try to deduct what you do spend on your taxes. Keep receipts for all your cash payments. It adds up quickly.

[Jamie D]

No health insurance NeNe?  Perhaps there is a clinic nearby, if you are in the Houston Metro area.  Let me look around for you.

And welcome.

EDIT -

Perhaps give the Houston  Transgender Center a call at 713-520-8586.  Maybe you can get a referral to a lower cost lab or clinic.

[NeNe]

Thank you for both of your responses, Jamie, Christine! Yes, I actually do not have any insurance. So far, everything has been paid in cash. Though, the labs where the blood tests would be done are in fact in the same facility and with the same doctor.