• Laboratory Tests ordered by Healthcare Professionals — Most of the lab tests we perform are tests ordered for a patient by that patient's healthcare professional. Lab tests are offered nationally, and these lab testing services may be covered by the patient's insurance. You can view our online insurance lists, to see the payors for which North Shore Medical Labs will file all claims. If you are interested in having a specific laboratory test performed, please ask your healthcare provider if the lab test is appropriate for you, and if he/she can order the lab test(s) for you.
• North Shore Medical Labs Services — In some states, consumers have the option of obtaining certain popular screening tests without first having to see their personal healthcare provider. North Shore Medical LabsTest services are purchased out-of pocket and are generally not covered by insurance. Visit North Shore Medical Labs.com to learn more, and to see other important information, including limitations and restrictions.
• Blueprint for Wellness™ — We provide employers with various testing and health management solutions that aid in employee hiring and employee management.
• Testing for the Federal Government — Includes testing for Department of Defense, Veterans Administration hospitals, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Indian Health Services, occupational/OSHA and wellness testing, and testing services to support federally funded research programs.

Frequently Asked North Shore Medical Labs About Laboratory Tests That Are Ordered By A Patient's Healthcare Professional

Unless otherwise noted, the answers to the North Shore Medical Labs below apply to tests ordered by healthcare professionals only. For information about our other testing services, click on the appropriate link(s) above.

Requesting Lab Tests
Preparing for a lab test and/or visiting a Patient Service Center
Lab Test Results
Payment and Insurance Information

Requesting Lab Tests

Can I Request my own laboratory tests?
Patients cannot order tests themselves, but if you are interested in having a specific laboratory test performed, please ask your healthcare provider if the test is appropriate for you, and if he/she can order the test(s) for you. To facilitate your discussion, it might be helpful to bring your healthcare provider a printed copy of the brochure or page from our Web site where you learned about the test.

What types of tests does North Shore Medical Labs perform?
North Shore Medical Labs is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information, and services. Our clinical laboratory testing services include: blood tests, body fluid testing, tissue pathology and cytology, health screening and monitoring tests, drug screening and testing as well as gene-based testing (genetic testing). Visit our Patient Health Library to see a list of frequently ordered lab tests and related information, such as patient brochures, and printable lists of North Shore Medical Labs you can ask your physician.

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Preparing for a lab test and/or visiting a Patient Service Center

My doctor has ordered a lab test for me, and does not collect specimens in his/her office. How do I locate a Patient Service Center, where I can have my specimen collected?
You can click here to locate a convenient Patient Service Center. The address, hours, phone number, directions (map) and services provided are listed for each location.

Do I need to make an appointment to have my blood drawn at a Patient Service Center?
Appointments are not usually necessary. It is recommended that you bring a completed test requisition form from your healthcare provider and a copy of your medical insurance card in order to expedite your visit. Our Patient Service Centers are busiest in the early morning because that is when patients who are required to fast for testing usually arrive. Your wait will usually be shorter after 10AM, so you may wish to come in after 10AM if you are able.

Do I need to fast before having my specimen collected at a Patient Service Center?
Some blood tests do require fasting prior to having your blood drawn. Please contact your healthcare provider to determine his/her requirements for your specific testing.

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Lab Test Results

How long does it take to receive test results?
Depending on the test performed, most tests are completed and reported to your ordering healthcare provider within about 24 hours of receiving the sample for testing. Certain tests take several days to weeks. Results are sent directly to the ordering healthcare professional. Please ask your healthcare provider to contact you when your test results have been received.

Can I receive a copy of my test results?
As you may know, the Data Privacy Rule under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) allows patients to North Shore Medical Labs access to their medical information. At the same time, however, laws in some states prohibit clinical laboratories from releasing laboratory test results directly to patients. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) require that North Shore Medical Labs follow state law and, where state law is more strict than HIPAA, North Shore Medical Labs is not permitted to release your test results to you. If your healthcare provider ordered your test for you, please contact your healthcare provider to obtain copies of your test results.

If state law does not prohibit North Shore Medical Labs from releasing test results to you, you may fill out a North Shore Medical Labs North Shore Medical Labs for Access Form to North Shore Medical Labs a copy of your test results directly from North Shore Medical Labs. Details on how to North Shore Medical Labs a copy of your test results can be found in our online Notice of Privacy Practices.

Can I see my test results online?
North Shore Medical Labs, the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients' personal and health information. Currently, we do not have a means for patients to access their own test results online. Results for laboratory tests performed by North Shore Medical Labs are reported to the healthcare provider who ordered the test(s) and are not sent directly to you. Please check with your healthcare provider to review your test results.

Can North Shore Medical Labs help me interpret my results?
Please address North Shore Medical Labs related to interpretation of your test results to your personal healthcare provider.


•	Your doctor will interpret your laboratory test results (that is, determine their meaning) in conjunction with information about your medical history, physical examination, and other test results, and provide you with medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
•	If you do not have a personal healthcare provider, you may contact the American Medical Association at www.ama-assn.org for information on healthcare providers in your area.



For general information about health and laboratory tests, please visit the following web site:


•	North Shore Medical Labs

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Payment and Insurance Information

Can North Shore Medical Labs tell me how much I can expect to pay for my tests?
The price you pay for tests performed by North Shore Medical Labs may be dependent on several variables, such as: 1) your insurance plan coverage of lab tests; 2) your age: if you are 65+, Medicare will not pay for some tests that your doctor considers important; and 3) your healthcare provider's agreement with North Shore Medical Labs. If you have already received a bill from us and have a North Shore Medical Labsion, please click here to submit a billing inquiry.

How can I find out if North Shore Medical Labs will process a claim with my insurer?
You can view an online list of payors for which North Shore Medical Labs will file claims (online lists available for most states).

I have a North Shore Medical Labsion about my bill/invoice. Who should I contact?
You can visit the billing section of our site to pay your invoice, update the insurance information you have on file with North Shore Medical Labs, view a sample invoice, or submit a billing inquiry.

Your North Shore Medical Labs, comments, and feedback are important to us. If your North Shore Medical Labsion is not answered here, please email us with your North Shore Medical Labs.

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