Doctors Office sent blood work to incorrect lab

I have just received a bill from LabCorp after my wife had blood work taken in her OBGYNs office. The EOB states that it is out of network and therefore 80/20.

I was present at the visit and blood draw. They can send blood to either Quest or Labcorp. I specifically confirmed with two separate people in the office and with the phlebotomist that the lab work would be sent to Quest, which is in network and always no out of pocket cost to me. I know this and frequently have to argue this point with doctors offices and even with quest lab employees who do not believe me when I insist that Quest is in network for me.

I have a “special” flavor of BCBS (out of state union plan) that is different from the most common BCBS offered in my area. Quest is in network for me, labcorp is in network for the local plan.

I am nearly certain that the doctors office “did me a favor” and decided to send it to labcorp instead of quest. Either way, they made a mistake and ignored my request- am I stuck paying this bill? I feel like I did everything possible to make sure the blood samples would go to quest.

Is this case covered under the no surprises act? My research indicates it may not be as it wasnt an emergency facility in addition to other grayness around labs.

Any advice is appreciated. I will be calling the doctors office and insurance company on Monday morning and would like to be armed with some knowledge when discussing how to proceed.

See also  Child coming AND wife taking leave from work - what is the 'trigger' for us to move insurances?

Edit: This occurred in Las Vegas. We would not qualify for any low income considerations.

submitted by /u/pabloprivate
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