MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
I have a slew of standard bloodwork tests that I need done, and no insurance or way to get a health department to order them.
I priced them out at Labcorp, and some of them were annoyingly expensive ($200something for Vitamin D levels). Labcorp sucks for many things, but are kind of the standard lab your MD would normally use for many routine things that aren't specifically Lyme testing.
I went to look at prices at this online, no-doctor-needed lab (I think the general category is called direct laboratories, there are several competitors who contract with Labcorp or quest, and it's totally legal and legit).
Their prices are wayyyyyyy cheaper than what I'd be paying just through Labcorp. You go to a local Labcorp or other related lab office to get the blood draw done, and they handle it all from there.
I called them today after seeing something interesting on their site- they told me that yes, indeed, it's actually all processed by Labcorp unless the test specifies otherwise. So this is basically a much cheaper way of getting testing- without involving a doctor, or just saving a bunch of money if you're paying for Labcorp tests out of pocket.
I'm looking at liver enzymes tests, B12/folate, c-reactive protein (inflammation linked to heart disease and other things), and vitamin D levels among other things, but they also contract with specialty labs for things like parasite tests and other stuff. for instance, they use Doctors Data lab for mercury and toxic metals testing (which people sometimes have trouble getting doctors to prescribe- though I don't know how they arrange the IV challenge for it) and other specialty labs that have good reputations for delivering specialty tests.
CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749
posted
so how do you get the blood draw without a doctor?
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
You go to Labcorp. They have offices all over. The way my MD's test me right now, they often don't do a blood draw in-house but instead call in a test to the Labcorp of my choice, so this is really no different other than that YOU order the test yourself.
Worst case scenarios: -you waste money -you go off in the wrong direction by self-diagnosing.
The way I'm using it right now is to order the tests that my LLMDs want me to do- but paying a lot less for them.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
If you have a prescribing MD/DO, Labcorp will also give you a reduced price if you are willing to prepay out of pocket. Give them a call. You have to have it arranged before you show up at the lab for the draw.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
I haven't had any success with that, actually.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
posted
I've used Direct Labs a lot for tests through LabCorp. I don't have insurance either. Their Comprehensive Wellness Profile is usually around $97. It covers ALL blood work, lipids, thyroid, liver, kidney, metabolic, etc. In addition, you can usually find a coupon online for 10% off. Saves even more.
You can also order tests NOT through LabCorp but through Genova Diagnostics or other specialty labs.
I've never had a problem going this route. It's easy, slick, and cost-effective. I highly recommend it for those who don't have insurance and want to save a bundle of money.
Posts: 277 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Apr 2010
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
I think I learned about this from Sparkle7- everyone give her a big thank you for it!
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
Thanks MariaA...
I had to do this when I was having a problem with a doctor when I had ultra low HGH. My levels were rock bottom but she would not prescribe HGH shots for me for some reason. I went to see her 4 times & she was evasive about the whole thing. Finally, I had to take matters into my own hands. I just read up on it & pre-paid for the testing.
They were shocked when I came in with all the proper paperwork at the lab where they drew the blood. Everything went well & I was able to monitor my HGH levels on my own.
I also got the HGH through a "club" & I got my levels back to normal.
There really is alot we can do on our own for ourselves. It's all perfectly legitimate & the tests are "real". You can do this without a doctor if you need to.
I don't know what's going to happen when this whole health insurance thing comes on-line.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
Hey, why don't we start talking about what tests are useful and why? Some people are self-treating or treating with minimal supervision from MD's.
Please include test codes if you have them.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
littlebit27
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24477
posted
quote:Originally posted by Marrit: In addition, you can usually find a coupon online for 10% off. Saves even more.
Where do you find this coupon? I looked and can't find one. I would appreciate if you could direct me in the right direction.
I just added the tests the LLMD wanted (that direct labs had, there were three that they said weren't listed) and it's $263 for 4 tests, CBC, comprehensive metabo, CD57-the most expensive, and Vitamin D. Not terrible, although I have insurance that would cover all this but PCP won't do the tests.
But I have another question regarding LabCorp. If I go there with the order from my LLMD who is out of state, and the LabCorp in my state accepts my insurance can I get the test run like that without having to pay the $263 and without my PCPs input?
At any rate I will keep this in mind because we might be losing our insurance soon anyway and this is always a good thing to have!
posted
I've never used insurance with LabCorp, so I don't know how that works. You could call them and ask.
Code is: TWSM
Worked the last time I used it, but I don't know for how long it'll be good, or if it ever expires.
Posts: 277 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Apr 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Maria I think I mentioned this to you before but LEF is much cheaper for all of those tests. They are also using Labcorp. On many of them, they are HALF the cost of this place you are using. You do have to pay an initial $75 to become a member but if you get even a few tests in a year you will make up the cost easily.
sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
You can get the blood drawn from a labcorp in either state.....the one where you LLMD is or your own. I have done both.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749
posted
so re the blood draw, you can just walk in with the test codes that you want and ask for a blood draw? after you have set it up over the phone?
