Well, it was Doc visit day today and of course yet another 0ish in lab tests were ordered. I am one of the lucky w/o coverage beyond major medical as they want 0ish/month for full coverage. So I make do...
I held off getting the labs done today as I was simply not in the mood though I was having a "swell'd" day..so-to-speak.
Just a bit ago I thought I would look to see if there were any reference prices online. You know just to see how screwed I am by our city-owned "community" hospital. And danged if I did not learn there are decent labs offering testing at around 40% of the cash price at our hospital. So I am saving about 0 on the labs based on the costs for the last round of tests. I have to drive an hour but, who cares I need to travel as part of business anyway.
I did a Google search for:
laboratory test prices
The place I am likely gonna go with is even running a "May Special" for what they call an "Arthritis Panel" for 9. Our local hospital charged me 0 for just the Rheum. Factor test last time. And this one includes the ANA, SED, Uric Acid & c-reactive tests.
I still want to research the labs and their reliability tomorrow but I see no reason they will be a below standard lab.
I could take off on a rant about turning the "management" of the facilities of our community owned Healthcare District to a for profit company...but I won't just now...
Needless to say tomorrow I am going to go ask the prices for the same tests. If there have not been any changes I am going to walk over the my buddy the city council member and ask why we are paying so much more...hehehehe...yeah, I get this way anytime I need more tests.
I better stop now...I feel a HUGE rant brewing and it is sleepy time...I hope...
Thanks for letting me vent and I hope the search will help others in my situation save a few bucks!!
BTW, I also learned that apparently there has been a change in ordering lab work. We do NOT need to see the Doc to order them. Apparently we can just order the tests we want. That alone will save me a TON of cash every year.
I am not sure if this is a new change or not...but it will sure be nice to have labs done BEFORE I go see my doc not go see him, spend , get labs and then spend another to have him read me the results I already know. I mean I like my GP but I like to save too...my GP is GREAT though as he is a private practice so I get all the free samples I need if a new Rx is expensive. He even supplied me for over a year on a med until we decided it was not really helping me much. Still...
this disease stinks without having to suffer with paying a bunch of money for it!
feeling your pain, Sarah
hi Sarah,