RE: QUEST in MODESTO ( I BELIEVE THIS APPLIES TO ALL LOCATIONS BECAUSE IT IS A CORPORATE ORGANIZATION).....
Buyers beware: In today's system of affordable care, doctors in larger systems will become fewer and harder to see as the prices go up. Pharmacies and Labs will become more competitive. And, the consumer that does their homework before buying services of any type will be better off or just the opposite--- taken advantage of.
This is what happened to me:
I am an American Expatriate on a trip to the States. And, I pay all medical out of pocket. While in the USA, I consulted a doctor who wrote me a lab request filled on Quest Diagnostic form. Being compliant I went to the McHenry St. Quest Office.
I did not question whether I could go to any supplier as I normally would overseas.
My first impression of Quest Diagnostic was that it was I extremely busy with a diverse population of people from all ethnic and economic groups, a front desk overwhelmed with 15 people in line, a new computer system with hic ups frustrating the office staff, and also a attendant with a sharp attitude.
When it was my turn, I asked the woman registering if I could pay in cash and could have a discount since the company would not have to wait for Medicaid or other insurers to pay the bill. The test I was supposed to have run priced at $137. With cash discount I paid $97. Still a quite heavy price for a simple blood test. Ironic thing is, I work for a lab, pharmacy, and rescue business in Asia. That same test is $7.50 (and we have built in our mark up +20%). Understandably, the cost to do business is less but this mark up on a commonly run test ridiculous high. That stated, I needed it done. So I paid.
What I did not notice when I walked into Quest was that a competitor called Pathology Inc from Torrance CA has an office directly across the driveway. As I walked out I saw the sign. So my curiosity got the better of me. I went and asked for a price quotation for all lab tests done in their operation. And, I went online and made a few calls to determine if this outfit is respected. It is. And, its prices at fairer market rate. The same test I had done cost $29 with Diagnostic Inc----$68 cheaper.
What I now have come to understand is that Quest bills at the highest rate. The diverse populations who are Quest patients, like me, have no idea of the differential in billing between suppliers. They just go where they are told. If they are on Medicaid (like many in the office when I was there), they pay zero. But for those with private insurance who must co-pay 20, 30, 40 percent of the bill, the charges they will incur at Quest are significantly higher than the charges from competitive labs like Pathology, Inc.
Moral of the story--- be savvy not naïve as I was.... Before you get lab work, make a few calls, get a quotation! And, save yourself the annoyance and some money.
PS---- Lab techs were professional. Service provided was fine. read more