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
FunkOddysey, Do you know who actually processes their tests? Is it also Labcorp?
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
just went through the process of ordering tests from two different direct-to-patient companies. One was Direct Labs ( http://resellers.directlabs.com) - they're a little more expensive than Life Extension Foundation ( http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/Blood-Tests/ ). Life Extension requires that you get a $75/year membership but their tests are really, really cheap right now.They seemed to have fewer available tests than Direct Labs. After I ordered my tests, I called them to ask them to not send me any paper catalogs and to not send me the book that they said comes with the membership. The lady reduced my membership to $25 because I didn't order the book. I'm not sure if that's standard but it's good.
I had a LOT of trouble ,making sure all my tests were correct- for instance, Life Extension only had one c-reactive protein test, the cardiac one- and I needed the other one. Their codes for complete metabolic panel were kind of weird compared to Labcorp codes.
Life Extension were EXCELLENT over the phone- I must have called them 10 times today. Direct Labs was fine, it was just easier to figure things out from their website.
Life Extension lists the Labcorp codes but offers fewer tests than Direct Labs.
Direct Labs offers tests from more laboratories and has something on their site saying that they're about to offer Quest Diagnostics tests too (they offer a lot of good specialty labs tests)
Between a Labcorp website, my doctors' requisition slips (which I was only using as a reference) and calling Life Extension and Labcorp a few times, I finally got the right stuff ordered.
I am going to put up a post later with codes for Lyme-related stuff from them. I am asking them to research whether they can do Lyme and coinfection tests and what the prices will be.
I also ordered some tests from directlabs.com because they had the correct CRP test that I needed. In the process, I found that the best way for me to go was to order their 'may Arthritis panel special' which included CRP, the complete metabolic panel (I think= liver enzymes and other routine bloodwork), as well as Rheumatoid factor and ANA tests (which I didn't really need that badly but was curious about). The total came to $99 for this 'on sale' special. Normally a CRP from Labcorp (meaning, ordered by your doctor, the normal way) would be $68 and a complete metabolic panel would be like $29 from them, so I basically got a lot of other tests for free. Here's the link to the 'special': https://resellers.directlabs.com/MonthlySpecials/tabid/2492/languag...
Directlabs.com has a 'monthly specials' link on their page. I'm sure 'the deals' will change from time to time. Life Extension has a big sale right now on their blood tests, so it was really cheap to get everything that my doctors had ordered, much cheaper than to do it through Labcorp itself.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
So- I've now gone through testing with both companies (I mean, the testing was done by Labcorp, but I purchased tests from two different companies. I just went to a local Labcorp office to get the blood draw done and they didn't bat an eye at the paperwork= no problem).
I asked Life Extension to look into pricing a Lyme Western Blot and a bartonella and babesia test offered by Labcorp. They researched it and called me back to say 'we think this is best handled by your healthcare provider, so we won't offer it'.
Directlabs.com does offer all of those tests on their website.
Directlabs was a little bit easier to use because I didn't have to wait for forms to come in the mail.
I think it's worth shopping around at both places, though, most routine things were cheaper at Life Extension, especially because of the sale they're having right now, but other things weren't available at Life Extension or were cheaper through some 'sale' special at Directlabs.com as well.
I think you can get multiple 'orders' for the same test at the sale prices at Life Extension- for example, you might be able to order a liver enzymes test several times for use in the next few months, and pay for it at the sale prices, which I think end on June 7th.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
posted
thank you so much for sharing this information and your experience. very helpful....esp for those of us without insurance.
please forgive me but my brain is not working so well. just for clarity... you can order lab paper work via these folks, pay for the draw( at your local lab) and pay the online folks at a discount and you don't have to have your doctor request it? thanks again! Posts: 161 | From sonoma county | Registered: May 2009
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
yes, you pay the 'direct lab' via the internet, then you go to the Labcorp office with the correct paperwork. No doctor involved. There was not an extra fee at the Labcorp office- it's all paid for online through the 'direct lab' company but drawn and processed by Labcorp.
Life Extension is a company that requires a membership of $75/year. Directlabs.com is more expensive for most tests, but there is no membership fee and they also test for coinfections and Lyme if you decide to order that . PLease be aware that Labcorp tests are TERRIBLE for lyme and coinfections in general.
Directlabs also has tests from places other than Labcorp, which includes some of the labs that LLMD's use for parasites, toxic metals testing, etc.
No doctor involved...
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
Actually labcorp is not TERRIBLE for lyme testing. There are a good many ppl on LN that actually got positive Western Blots from labcorp. Not sure about directlabs though.
I can't believe you can actually order test yourself without a physician being involved. So do they mail the results directly to you? Or do you call for them? How does that work?
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
My directlabs.com results were available on their website. I'm printing out a copy and sending it to one of my LLMD's. I'm not sure how the Life Extension results will be available.
they both use Labcorp, so there's no difference in how the test is processed.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic