Alright, so can now afford my bloodwork (hopefully the doc doesn't order too many tests). I'm paying out of pocket though so I cannot spend a fortune with doctors visits. So here's my question

When y'all go for bloodwork, do you have to visit the doc then go for the bloodwork and then go for another visit when the results go in? Or do you go for a visit and get a call with the results after? Or do you call, they order the tests and then you actually go once they have the results?


I'm just wondering whether I'll be having to pay for a doctors visit just to get her to order the tests or if it would be reasonable to only have one actual visit either before or after the tests.

Every doctor is different.  However, mine called with the results if something was abnormal.  If I wanted a copy, they would make one and I could either pick it up or they would send it to me.  There was not a need to schedule an extra visit just for lab work.   

Nowadays, I simply hit the local LabCorp and have the results mailed to the doc, keeping a copy for myself.  The only time I have an actual office visit that gets scheduled is when I go in for an annual...

If this is your first visit, then you will obviously need to come in for an evaluation. My doctor's office did the bloodwork right there in the office on my first visit. Then, like Ann said, they will call you if there's anything abnormal and usually schedule a follow-up visit to discuss the results. But if the doctor knows you're self-pay, then they may just be able to speak with you over the phone.

If you've been to the doctor already, then you can just call them and request they send  you a lab slip to get bloodwork done and you can go to LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, or any other lab. They will automatically know where to send the results and then you can call your doctor to discuss, hopefully over the phone.

Also, tell your doctor's office you have no insurance and ask if they offer any discount.

Thanks for the answers gals    I'll be calling in the next hour or so to find out how they will go about it. I know they don't do bloodwork in their office so I will have to go to Quest or to the hospitals lab but they did already say I could pick whoever has the cheapest rates and just let them know where basically. Hopefully they won't want me to come in twice.

Jen- I have seen the doc to originally start T and sadly they don't offer a discount but they do have reasonable rates compared to the other places, just not low enough for me to be seeing them too often. Thanks again

Try to call billing for the labs to see if they can charge you the price for the tests that they usually charge insurance providers. You can usually get them down to something a bit more reasonable.

I usually go to the doc's office to have my blood drawn. He sends it out to the lab, and calls me in a few days on the phone with the results. My endo's a little different... I pre-pay for the entire year in advance, so all HRT costs are covered. If you just go in to the office to get blood results, I don't think you'd be charged for an office visit anyhow?

Hey thanks everyone I called today and at first they said I'd have to come in for a visit to see my doc and get the order but thankfully she thought ahead and I don't have to. I was told they will be mailing me the script basically and I just take it in to whoever I choose. Gonna try the hospital first because they told me they might be able to work out a payment plan since I am unemployed. Then unless there is an issue I don't have to go in again. I was going to see if my levels were low if my dose could be increased a little but oh well. I won't bring it up unless I have to go in for an issue. Thanks again

Nygeel- Thanks for the idea. I'll try to give that a shot.

Jennx- is that one set rate you pre-pay each year?

Quote from: xAndrewx on September 21, 2011, 09:14:40 AM
Hey thanks everyone

Jennx- is that one set rate you pre-pay each year?

Yup. Flat rate every 12 months. I usually see my doc every 3-4 months. It covers all office visits, phone calls for lab results, refills, etc.  Most docs near me charge $90-$120 per office visit, which can get expensive.

Quote from: Ann Onymous on September 20, 2011, 09:14:47 AM
Every doctor is different.  However, mine called with the results if something was abnormal.  If I wanted a copy, they would make one and I could either pick it up or they would send it to me.  There was not a need to schedule an extra visit just for lab work.   

Nowadays, I simply hit the local LabCorp and have the results mailed to the doc, keeping a copy for myself.  The only time I have an actual office visit that gets scheduled is when I go in for an annual...

That actually sounds like a pretty good deal.  I've been having trouble putting together funds for both, so it's encouraging to hear that one might be able to avoid the expense of constant visits to the doctor's office just to go over results or to arrange future lab work.