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University Health Service (UHS)

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests done as part of your visit to UHS are billed by one of three places - UHS, Strong Memorial Hospital (SMH), or the SMH Cytopathology Laboratory. The mandatory health fee does not cover the cost of these tests. They may be covered by your health insurance, depending on your insurance coverage. If your bill is not completely covered by your insurance, you are responsible for the remaining balance. It is a good idea to make a copy of your bills for laboratory tests to keep with your records.

If you have diagnostic laboratory tests or other procedures (e.g., wart removal, biopsies, Pap smear, surgical procedures) performed during your visit, you will be charged separately for these procedures. It is a good idea to verify your coverage with your insurance company before receiving services. If you are enrolled in the BlueCross Blue Shield insurance for students, we can assist you with questions about coverage. If you are enrolled in another plan, you should contact your insurance company for specifics about coverage.

Notification of Results

If your test results are abnormal, you will be notified. Depending on the test, it could take up to two weeks for UHS to receive the results. We do not routinely notify patients of normal test results. If you wish to be notified, please fill out a notification card in the UHS Lab. If you would like to discuss the results, call 275-2662 to schedule an appointment with your PCP.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

If Billed by the University Health Service

(Fingerstick glucose, leukocyte dipstick, urine pregnancy test, rapid mono test, and rapid strep test, stool guaiac, wet smear, chlamydia and GC cultures, and HIV tests)

Confidential billing is available for routine and non-routine tests billed by UHS. With confidential billing, you pay the bill at UHS rather than having the bill submitted to your insurance company. Please speak with your primary care provider (PCP) or the receptionist if you would like to arrange for confidential billing.

For students covered by BlueCross Blue Shield (BC/BS) through UHS:
• If the laboratory test is for diagnostic purposes, the bill will be submitted directly to BC/BS if you have your insurance card with you. You must pay the bill at the time of your visit for routine laboratory tests. (This health insurance plan does not cover routine laboratory tests.)

For students on their own or their parent's insurance:
• You must pay the bill at the time of your visit. You can submit a copy of your bill to your insurance company for reimbursement; coverage will depend on your plan's benefits.

If Billed by Strong Memorial Hospital (SMH)

(Throat cultures, urinalysis/culture, and blood tests)

For students covered by BlueCross Blue Shield (BC/BS) through UHS:
• Write your insurance information on the back of the bill that you receive from SMH (Strong Memorial Hospital). Mail the bill to SMH; keep a copy for your records. Your insurance company will be billed. You are responsible for any portion of the bill not covered by your insurance.

For patients on any other insurance:
• If you receive a bill, put your insurance information on the bill and return it to the SMH Patient Accounts Office. Keep a copy of the bill. Call the number on the bill if you have questions.

If Billed by the SMH Cytopathology Lab

(Pap smears. Note: All New York State insurance companies cover the cost of Pap smears. Insurance from other states might not.)

If you are covered by a New York State insurance plan:
• Write your contract number on the back of the bill and return it to the Cytopathology Lab.

If you are covered by an out-of-state insurance plan:
• Call the number of the bill to ask if they will accept your insurance. If they do, write your insurance information on the back of the bill and return it to the Cytopathology Lab. The address is on the bill.
• If they do not accept your insurance, send your payment with the bill to the Cytopathology Lab. Keep a copy of the bill for your records. You can submit the copy of the bill to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

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