LabCorp

I was sent to the Boerne TX Labcorp July 6, 2010 after a doctor visit to obtain sampling supplies for a stool test. Upon arrival there was one other person at the reception window. The attendant finished collecting her information and admitted her into the testing area. I stood up but the attendant was quick to inform me he wouldn't be able to assist me until he had finished with the young lady. This must have taken about 20 minutes, during which another client joined me in the waiting area.

When I got my turn at the reception window the attendant entered my information into the computer, apologizing several times that the computer was unusually slow to respond. I was then admitted to the back area where the attendant gave me the collection kit and instructed me in its use.

I returned the next morning with the samples, expecting to be able to quickly drop them off and be on my way. Instead, I found there were three clients in front of me and I would have to wait my turn. All of the customers ahead of me had multiple issues requiring the attendant (the same man from the first day) to make lengthy phone calls to obtain or confirm information. This, together with the time required to take blood samples, meant that I waited well over an hour before being allowed to turn in my samples.

Although the attendant had taken all of my information the previous day, he said I was "not in the system" and he had to collect and enter all of the data a second time. I was surprised when I was asked for a credit card, since my insurance was expected to cover the test. I was informed that it was a LabCorp requirement (there was a notice taped to the reception desk window) and anything the insurance didn't cover would be charged to my card. While I found this policy offensive there didn't seem to be any alternative.

Having only one person to handle logging information, confirming insurance and doctor's orders and taking blood samples results in a very inefficient and frustrating experience. I'm concerned that a mistake in sample identification could easily be made in such an environment. To his credit, the attendant was polite and professional in this difficult position.

I went to have my blood drawn on Thursday 10 June 2010. This was for a complete blood/lipid panel ordered by my family physician. The girl at the LabCorp office was very polite, service was expedient, the office was new so it was very clean. She drew my blood, gave me a bandaid and I was on my way. By the time I got home, there was a hugh knot in my arm. After one day, I had a large bruise that continued to spread for days afterward. The attached photos were taken two/three days after the appointment. Do I really OWE this company for such a terrible experience? It is summertime and I don't want to wear short sleeves, so I have to bandage it with an ace wrap just to cover it up. Thank you for your time.

Monthly I pay this bill and monthly they add a late charge of over 10 dollars. When I pay on the phone I ask is this the total and no more charges correct. They say correct and I get yet another bill for over $10 without explanation. Before I can pay it I have a new bill for $36.86! I cannot catch up. I waited over 30 minutes for someone to answer but no luck. I don't have time for this. It is costing me work time and the charges are false! They just hope to wear you down and get a small payment to get rid of them. Do you know of a class action suit I can join? This is a scam!

Went to Labcorp for medical tests Sarasota. There were several elderly patients arguing with confrontational Labcorp employees that they had provided urine samples, staff insisted they had not. Elderly man stated that he witnessed his sample being stolen.

My blood was drawn and was handed a cup and plastic lid like a coffee cup. Name written on it, no number. Bathroom was filthy there were numerous puddles, spots of urine onfloor, counters, sinks. Many rings of urine left by previous cups on the counter. Apparent that urine was from numerous persons. No alcohol wipe or instructed to wipe my hands.

This is regarding my experience with lack of professionalism, customer service and the possibility for a contaminated sample.

