How can I find out if I am being overcharged for my Allergy panels?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kcferret
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kcferret

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So I have chronic sinusitis and am now on my third round of antibiotics. My PCP sent me in to Quest to have the standard CBC and Food & Respiratory IGE panels run. I have insurance through my work (PPO with the State of NV as I am a state employee) and recently received my bill. I am being charged $850 for the allergy panels...I have been back and forth with my insurance and the lab facility about this as I then called several independent lab companies here in Vegas to see what these panels would cost for an uninsured person to have done. Not only are the ones for the uninsured only $200-300 but they run a MUCH wider range of allergens. (mine was 12 and 23...theirs is 45 and 90!!!!). I know that labs charge more to insurance companies but this is RIDICULOUS. My deductible was only partially met so I am left to foot over $570 for this. I can afford it with no problem but my issue is the principle. Does this sound unreasonable? I currently have a case started with my Consumer Health Advocates office due to this obviously being price gouging. Anyone know if there is someplace I can check to see what the price of a lab test should average? I have the CPT codes...

Ok rarabling...sorry
 
I think the more pressing questions are: why did you go to your PCP instead of an allergist, why did he recommend the blood test for environmental allergies when the scratch test is superior, and is he getting kickback for doing that?
 
I went to my PCP because I just knew I felt lousy and probably had a sinus infection and needed to get antibiotics. My insurance is VERY picky and while they say I don't NEED a referral to go to a specialist, last time I went even WITH a referral I ended up almost in a court battle to get the bill settled (won that one). He ordered the bloodwork and allergy panel to see if my sinus issues were allergen related. All tests came back negative. I pretty much knew they would. I had a scratch test years ago but you never know when you body chem is going to change...
 
Well, the blood allergy test is more expensive so maybe he's just churning the insurance company and getting a kickback....and the fact that PCPs don't do scratch tests....and that allergies are not always the cause of sinus infections. You need a new doctor.
 
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