Make Your Lab Life Easy

by Marc Manor

A trip to the lab can be stressful, especially if you have a fear of needles!  The last thing you need is to skip breakfast and show up to the lab, only to find out there is a hitch with your lab order or insurance coverage.  Here are a few tips for a smooth trip to the lab:

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- Make sure you use a lab that is in-network.  Whether you have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Heath Maintenance Organization (HMO) insurance plan, you will usually save money if you use an in-network lab provider.  You can check this by calling your insurance carrier or agent.  If you have an online account with your healthcare insurance provider, you can usually find in-network lab there.

- Take a printed copy of your lab order to the lab.  Many healthcare providers send faxes and use other methods to send your lab orders over but sometimes there are glitches and the lab may not receive your order.  Without your order you may have to contact your healthcare provider and have them send it over causing long waits.

- Make an appointment if possible.  Some of the major chain type labs have websites where you can make an appointment.  There are a number of labs that require fasting.  These you will want to schedule early in the morning.  If there is no appointments available and you have to fast, show up early.  People usually start queuing up 30 minutes prior to the lab opening.  Some labs open as early as 6am so show up early to avoid waiting while you are hungry.  If fasting is not required for your labs, it is better to show up late morning or afternoon after the "fasting crowd" has cleared out.

Co-pays associated with lab tests can be hard to predict.  It depends on how they are coded and ordered.  You can ask the lab when you check in what your co-pay will be based on your lab order.  If they have your lab order sent over to the lab ahead of time, you may be able to call the lab to find out.

These simple steps can save you time, money, and a little stress when it comes to trips to the lab.

Marc Manor is a 30-year military veteran who is now dedicated to teaching his fellow Americans how to make the most of their Medicare and healthcare benefits. As an independent agent, Marc has access to a wide variety of carriers with an abundance of resources to find tailored solutions. There is no charge for a consultation so call 904-222-0698 or email: marc@marcmanor.com.