I too have found that one can find MUCH lower costs for tests when paying out of pocket. In fact, your doctor may have a financial relationship with the lab s/he recommends. I found it so with my doctor's practice - it was right across the parking lot, and the HIGHEST cost for these tests in a 20-mile area!!!
Regarding Nojpy3's comment (which I also second), EVERYONE should check the following website and print a copy of the tests, and take these with you to your doctor's visit EVERY time you go!
choosingwisely.org/doctor-patient-lists/
From their website: The Choosing Wisely lists were created by national medical specialty societies and represent specific, evidence-based recommendations clinicians and patients should discuss. Each list provides information on when tests and procedures may be appropriate, as well as the methodology used in its creation.
In collaboration with the partner organizations, Consumer Reports has created resources for consumers and providers to engage in these important conversations about the overuse of medical tests and procedures that provide little benefit and in some cases harm.
Choosing Wisely recommendations should not be used to establish coverage decisions or exclusions. Rather, they are meant to spur conversation about what is appropriate and necessary treatment. As each patient situation is unique, providers and patients should use the recommendations as guidelines to determine an appropriate treatment plan together.
***** You will find that MANY doctors prescribe tests (knowlingly or unknowlingly) that are NOT appropriate or necessary, but that make someone $$$$$ while costing you $$$ and raising the costs of healthcare for all.
Another option to save money on lab tests and diagnostic imagining is the following. Ask your doctor before having the test done what the treatment would be if something abnormal is found. If you have determined that you won't do the treatment don't do the test or the exam. For example: If you have already determined that you will not take any cholesterol lowering medications don't have the lab test done. If you have already determined that you will not have the biopsy and other treatments indicated for a positive mammogram don't have a mammogram done. Today there is so much information available to the general public that we are able to make educated decisions on our own healthcare. Many tests are routinely prescribed and not ordered on an emergency basis so we have time to do our research and to educate ourselves. It is not a crime to refuse a lab test or diagnostic exam and one shouldn't feel or be made to feel guilty for making an educated decision to do so.
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Affordable Options for Lab Tests and Medical Imaging
Regarding Nojpy3's comment (which I also second), EVERYONE should check the following website and print a copy of the tests, and take these with you to your doctor's visit EVERY time you go!
choosingwisely.org/doctor-patient-lists/
From their website:
The Choosing Wisely lists were created by national medical specialty societies and represent specific, evidence-based recommendations clinicians and patients should discuss. Each list provides information on when tests and procedures may be appropriate, as well as the methodology used in its creation.
In collaboration with the partner organizations, Consumer Reports has created resources for consumers and providers to engage in these important conversations about the overuse of medical tests and procedures that provide little benefit and in some cases harm.
Choosing Wisely recommendations should not be used to establish coverage decisions or exclusions. Rather, they are meant to spur conversation about what is appropriate and necessary treatment. As each patient situation is unique, providers and patients should use the recommendations as guidelines to determine an appropriate treatment plan together.
*****
You will find that MANY doctors prescribe tests (knowlingly or unknowlingly) that are NOT appropriate or necessary, but that make someone $$$$$ while costing you $$$ and raising the costs of healthcare for all.
Today there is so much information available to the general public that we are able to make educated decisions on our own healthcare. Many tests are routinely prescribed and not ordered on an emergency basis so we have time to do our research and to educate ourselves. It is not a crime to refuse a lab test or diagnostic exam and one shouldn't feel or be made to feel guilty for making an educated decision to do so.