Frequency and Costs of Out-of-Network Bills for Outpatient Laboratory Services Among Privately Insured Patients.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Patients may be unaware of which laboratory is processing their clinical tests, limiting their ability to choose an in-network laboratory. Out-of-network laboratory services could increase patients' out-of-pocket costs and their reluctance to obtain necessary tests.

Objective

To evaluate the frequency and cost of out-of-network bills for outpatient laboratory services compared with other services.

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective cohort study of claims data from the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims database evaluated claims from 3 946 210 individuals (30.5% of the total) in the MarketScan database who were continually enrolled in health maintenance organization plans, preferred provider organization plans, exclusive provider organizat

SUBMITTER: Sen AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8077039 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature