Lack of insurance can make navigating healthcare systems incredibly daunting. A routine blood test can trigger a mental barrage of costs, alternatives, and frugal strategies. In fact, blood tests are a staple in most healthcare providers toolbox. They can provide insight into a patient’s baseline level of health, determine the presence of various diseases, and assess the efficacy of ongoing treatments. However, the absence of insurance can create a huge disparity in pricing depending on the provider and the types of tests needed.
This article will focus on the approximate cost of an insurance-less blood test, the various determinants of the cost, strategies to minimize the cost, and the preparatory steps one can take before testing.
Why are blood tests critical?
Taking blood tests is not merely a formality. They provide vital details of the organism to the physician. Infections can be screened, organs can be evaluated, and even the presence of ominous diseases can be uncovered in an early stage. Moreover, many people undergo blood work during annual health assessments.
Some common reasons for blood tests are the following:
- Assessing and monitoring cholesterol levels
- Checking for anemia and monitoring Vitamin levels
- Assessing and monitoring blood glucose levels for diabetes
- Assessing and monitoring the function of the liver and kidneys
- Assessing and monitoring the levels of various hormones
- Assessing and monitoring specific infections and other diseases
Having a blood test done can sometimes reveal underlying issues which a patient is currently unaware of but are yet to manifest.
Blood Test Costs, Without Coverage
On average, blood tests can now be performed for $200. More complex tests can range in the hundreds or surpass $1,000. This variance in pricing is often attributed to the vendor, the locality in which the test is being performed, and the number or complexity of tests being performed.
These are the average costs for certain tests pieces:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): $100
- Basic Metabolic Panel: $150
- Lipid Panel: $150
- Thyroid Test: $150
- Vitamin D Test: $200
- STD Panel: $350
In the event your doctor requests multiple of these tests, the price goes up. With the example of, if a doctor requests for a routine full panel of blood work, without insurance, they can expect to pay anywhere from $800.
Factors That Influence the Cost
There are many things that can change how much a blood test will cost.
Test complexity
Different tests can be of varying degrees of complexities. A blood test for a CBC is standard a lot cheaper than a hormone panel, much less a genetic test.
Geographic Location
The area where a person resides will be a greatly contributing factor. A blood test in metropolitan cities or private hospitals is almost guaranteed to be overpriced compared to smaller rural towns or community health clinics.
Site of Blood Test
The cost of blood tests can range depending if the test is done in a hospital, doctor office, urgent care or file. Most of the time hospitals will be the most expensive, while independent labs or walk in clinics will tend to be cheaper.
Lab fees and facility fees
Some facilities charge a fee for performing blood tests or couriering blood samples to another laboratory, ask for cost sheets for clarity every time.
Tests done in panels
When a physician recommends a set of tests, the total amount may be higher than individually priced tests due to the additional cost associated with bundles. Bundles tend to be cheaper than paying for each test individually.
Ways to Cut Down Charges of Blood Tests Done Without Insurance
Lack of insurance does not constitute the highest price. There are multiple ways to lower the price.
Call for price estimates
Different laboratories or clinics may be offering blood tests with self- pay options. Many laboratories tend to display prices on their webpages. A price difference can be substantial.
Online laboratory services
Some platforms permit patients to order blood tests via the internet without a prior consultation. You pay the fee and receive a voucher which can be exchanged at a nearby laboratory. A significant amount, often higher than 50% is saved in comparison to hospital charges.
Local blood collection centers
Local clinics sometimes provide blood tests at a lower cost. They may use a sliding fee scale associated with patients who need financial assistance.
Discounts
Discounts for blood tests are available for cash payments made during the initial visit, and some clinics and labs even have rates for uninsured patients.
Health Fairs and Free Clinics
From time to time, volunteer blood testing may be available at community health fairs and by not profit organizations. Although these services do not cover all tests, they are a step towards addressing basic health needs.
Comparing Costs Of Blood Tests In Different Facilities
Hospitals
As with most medical services, hospitals charge the highest for blood tests. Their tests may be as simple as taking blood and could cost in the hundreds. Additionally, the facility fee increases the bill substantially.
Urgent care centers
These centers tend to be cheaper than hospitals, but are still more expensive than stand alone labs.
Independent labs
LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics tend to have lower self pay rates, and ordering through the internet prior to arrival to the lab is likely to further lower the price.
Pharmacies and retail clinics
Some larger pharmacies that have lab testing facilities employ people with basic medical training to do simple blood tests. Their rates, as with most other clinics, are more affordable than hospitals.
The Role Of Doctors In Ordering Tests
Physicians typically request blood tests for diagnostic or monitoring purposes. Lack of insurance coverage for the doctor’s visit may also be of concern. In some cases, blood tests may be ordered online without seeing a physician, but if one requires an explanation of the results, one may still have to consult a physician.
Chronic medical conditions will require the collaboration of a physician to ensure the correct tests are obtained and the results are properly interpreted.
Risks of Skipping Blood Tests Due to Cost
Although, skipping blood work can be hazardous to one health. Diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and a sluggish thyroid can all develop and manifest without the patient recognizing any symptoms. Blood work can help identify the issue before it develops and requires extensive medical attention.
In the event the costs are a barrier, community resources, free clinics or online lab services may be available.
How to Prepare For A Blood Test
The preparation of a patient for blood tests is an easy process that can be very important.
- Confirm any fasting requirements prior to the test
- In the days prior to the test, increase hydration to facilitate venipuncture
- Carry all necessary documents as well as proof of identity
- Make sure to pre authorize the cost of the test if you are paying out of pocket
In most cases, results are ready a couple of days after the test has been taken. In this stage, the lab is likely to upload the results to a designated portal. Any health reports will come with certain reference ranges, which can only be explained in relation to one health by a well qualified individual.
In cases where the patient themselves initiates the process through an online service, it is advisable to go through the results with a doctor, especially if they fall out of the expected values.
The cost of blood works can build up over time. The below mentioned strategies are meant to save you money in the future.
- Enroll in a health discount membership program
- Purchase services from a consumer directed lab
- Inquire about local health initiatives that provide complimentary screenings
- Monitor testing prices each time you need a procedure done
- Instruct physicians to prescribe only relevant investigations
Conclusion
The costs of a blood test done in a lab that does not accept health insurance can range anywhere from $1,000, based on the type of test being carried out and the location of the test. Typically, independent laboratories and online services provide more value than hospitals which are historically more expensive.
Important tests should not be avoided because a person does not have health insurance. Clinic services are available in the community, and tests may be completed online. Blood tests are crucial for early problem detection and should be included in a person budget.
If you are also wondering does insurance cover vasectomies, we have a detailed guide that explains coverage and costs.
You may also want to learn how much do rabies shots cost for humans with insurance, especially if you are comparing different medical expenses.
FAQs About Blood Test Without Insurance
How much does a routine blood test cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a routine blood test may be completed for $100, depending on the lab and location.
Where can I get the cheapest blood test without insurance?
The cheapest blood tests in a person who does not hold health insurance are serviced from independent laboratories, and online lab services. Hospital and urgent care centers are usually to be avoided.
Can I order a blood test on my own, without a doctor’s referral?
Yes, a limited number of online services allow you to order blood tests directly. However, a doctor’s referral may still be needed to interpret the results.
Does the community clinic perform blood tests?
Yes, a number of community health clinics perform blood tests at little or no cost to uninsured patients on a sliding fee scale.
Why do blood tests done in medical centers or hospitals cost more?
Blood tests done in hospitals tend to be more expensive due to additional facility fees and added costs which hospitals charge.
