Adventures in Laboratory Land

Today was the day to have my prenatal blood work done. TIP: If you do not have insurance – do not go to LabCorp.

Took my little sheet with to the window and informed them I did not have insurance at this time. She said I would have to pay up front. I asked her to tell me how much each test was. She came back to me in about 10 minutes and said $600.00! OMG! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

I was expecting about $200 NOT $600! So we went back to the OB/Gyn and told them to only order the tests they ABSOLUTLY needed. So they took off three tests and gave me the name of another lab that they say is a little more reasonable…. So off we go to this other lab.

I had the lab work done and am now $253 lighter in the pockets but it is a whole heck of a lot better than what the other lab wanted. Even with those three tests off LabCorp was a huge amount higher.

I have a very weak stomach when it comes to my own blood. She took out like 6 tubes of blood. UGH. I felt sick and I did not watch her take the blood but every time she changed the tube out I cringed.

Then the pee in the cup – they need bigger cups – how in the heck do they expect you to be neat – you cannot get out of there without peeing on yourself. Well I really did not have that problem – the one time I DID NOT Have to go pee. Go figure.

Well that is all for this moment. I will write more if anything pops into my head.

LovingMyLilPrince

October 10, 2003

When I was pregnant I tested positive for the CF gene. So we were going to have my husband tested also (he doesn’t have insurance either) and I can remember the prices being absolutely outrageous. We ended up not having him tested because it wasn’t going to make a difference. Are you going to be able to get insurance?

ryn: That’s great! Lol I was thinking about how expensive my birth was..whew! It’s CRAZY! I think it ended up being well over $10,000. (I had a c-section) Thank goodness I didn’t have to pay for it.

AngelBunny

I still haven’t learnt how to pee in a cup without hitting myself. Ewwwwwwwwwwwww xxxx

Wait till you have to do the diabetes test. With Meghan I was fine, but with Connor, I puked two times. LOL

RYN: 🙂 THANKS!

ryn: yup, it’s comfy!

Isn’t there a county Health Department there that offers pre-natal care? Look into the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program in your State.

You tell me what Dakota Parks means and I will tell you what a Sweaterhag is. Also it made me cringe how much you had to fork over for the blood work. But I did laugh about the pee thingy.I always carry those little towel things because its gross right.

Thank god for coverage here in Canada. Ohip Ont hospital insurance plan.. It covers pretty much everything.. It is absolutely crazy you have to pay to give your own blood You said you hated the site of blood i just started giving needles to a lady at work who is diabetic.. Now that hurts giving a needle instead of getting one. Had the flu shot last week at work. Boss injected us all. i crinched

melondrop

October 11, 2003

Good grief! We have medical insurance so everything is free. I couldn’t afford to have a baby if I had to pay for tests etc! Yikes! ryn. sweaterhag is a diarist on od. (my mother actually)

Galaga

October 12, 2003

Sheesh – that is a LOT of dough for tests. I’m with whoever suggested getting state or county assistance with prenatal care. It’s not something you want to skimp on, dahling.

October 13, 2003

RYN: But St Pete is so pretty and we don’t get hit by hurricanes and stuff as much and, oh to be honest I don’t want to move again, ever. xxxx

kymaera

October 14, 2003

If they’d told me $600 for the lab tests I would’ve fainted even before the needle got near my arm. That’s insane! You know it takes them 5 seconds to put a little swab of your blood into some solution and determine the results. *shakes head*

You know… I don’t think I’ve ever peed on myself taking a urine sample. Maybe I’ve just had more practice? I’ll be more observant of my method next time and I’ll let you know the secret. 😉