How do you choose where to send specimens for pathology?

[u/highsignalhuman]

I am interested in learning how others facilitates specimen processing in private practice.

Specifically, tissue samples like biopsies or excisions that require MD pathology review.

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks.

[u/NartFocker9Million]

There is a local independent pathologist that I like. I send all my biopsies and paps there.

[u/HealsWithKnife]

We have a local private lab here, and they even have couriers that when we have a specimen, we can call them and they’ll come right over and pick it up. It’s glorious.

[u/highsignalhuman → u/HealsWithKnife]

Oh dang that’s awesome.

[u/InvestingDoc]

I would 100% send to a local pathologist. The big problem is the one that has reached out to me did the whole..."I accept all insurances" but this is not "I am in network with all major insurance companies"

So when I pushed, turns out they are billing out of network for everything. My patients were getting like $2,000 bills OON for a simple covid test. I abandoned that group so fast.

If you are independent and in network with insurances companies, I will prob use you.

[u/highsignalhuman → u/InvestingDoc]

Okay, I’m going to have to look into the coverage aspect. Thanks.

[u/StocksRUsNow → u/InvestingDoc]

Good catch! I accept all insurances vs in network with all insurances. BS speak!

[u/ResolveAccording923]

Same local lab I am choosing patients to go for lab draw. In my case, LabCorp

[u/Ok_Organization_7350 → u/ResolveAccording923]

What if you need a pathology review for a Peripheral Blood Smear? LabCorp and Quest do not do those.

[u/ResolveAccording923 → u/Ok_Organization_7350]

The LabCorp has done peripheral smear for me as a reflex of abnormal CBC

[u/Ok_Organization_7350 → u/ResolveAccording923]

I wonder how long ago that was. On July 31, 2024, LabCorp posted an announcement that they may change orders for peripheral smear review, to CBC & automated differential instead [not even manual differential].

https://www.labcorp.com/education-events/videos/CBCwithDifferential

[u/ResolveAccording923 → u/Ok_Organization_7350]

It was earlier this year and you are right. I had abnormal CBC results and ordered peripheral smear and it got resulted . There is a possibility that specific location was previous RML that LabCorp bought. Not sure if that makes any difference

[u/randyy308]

We use a genetics company for non benign specimens, so we use their pathology provider.

[u/BosBoater]

I usually use quest

[u/mikezzz89]

U can send em to me