I have to go to Quest Diagnostics for routine blood sample collection. This morning, there was a surprise waiting for me. After confirming my personal information, they asked for a credit card to charge $40 up front for their service. After insurance settles with Quest, they'll credit the difference to my credit card. This was not optional...everyone had to do it. I asked one of the technicians about the new "service" and suggested that they're trying to make sure they get paid and she sort of laughed and nodded.

I went last week to Quest for blood work....Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO (Florida)....I didn't have to do that....

That's interesting, Scrood. Some insurance plans make providers sign agreements that they won't ask for money upfront besides any copay, coinsurance percentage, or deductible amount if the provider checked that ahead of time.

Do you know if your insurance has any such agreements with Quest? If they do, Quest was naughty by charging you $40 upfront.

If Quest is "in-network", they can't do that. Period.

It looks more like a "quick pay" scheme where they forced me to give them my CC information and I authorized them to charge me $40. They promised not to charge me until later...we'll see. They just want to be sure to get paid for their services.

The lady said it was new...how new? who knows.

If in network, call your insurance company and report them.

I'll see if I can scan in the form explaining the "program" and post it.

Scrood, is Quest an in-network lab provider for your health insurance plan?