Do you know how to find affordable lab tests?
Fortunately I have good health insurance. Four years ago I signed up for a high-deductible health plan for my family in order to keep our premiums down. My deductible is $5,200 and as a result, I am getting really good at shopping around for the best value, negotiating cash prices with providers, calling around to get prices and using available tools/resources to comparison shop/understand fair prices. The more money I am able to save on finding affordable health care, the more money I have to spend on family vacations. That’s enough incentive for me.
My health insurer has negotiated special deals (discounts) with providers in my network. When I use these network providers, I am charged the discounted rate for services. This carefully guarded rate is difficult to find out until after services are provided because health insurers keep negotiated prices a secret. That’s why I encourage consumers to post/share rates they paid for actual services in OutofPocket.com directory, to share with other consumers. If insurers and providers will not reveal these prices, consumers should!
I recently had a series of blood tests done that were required for my upcoming surgery. I realized if I went to my doctors office to have these blood tests taken, my out-of-pocket costs would be much higher, so I selected a stand-alone lab testing facility that offers affordable lab tests. I went online to find Quest Diagnostics and scheduled my appointment. I just received my EOB and here’s what I discovered
Prices For My Lab Tests for Comprehensive Blood Test
Total Quest Labs billed to my insurance plan $ 193.78
Total discounted by my insurance plan $ 143.78
Amount of my out-of-pocket for my lab tests $ 50.00
If I wasn’t careful, I could have easily ended up paying a lot more for my lab tests. If I did not have insurance, I would have negotiated a cash discount with the lab when I scheduled the service, to make sure I get a fair price. Because of my cost-effective choices, I saved about $144.
Here are some resources you can use to find affordable lab tests in your area.
www.PrivateMDLabs.com
www.MedLabUSA.com
www.DirectLabs.com
www.LabSafe.com
www.MyMedLab.com
www.QuestDiagnostics.com