The process of getting bloodwork done is something that is assessed rationally these days. That is, doctors use bloodwork to identify may be to rule out certain issues, track ongoing health issues, or provide treatment. But those without health insurance may have to dread one distinct consequence. Many people put to the side or completely skip out on getting the necessary tests done simply due to the notion that something is too expensive. The reality is, bloodwork is done for free at certain organizations, while, it comes with a heavy fee irrespective of the tests conducted at others. Thus, acquiring bloodwork done is completely situational and a matter of which organization you choose.
In the following sections, you will find detailed information on the average cost of bloodwork, along with information on price variation, and what step you may take to minimize those costs if you are doing it yourself.
The Importance of Blood Work
Blood work, one of the earliest and most frequently employed medical diagnostics, often helps in evaluating the patient’s blood in multiple dimensions. It may
- Help in the diagnosis of more complex disorders such as diabetes, infections, and kidney disorders at an early stage.
- Assist in evaluating the overall heart health and cholesterol level.
- Assist in functioning of vital organs like thyroid and liver.
- Assist in determining the effectiveness of specific medications.
- Yield an overall psychosomatic balance with regard to an individual’s health.
Even when they may feel repetitive, blood tests can be vital to one’s health and wellbeing. Money should never be the reason for skipping a scheduled blood work as the consequences can be detrimental.
The Approximate Amount of Money to be Paid for Blood Work in the Absence of Insurance
The absence of blood work tests can range anywhere from $1500, with the average estimation. The particular range on the level of tests conducted as well as the company conducting them.
Below is a simplified estimation of the concepts mentioned above.
- The more basic tests like the Metabolic Panel Or a Complete Blood Count, otherwise termed as CBC, range from $150 per test, in the absence of insurance.
- Blood Work tests of a more complex nature, and include Allergy Blood Tests, and Hormone and Gene Panels, range from a hundred dollars to a few hundred dollars, depending on the clinic.
- Any test that is highly specialized and is contingent on the medical practitioners prescription is valued at $1000 or above.
If you need blood work done and do not have insurance, you will have to pay, on average, between $500.
Why Prices Vary for Blood Work
Many people find it confusing about how blood work have differences of such magnitude in pricing. Some of the major factors include the following:
- Geography – Blood work costs will range differently depending on the type of practice the practitioner works in, be it a city-based hospital or a small rural clinic or diagnostic laboratory.
- Practice type – Hospitals will almost always have the highest costs, while independent, standalone laboratories will have a much lower fee.
- What is the service being provided – Each test, no matter how basic or sophisticated it is, will have a different fee. A basic test will not cost nearly as much as a panel test which has multiple different ratios over which the body is being screened.
- Physician Charges – If a consulting physician visit is a prerequisite to the Blood test, this adds to the final amount of money.
- Mode of Payment – If you are paying for the test via cash, you might be entitled to a cash payment discount which is considerably cheaper than the amount billed to insurance companies.
Typical Blood Tests and Cash Pay Prices
Below is a list of cash prices associated with some common blood tests assuming a patient does not have insurance coverage.
- Complete blood count (CBC): $50
- Basic metabolic panel (BMP): $80
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): $100
- Lipid panel (cholesterol test): $75
- Thyroid panel: $150
- Hemoglobin A1C (diabetes check): $60
- Vitamin D test: $150
- HIV or other STD tests: $200
When multiple tests are done the costs certainly do scale.
Blood Work Savings Strategies for the Uninsured
The good news is you do not have to incur the higher prices. There are various options for cheaper blood work for the uninsured.
Go to stand-alone facilities
Stand-alone facilities like Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp are typically less expensive than a hospital. They may even advertise their prices which can save you a trip to their location.
Inquire about cash discounts
If a patient is willing to pay the total balance before receiving their services they may qualify for a discount as well. Always check to see if cash payments are incentivized.
Price Comparison
Prices checks can be done with other facilities even if they are in the same town. To best prepare for your appointment, try calling other clinics in the area for their pricing for your tests.
Search for Public Health Centers
Health clinics in the public sector will for low cost lab services for various clientele, particularly those without health coverage. Many health care facilities will offer services and charge a certain fee based on the patients income.
Order Lab Work Online
Some services allow patients to order lab tests on their own, without seeing a physician. Payment is done in advance through a secure method and then taken to an affiliated laboratory for the sample collection and results. This is usually done electronically. This method is usually less expensive than payment done through hospital services.
Inquire with your physician for other options
In some cases, it is possible to order the most relevant tests and pay for the services that are truly necessary. This is usually always the case, and for more clarification it is best to elaborate on your case and what is needed.
Expenses Associated with Hospitals
Most people are surprised by just how much more a hospital will charge, as opposed to a standard lab. The additional charges for using the hospitals amenities and other facilities is usually what leads to the increased pricing.
For example:
- A CBC test may cost $30 in some out patient clinics.
- 150 or more in a hospital.
When there is no insurance, an independent laboratory is most often the cheapest.
What Happens If You Skip Blood Work
Some deliberate on the cost of blood work although…it is better. The implications of missing the tests may in fact be worse. Being sick in absence of reasonable care may strain our finances in the future.
For example:
- If elevated blood sugar remains untreated, it can ultimately lead to full-fledged diabetes.
- If unchecked, elevated cholesterol levels can lead to coronary artery disease.
- Vitamin or hormone deficiencies can lead to chronic fatigue and other serious health issues.
Blood work is an investment, which calibrates financial and health variables in the long term.
Tips for Reducing Expenses
Tips for Cost Control
If you lack insurance, you may still be able to afford blood tests by following these suggestions:
- Ask about the cost for services beforehand
- Get the tests that you need and no more
- Check online services for more basic tests
- Take advantage of discount coupons or the use of health savings accounts
- Attend community health fairs, or check for screening services that are offered at no cost
Conclusion
If you need blood work, the lack of insurance will add to your expenses, but if you do your homework, you don’t have to empty your wallet. Every facility has their own prices, but the average for basic tests ranges from $20, whereas more advanced panels go up to hundreds. Independent labs, on the other hand, offer cash discounts and when price comparing, you will be able to save the most money.
What you should focus on is not the blood tests. Even when you don’t have insurance, options are still affordable if you try to find them.
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If you’re also curious about costs in other areas of healthcare, you may want to read more about how much is urgent care visit without insurance to compare expenses.
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For those researching outside of healthcare, understanding how much is builders risk insurance can also help when planning and budgeting for major projects.
FAQs About Blood Work Without Insurance
How can I get blood work done without insurance and it becoming too costly?
Blood work can be done more cheaply through independent laboratories, online services, community health centers, and through cash discounts.
How can I get blood work done without stepping into a hospital?
Independent laboratories, community health centers, and some clinics charge less than hospitals. Partnered labs can be reached through certain online services.
Is it possible to order blood tests without seeing a physician?
Yes. some online blood test companies allow you to order certain blood tests without a physician’s referral. In these cases, you are required to make a payment beforehand, visit the designated laboratory, and the results will be sent to you by email.
Why is blood work more costly than in other healthcare systems?
Hospitals charge extra for the use of the facility, which, along with the administrative costs, increases their overall price relative to independent labs or clinics.
Is it reliable to work with online labs to get blood tests done?
Yes, if the online laboratory in question is of decent quality, then they will have partnered with certified laboratories and will be providing services with accurate results. To be on the safe side, it is wise to make sure the service is CLIA certified and works with qualified and licensed professionals.
