Blood test vs cost

[Maludagui]

Hello pretty ladies. I hope they are all very well. I have a question. Since I was diagnosed, I have followed the doctor's recommendations to the letter, but in view of all my financial problems I have always sought to cut expenses (although the doctor does not like it very much) I want to know if the costs of the Quest offices Diagnostics for blood tests have the same cost in offices outside the hospital or have the same cost? The doctor does not want me to do the tests in other offices because she says that she blindly trusts the results of the office that is inside the hospital. Thanks from Houston on a very rainy day 🌸🌺

[Red71]

I think you would have to call those offices and ask. If they are all the same “brand” of lab, I would assume they are the same cost. I have mine all done at my oncology clinic and I have never compared costs. You would have to give the other labs your insurance information so they could tell you what the cost is. If you are paying your insurance copay, it would be the same. If you pay your copay plus something over that cost, it might be different.

[Rhwright12]

I’d call around...yes the costs will vary slightly most likely...and yes it’s the job of the doctor to say she likes her Quest on site the best. She gets paid to say that just like we all do. Regardless of where u work...😀

[Arisgram]

I pay for my labs privately because my oncology office doesn't have time to pull 4 vials of blood from a fingerstick. If I were to ask my doc to call in an order, insurance would be billed just as it would for the office test. It wouldn't save me anything. I'm sorry

[Hidden in reply to Arisgram]

Hi Arisgram,

I hope you're doing well....I'm wondering why you do labs via a finger prick? Have your veins given out (not sure what the medical term is, but this is something I worry about, with one good vein!)?

BTW, that does sound excruciating! And, like, ouch!!

Lynn

[Arisgram in reply to Hidden]

Hey Lynn! How are you? Yes, apparently my anxiety has sent my veins packing. If they finally find one, it will usually collapse. The whole needle thing is becoming untenable. It took a dose of oral versed to get the blood they needed before the liver biopsy. So, when I'm not in Texas, I use my clinic's reference lab, drink 2 liters of water, pop an aspirin and get my finger stuck. It really isn't bad....especially considering the alternative.....

My fingers are crossed for you. I'm sure you're as opposed to a port as I am, but my local oncologist is really pushing for one (MDA won't access a port for labs, so I'm not sure what good it would do)

[Hidden in reply to Arisgram]

Wow, you made my knees weak! I'm impressed by how resourceful you've been in working around/dealing with the issue! And, yes, you're right re: the port!! (Typing that word just gave me a flashback!!) I hated it very much and dread the day when I'll have to get another (which is a great motivator for me to keep doing pretty well!!! ).

Take care,

Lynn

[mariootsi in reply to Hidden]

Me too! I hated it during my first go round with chemo during my first dx.

[mariootsi in reply to Hidden]

I was wondering the same thing. They always have problems with my veins

[Cenaiba]

Hello,

I am in Arizona and recently switched from the hospital lab at MD Anderson Cancer Center to Sonora Quest for blood work. The determining factor was the price difference. My cost, with insurance, was 350 at the hospital and 17.02 at Sonora Quest. Now I am shopping around for CT scans and nuclear body scan. Just to give you an idea.

[Maludagui in reply to Cenaiba]

Oh my God. Thank you. Can you explain to

Me what was a process for change ? Call first your doctor ? Or what ?

[Cenaiba in reply to Maludagui]

During one of my doctor's appointments I told them I need the blood order sent to Sonora Quest.

I checked out the location first, I like everything as close to my house as possible and gave my doctor the address and fax number and then I also asked for a hard copy of my orders, because you can't count on them when it comes to changes. It was a good thing I did, because they did not send it in. I went online and made an account with Sonora Quest and I make my appointments and get my results this way.They also have explanations and all kinds of good info regarding the results. It is definitely not as fancy schmantzy as the hospital, however I never had to wait, everyone is very customer oriented, my only regret is I that I did not do this sooner. I guess it's a learning process, like my husband says. Another good thing about Sonora is that they have a price list posted on their site, if you want to pay without insurance and you can do tests of your own, without a doctor's order. I have been unpleasantly surprised by the lack of information, from price comparisons to other options , practical advice, aso from all these so called " help organizations" and I am expressing myself mildly. Keep me posted.

Ruxandra

[PJBinMI]

Your onc's office may have a person working in their financial office who knows about the resources available to help patients with the costs of treatment. If you have a low income, you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income(apply at closest Social Security office) and Medicaid. If you have worked and paid into Social Security for enough quarters, you will qualify for Social Security Disability. If you are over 50, look into the UHC medicare supplement insurance that AARP offers. That might be something that will only help you in the future but I've known a number of people over the years who have that insurance and say good things about it. Insurance varies so much....it's really crazy.