The cost of blood tests can vary differently. Whether it is a comprehensive metabolic panel test or a complete blood count test, the cost depends on the type. Some blood tests go even lower than $5 and some are more than $400 as well. While the sticker price might actually be a bit high, if you pay cash, the prices are comparatively low. Lab charges are definitely considered to be the most expensive part of any particular medical experience. Even with insurance, people have to pay hundreds of dollars for medical and blood tests. However, blood testing is an equally important part of the medical industry, assisting in the diagnosis of various diseases and ailments in people.
Do you require a CBC test? Well, the cost might be nothing or you might have to pay a lot of money for it. While some diagnostic centres tend to charge $5-$10 for blood tests, there are others that charge more than $100 for the same tests and work. How much will a CMP blood test cost, then? It can actually cost you about $20 in some diagnostic centres and in others, you might have to pay more than $250.
Understanding the Price of Blood Tests
As it has been mentioned, the prices of blood tests can vary widely for sure. Even if you have insurance, you might have to pay a good amount of money to get the blood test done. There are so many different types of blood tests that are required and hence the prices attached to these tests are very high as well.
- Sticker Price
If you are being charged the full rate for the blood test, it is called the ‘sticker price’. The people who don’t have insurance will have to pay the full price or the ‘sticker price’ of the blood test in the first place.
- Negotiated Rate
Sometimes, people tend to have insurance for their medical costs and tests. The price that is paid by the insurance company is called the ‘negotiated rate’. With the help of the insurance, the patient will have some costs cut off from the amount for the tests.
Options for Blood Test Vouchers
In order to save on some costs of blood tests and other diagnostic tests, people can opt for online blood test vouchers. These vouchers can help in getting some discounts on the lab tests. All you have to do is contact the clearing-house company and let them know about the test you require.
Then you have to pay the amount and they will send you to the nearest lab in order to get your tests done. Another important thing to keep in mind is that different states have various regulations related to the availability of these online vouchers. If you are planning on using the option for an online voucher, make sure that you gather some information about the availability.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Going For A Blood Test
If you want to make sure that you are not spending too much money on blood tests, there are certain things that you have to keep in mind as a patient.
- Whether you are insured or uninsured, one of the most important things that you need to ask yourself is the cost of the blood test. You will have to make sure that you are not paying too much for the blood test.
- Also, you need to inquire about the discounts that are available for the blood tests. There are some diagnostic centres that tend to offer up to 50% discounts for patients that are uninsured. However, you have to ask for a coupon in order to save your money. You can go online and get the coupon for the blood tests.
- There are some labs that tend to bill uninsured patients on the basis of the different tests as well as other parameters. Income-based discounts are also included for uninsured patients and hence you can actually get some low prices if you pay by cash.
- Another important thing to keep in mind is that there are certain variations to the blood tests and your cost will depend on the variations that you tend to choose. Do you want to have a CBC test with a differential? Do you want a full thyroid panel or a TSH test alone? Ask yourselves these questions before deciding on the cost of the test.
- You also need to check how you will be getting the blood test results. Do you want the results sent to your doctor directly or do you want to receive the results?
Conclusion
Blood tests are incredibly important for the diagnosis of different ailments and diseases. However, the costs of the blood test can vary from one place to another. By taking care of these points, one can determine the actual cost of the blood test.
