I'm currently being monitored for 3 different meds by 3 different doctors (6-MP, Coumadin and Hydrea). I was having some done at my hematologist's office and the rest at my PCP's office. I wouldn't be charged for the CBC at either office. However, when having my INR tested for the proper Coumadin dose, my PCP's office was charging for an office visit (which resulted in a copay for me) when I wouldn't even see the doctor, just have my blood drawn. They told me it was because the doctor had to check the results, determine what Coumadin dose I should be on, and then someone would call me with that dose. Hello!!! The doctor has to look at the results of EVERY lab test! There are times when I have to have this done every week depending on the results. They never charged me a copay for CBCs, though. My hematologist's office never charges me for any lab work unless I actually see the doctor.
The next time I saw my PCP, I talked to him about it and he agreed that it didn't make sense for me since I needed it so often and they agreed that I would only be charged once per month, no matter how many times I needed my INR checked. He said it didn't make sense for me to be charged each time since I needed it so often. However, I've since decided to get all my labs done at the hematologist's office, which my PCP agreed to. Things just got too confusing trying to remember what to have tested, and where and how often. It's making things so much easier (and cheaper for me, too!). They just fax all results to both my GI and my PCP.
Ulcerative Pancolitis (dx'd 6/2002)
Pentasa (4gm/day)
6-MP (100mg/day)
Prednisone (currently 10mg/day & tapering by 2.5 every 7-10 days)
various meds for other conditions