Cost for Mandated Drug Testing

[JGOrlando]

Florida. The law requires urine testing for pain management patients. Insurance Companies reject the claims to pay and self pay patients are seeing bills as high as $500 for each test! The physician insists that since it is mandated by regulators it shouldn't cost anything....try telling that to Quest Diagnostics! Is there a provision in the law that manages the costs for these mandatory tests? Where can I get a copy to "share" with the labs who are gouging patients.

[Emily_MHManager]

Hi everyone -

While it's fantastic that QuestDiagnostics responded, they only responded to JGOrlando, and this isn't the appropriate forum for Quest to address all of the issues with UDT.

Thanks for understanding, and we are closing this thread since it appears JGOrlando will get his issues addressed by Quest Patient Advocacy.

Emily

[philnoir]

Wow.

Look who's reading our forum.

We've had questions on UDT before -- are you going to have someone from Quest answer them?

And by the way, why not get someone from Ameritox to do so, too.

You guys sure can afford it.

It will be permitted if you keep it informational, and don't try to sell us something.

You'd be doing your industry a world of good. And the thousands of people in pain who visit this site each year would benefit from understanding this thing called UDT.

Universal Precautions in pain management have become a necessary evil. If we're fortunate enough to get to use opioid pain medications, we pee in a cup several times a year.

Most people do not understand why, and have a financial burden that is unmanageable.

I have a friend who says that people in pain are exhausted physically, emotionally, and financially.

You can help.

Please kick this up the chain of command -- we'd like to see you here again.

[Tuckamore]

Hello JG,

Welcome to our Pain Management Community. I'm glad your found us

Looks like Quest has responded to your question and addressed your concern. I've never seen that before on MedHelp and find it strange -  however I'm delighted it happened and it reminds me that these boards are open to all public - including companies.

I too live in FL and had issues with Quest when I first arrived here, almost six years ago. I am able to use other vendors but apparently you have no choice. I hope this will be resolved.

I am sick of this requirement. It's money in everyone's pocket and we poor chronic pain patients are left holding the bill. Many of us are disabled and on Medicare. We live off meager earned Social Security. Many make choices between meds, food and bills. When they throw in the prices of drug screens, that we always pass, some how this seems very unfair.

Please keep us posted. I look forward to additional comments and updates.

Peace,
~Tuck

[QuestDiagnostics]

JGOrlando, We’re sorry for the confusion. As each situation is unique, please contact our Patient Advocacy Department directly at 484-676-7886 so we can help. Sincerely, The Quest Diagnostics Team