Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I receive a bill from a pathology medical practice?
When a physician performs a surgical procedure, several healthcare providers may participate in the care you recieve. For example, in a surgical setting, an anesthesiologist, radiologist and pathologist may all assist the surgeon in providing service to you. These independent providers then bill you or your insurance company directly for the services rendered. If you or your insurance company received a bill from SaraPath Diagnostics®, it is because we provided anatomic and/or clinical pathology lab services at the request of your physician. We submit test results and pathology interpretations directly to your physician, and these results aid your physician in determining the most appropriate medical care for your condition.How can I find out if SaraPath Diagnostics is a participating provider with my insurance?
You can view an online list of insurance carriers that participate with SaraPath by clicking here. It is the patient's responsibility to verify benefits before services are performed. Any questions regarding coverage should be directed to your insurance carrier.I received an Explanation of Benefits (“EOB”) from my insurance company. What is it, and what should I do with it?
When SaraPath Diagnostics® sends a claim to your insurance company for the pathology services provided, your insurance company sends an EOB to you. An EOB explains how the medical benefits (i.e. insurance coverage) were determined by your insurance company. The medical benefits are determined based upon the benefits defined in your insurance policy. An EOB is not a bill requesting payment.What should I do now that I have received a bill from SaraPath Diagnostics®?
Your payment is now due; therefore please submit your payment directly to SaraPath.For payment options, please click here.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call our billing office at (941) 362-8900 or toll free at (877) 362-9144.
Is my payment information secure?
Yes. SaraPath Diagnostics® uses industry standard SSL encryption, which is the same encryption and validation technology used by banks and brokerages to safeguard your financial information. To verify this system is delivered over a secure SSL connection, look for the SSL padlock in your browser. For more information, see our privacy policies.If I have insurance, why would I have a balance due?
A few reasons you may have received a bill include, but are not limited to, the following:- Co-insurance, co-payment, and deductible: According to the terms of your policy with your insurer, your insurer has determined that you are responsible for a deductible, co-payment, or co- insurance. You should be able to confirm that you owe these amounts by reviewing your insurance policy or the Explanation of Benefits provided to you by your insurer.
- Incorrect insurance information: As a courtesy to our patients SaraPath Diagnostics® will bill your insurance directly for our services based upon information provided with the specimen. Occasionally, typographical errors or omissions are made during this process. If your SaraPath Diagnostics® bill does not indicate that the charges were processed by your insurance company, please contact our billing office by phone (941-362-8900), fax (941-362-8933), or mail (SaraPath Diagnostics, 2001 Webber St., Sarasota, FL 34239) to provide us with this information. We will be happy to file a claim on your behalf.
- No response from insurance company: You may receive a bill from SaraPath Diagnostics® if your insurer does not respond within 60 days to a claim submitted by SaraPath Diagnostics®.
- Non-covered service: You may receive a bill from SaraPath Diagnostics® if your insurer determined that the service provided was not a covered service under your policy.
I have a secondary, or supplemental insurance policy. How does that affect me?
SaraPath Diagnostics® will file secondary, or supplemental insurance claims on your behalf if we are aware of such policies. If you have Medicare as your primary coverage, Medicare will often forward your claim to your secondary insurance. Please be sure to provide information on all of your health insurance policies to your physician's front office. If you receive a bill from SaraPath Diagnostics® and you believe that a secondary claim has not been filed, please contact our billing department. We will be happy to file a claim on your behalf.Why did it take so long for me to receive the first bill?
It may take up to 60 days for insurance companies to respond to SaraPath Diagnostics® claims for services provided. In some cases, your insurance company may request additional iinformation in order to process the claim or SaraPath Diagnostics® may dispute a non-covered charge on your behalf. Typically, SaraPath Diagnostics® will not bill you until a final determination from your insurance company is received. However, in some rare circumstances it may take several months for the insurance company to make a final determination on your claim.Can SaraPath Diagnostics tell me how much I can expect to pay for my tests?
The price you pay for tests performed by SaraPath Diagnostics is dependent on the following:- Whether or not special studies or testing may be needed on your specimen, as determined by a pathologist at the time that your specimen(s) are examined.
- Your insurance plan coverage for pathology technical and professional services
- Whether or not you have insurance coverage;
- Your healthcare provider's agreement with SaraPath Diagnostics;
