Understanding the choices for labs at Vytal Health and beyond.

At Vytal Health we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge about their healthcare choices. One of the most common steps in achieving better health is through bloodwork. Whether you’re a first-time patient or a longtime visitor, understanding the lab order process can help alleviate any uncertainties or apprehensions you may have. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how it all works from start to finish, along with the options available to you in terms of paying for bloodwork and the pros and cons of using insurance versus paying out of pocket.

The Bloodwork Process: From Order to Results

• Doctor’s Order: The journey begins when your healthcare provider determines that bloodwork is necessary to assess your health. If you have an appointment at Vytal Health, during your virtual consultation, the doctor will discuss which tests are relevant to your situation and then electronically transmit the order to the lab of your choice—either LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics. If those aren’t close by to you, let your care coordinator know, and we can talk through additional options. 

• Making an Appointment: Once your order is placed, you’ll have the flexibility to select a lab location that works best for you. You can easily schedule an appointment online at your preferred location, making the process hassle-free.

• The Blood Draw: On the day of your appointment, simply arrive at the lab with a form of identification and any necessary documentation provided by our clinic. If you are using insurance, be sure to bring your insurance card along, too! A trained phlebotomist will perform the blood draw, which is typically quick and straightforward. Most patients experience only minor discomfort during the procedure, which lasts just a few minutes.

• Processing and Results: After your blood has been drawn, it is sent to the lab for analysis. Depending on the complexity of the tests ordered, results can take anywhere from a few days to a week to become available. You will receive your results digitally in your Vytal Health portal, providing convenience and ease of access.

Payment Options: Insurance vs. Out of Pocket

When it comes to paying for bloodwork , you have two primary options: using insurance or paying out of pocket.

Using Insurance: 

• Pros:
• Lower upfront costs if your insurance plan covers blood tests.
• Potential for coverage of additional tests that might be ordered.
• Most insurance plans will allow you to go to Quest or LabCorp.
• Cons:
• Increased costs due to high deductibles or out-of-network charges.
• Possible delays in obtaining approval or pre-authorization before testing.
• Some plans have limited coverage for specific tests, which might result in additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Paying Out of Pocket: 

• Pros:
• Greater transparency in pricing, with the potential to save hundreds (If not thousands!) of dollars. 
• No waiting for insurance approval—you can get your bloodwork done as soon as you schedule an appointment.
• Increased control over your healthcare choices, without constraints imposed by insurance networks.
• With our process, there is the option for a payment plan so you can break up the cost of the labs over time
• Cons:
• You will be responsible for the total cost, which may be a consideration if you’re budgeting for medical expenses.

Why Paying out-of-pocket May Save You Money

Despite the initial perception that using insurance is always the best financial choice, paying out of pocket can often be more economical. Insurance companies often negotiate rates with labs that may inflate the costs for those with insurance. The transparency of out-of-pocket payments allows patients to take advantage of competitive rates offered directly by Vytal Health and our partners.

A Vytal Health patient was recently quoted over $2000 for their relatively routine bloodwork through their insurance. We were able to get the exact same labs for them for around $300! They could submit a claim to their insurance for the labs and get some of that $300 reimbursed, too. For more information on how to claim reimbursement through your insurance, please chat with your Vytal Health Care Coordinator 

By choosing to pay out of pocket for your bloodwork, you can bypass the administrative hurdles associated with insurance billing and enjoy a straightforward pricing structure.

Final Thoughts

At our virtual functional medicine clinic, we want to make your healthcare experience as smooth and transparent as possible. Paying for bloodwork shouldn’t feel intimidating! Understanding the bloodwork process and your payment options empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. By considering the benefits of paying out of pocket for bloodwork, you can take charge of your health journey without unnecessary complications. We hope this information gives you a better idea of the overall costs of working with a Functional Medicine doctor. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with scheduling your bloodwork, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you every step of the way!