Upon walking in, there was no one in the waiting room in front of me. I signed in, then shortly after in popped about 6 people back to back within a few minutes also signing in. I waited for approximately 10 minutes while all other customers were being taken care of at the window. Then after everyone was settled for a few minutes, I hear the woman in the window calling out loudly to the nurse who would be taking care of the tests. He comes out and picks up the paperwork and calling only about 4 names, me being one of them. He instructs me to come on, then "sit down". So I sat back down in my chair, then he said, no "come". Confused I followed not knowing where to go down the hall. Upon seeing several rooms, he arrogantly pointed to the room to sit in. (I was supposed to know I guess). I am there for a urine test for a new job while sitting in a blood collection chair mind you. I hear him take care of two blood tests before me, and hear him say something about returning from lunch, and "I can't eat like you Americans, I have to take my time and look out the window." He was apparently in the back doing this "leisurely" lunch that no Americans know how to do, when I signed in and we all waited. He then called me by sir around the corner, didn't realize he was calling me. Then again arrogantly popping around the corner and handing me a cup (I should have known "sir" was me I suppose). He gave poor instructions, upon going in the restroom I noticed urine dripping all over the seat, and some uncleaned on the toilet tank. Sorry to be so frank about this detail but this could be a hazard for cross contamination. Upon finishing and being scared to touch anything that may contaminate the sample. I arrive in the hall and he is taking care of a blood sample a few rooms down. He yells out, be right there. Then goes back to talking to that patient while apparently drawing blood. I am standing there for several minutes holding the sample, meanwhile another person walks by, and then you can see people in the waiting room...needless to say very uncomfortable! The patient he was with walks out, I still standing there, and he says, "come on". I walk in hand him the sample and let him know (and also so other folks could hear), that it was very sloppy and unprofessional. He said "it's not sloppy". I said you really could give better direction. He changed the subject by complimenting me on my handwritting for being so young! What an arrogant idiot, so unprofessional. This guy does not need a job of this caliber it's too much bother for him. The restrooms need to be CLEAN, not like that of a truckstop.

In July 2009, my daughter had a test that Labcorp processed. I received a bill stating that her insurance had denied the claim. Actually, LabCorp billed the wrong insurance. I received a request to provide updated information on or about August 15, 2009. I faxed the information to them, secure in the knowledge that her claim would be processed.

I received another notice regarding the unpaid balance which I ignored because it had only been about a week since I gave them the updated information. About a month later, I received a notice stating that the bill still hadn't been paid and that I was being turned over to a third party collections agency.

I called Labcorp and the representative stated that the claim had been turned in to the insurance and that it was being processed. I disregarded the notice.

In December, I got a call from Lapcorp's collections department. I called the number back prepared to pay whatever the insurance hadn't covered. The representative at that time told that they did not have correct insurance information, but if I could give her the updated information, she would file it and told me to disregard the notice.

Since then, I have continuied to get calls from the collections department and each time, I have given the above story and they tell me to disregard the call.

Yesterday, I got another statement from Lapcorp stating the bill had not been paid and that I needed to provide additional insurance info.

I called Blue Cross and Blue Shield to see what the hold up was. Lo and behold, they paid the claim on July 30, 2009 and all I owed was the patient co-pay. I called Labcorp and of course, a supervisor wasn't available. Their story is that the insurance company is denying the claim and that I owe the full amount. I told them the date the insurance paid, how much they paid and what they showed as the patient responsibility. The agent then told me that I would need to send them a copy of the covered services notice from the insurance carrier in order to have my account credited. I will do this, only because I do want to pay my portion of the bill and because I am really tired of stating my case to people who don't care.

If you have a choice, please choose another lab to process your tests! That is what I plan to do and I had it noted on my account with Labcorp that I would no longer use their services and that I would spread the word to anyone who would listen that their services are not worth the hassle to get a bill paid.

October 23, 2009

I recently visited your lab in Pgh, PA 15221, invoice [protected],
and was billed in the amount of 366.00. I have Gateway insurance
plan, and, i'm a student, and, just recently October 3, 2009, just
turned 21. I don't have 366.00. Please take care of this invoice
thru my insurance carrier.

Courtney Diulus

I left a voicemail and never received a return call. I went to the office and the lady at the desk was rude and impatient. I was inquiring about special directions my doctor attached to my test and she told me that was Labcorp's business. I remained polite and left. I'm guessing the standard's aren't very high to work there if you can't even get subpart customer service. On top of that she seemed very quick to be defensive which usually means your not on the up and up.