Quest Diagnostics sending bill that insurance says they are not allowed to charge

I had some blood work done (collagen cross-link test) that my insurance later denied to cover stating it is "unproven for the diagnosis code billed". The explanation-of-benefits further states "A network health care professional may not bill you unless you gave written permission before you received the service or supply.". I was not informed by my doctor (who ordered the test) or the lab that the test was not covered by insurance and I did not give written permission. The lab (Quest Diagnostics) sent me a bill for the test, and when I called them, they claim that I am responsible for paying this bill out-of-pocket and that my doctor should have informed me that the test would not be covered by insurance.

I contacted my insurance (United Healthcare), which sent a letter to Quest (and CC'd me) stating that as an in-network provider they are not allowed to charge me for this test. However, Quest is continuing to send me bills and threatening to send to collection. What are my options? Should I ignore the bills? What happens if they send it to collection?

submitted by /u/Virtual-Waltz-293
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