Question:
Does your insurance pay on your required blood tests?

I just found out my insurance won't pay for the blood tests my Dr requires every few months. The insurance co says the blood tests are routine. It sure seems to me that the very real danger of nutritional deficiency after a distal rny would make the blood tests NOT routine! I'm wondering, does your insurance have the same policy? Also, for comparison's sake, can you tell me about how much your blood test are running? I really appreciate any and all information I can get. Thanks!    — Kathy W. (posted on October 10, 2000)

October 10, 2000
Yes, my insurance does pay for my quarterly blood tests. I have BC/BS, and they are not the same insurance company I had when I had my RnY done. At the bottom of the lab orders, my surgeon puts diagnosis code 579.9 (malabsorption), so it is not a simple routine lab test on a well person. You definitely want to see that your insurance pays for this since it can be very expensive. My tests have been $700-$800 each time. I go to my local hospital lab for the tests, and since this hospital is a participating provider for my insurance plan, they pay 100% of the lab tests.
   — Lynn K.

October 10, 2000
I would agree with the other post. Have your doctor change your diagnosis on the lab referral. I have BC of California and they do pay for my labs. I go to Lab One and they only charge about $100.
   — Jilda H.

October 11, 2000
I just wanted to add that the price of your blood tests will depend on which tests your doctor orders. Every doctor is different, and it may also depend on any health problems you have. My surgeon orders a complete blood count, triglycerides, cholesterol, Protein & Albumin, Glucose, Nine different indicators of liver function, Three electrolyte tests, minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, Plus vitamins including folate and b-12.
   — Lynn K.