Frequently Asked Questions

Routine Questions About UH Laboratory Services

What happens when my physician orders laboratory testing?

UH Labs makes it easy for you when your doctor orders a lab test. You may visit any one of our UH laboratory outreach locations. No appointment is necessary. Our staff will ask for the laboratory orders you received from your healthcare professional, doctor or nurse. We will collect the specimen needed for your diagnostic testing and forward those to UH Labs for analysis. Your doctor will receive test results, sometimes within one day, sometimes longer, depending on the testing. Ask your physician how soon he or she would expect results and how you will receive news about your lab test results.

How should I prepare for a lab test?

Some testing requires special preparation before your specimen is collected. This special preparation will improve the accuracy of results. Your physician may direct you to fast (not eating all or some foods prior to specimen collection) for a certain time. You may be directed to drink more or less water or avoid certain medications or vitamins. Your physician should provide you with written instructions.

Do I need an appointment for lab tests?

Appointments are not required for lab services, but most lab locations allow you to schedule an appointment ahead of time for your convenience.

How can I find out how much my labs will cost?

Our price estimator tool can help you determine your out-of-pocket cost, including deductible, co-pay and co-insurance, for lab services based on your insurance plan or if you are uninsured.

Do I need to have an appointment?

No appointment is necessary. Patients may visit any one of our UH Laboratory Service Centers.

What should I bring with me when I visit a UH Labs Service Center?

Be sure to bring your:

• Laboratory requisition or test request form from your physician
• Current insurance ID card
• Government photo ID

Why do I need to provide my photo ID and billing information every time I have lab work done at UH Labs?

UH Labs staff will need to verify your identity at each visit. We also verify insurance information every time in case there have been any changes with you or in our system.

What should I do if I have to collect my own specimen at home?

If your physician has directed you to collect a specimen at home for testing in the lab, you will receive a laboratory requisition, collection kit and instructions from the office staff. You may be directed to go to a UH Labs Service Center to pick up your collection kit and instructions. Be sure to bring your laboratory requisition with you and be prepared to take a few minutes with our staff while they explain the collection process.

After you have collected a specimen at home you may deliver it to a UH Labs Service Center. Be prepared to provide properly labeled specimen, requisition and insurance information. Our staff will review all information before you leave to assure proper collection and forward specimen to UH Labs for testing.

How will I receive my laboratory results?

In most cases, your physician or the physician’s office staff will contact you with results of your testing.

How soon can I expect to receive my laboratory results?

Your doctor will receive test results: sometimes within one day, sometimes longer, depending on the testing. Ask your physician how soon he or she would expect results and how you will receive news about your lab test results.

What is the UH Labs billing process?

UH Labs will use the information you and your physician have provided to begin the billing process.

• You or your physician’s office will provide complete patient identification, name, date of birth, address and insurance information.
• Your physician will order tests and provide the reason they have ordered this testing. Your physician decides on this diagnosis based on your input and his or her clinical findings. Multiple diagnosis codes may be submitted by your physician.
• Once testing has been completed, UH Laboratory Service Foundation will forward all information to your insurance company for review and payment. Your insurance company will then send payment to UH Laboratory Service Foundation and an Explanation of Benefits to UH Laboratory Service Foundation and you, the patient.
• If you have no medical insurance coverage, UH Laboratory Service Foundation will send an invoice directly to you. Please check your invoice for information regarding payment and coverage options for the uninsured.
• UH Laboratory Service Foundation will only send two invoices after we have received the Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company. Payment is expected promptly upon receipt of your invoice.
• Please respond as quickly as possible if you have any questions or concerns. See phone and contact information printed on your invoice.

What is the telephone number for the UH Laboratory Service Foundation Billing Department?

You can call our Billing Phone Number at 1-800-931-6642 with any questions.

How long does it take for my insurance company to respond to UH Labs?

Some insurance companies will take four to eight weeks to respond to a UH Laboratory Service Foundation claim. If you have not received an Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company in that time, please contact your insurance company for details.

Why didn’t my insurance company pay for my lab testing?

You should receive an Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company with details about payment or denials. You may have a Deductible or Copay that is your financial responsibility. Your insurance company may not feel that the testing is medically necessary and tells UH Labs that testing is your financial responsibility. Please contact your insurance company directly if you have any questions regarding your Explanation of Benefits.

What if I do not have Medical Insurance but am interested in coverage?

The UH Insurance Access Line is a resource to help uninsured patients become insured patients. Uninsured patients can call the UH Insurance Access Line at 216-983-1500. Trained counselors can explain coverage options and assess possible Medicaid eligibility, or refer you to enrollment resources for the health insurance exchange. The UH Insurance Access Line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Why am I getting an invoice from UH Laboratory Service Foundation and UHMG (the pathologist medical group) for the lab work on the same day?

The UH Laboratory Service Foundation invoice is sent by UH Labs for all the Technical Lab Work done by technologists. Most lab testing is billed through UH Laboratory Service Foundation.

The UHMG invoice is sent by our Pathology Group of physicians. Pathologists are MDs that are specially trained in interpreting lab results and specialized testing and looking at cells under a microscope.

You may have had lab work that required both a technologist and a pathologist to review results, such as a PAP test. Please review all invoices closely to determine if they have been sent by UH Laboratory Service Foundation or UHMG. Contact the appropriate department with questions.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes, financial assistance is available at UH Lab Services Foundation. You can submit the HCAP Application or call, 1-800-931-6642.