cost of newborn screen blood tests

[Serenyd]

We took our homebirthed baby to the hospital nursery for a hearing test and to get her newborn screening blood tests done (heel prick) for hereditary diseases. They are charging us $810 dollars ($100 is hearing screen). Last time it was only a $40 charge (I refused to have the tests done until they told me how much it would cost, and I prepaid w/ a credit card, & they didn't charge for the hearing test). I didn't think it was supposed to cost that much because it's state mandated ... am I wrong? I feel like we got seriously ripped off. If we can't get insurance to pick this up once she gets her soc sec # and birth certificate, I'm going to be seriously upset.

[~Kristina~]

Buying the newborn screening from the state (MIchigan) is/was 88.18. But a hospital is also going to charge for the test, the nurse, the mailroom person who has a write the address on it, and the supplies used to do it.

The hearing test, I just had done in our peds office and was only charged a copay.

[Sk8ermaiden]

Don't know about the hearing, because that was done at the hospital, but my midwife charged our insurance $30 for the newborn screen.

[Casha'sMommy]

It has been my understanding that any state that requires the Universal Newborn Hearing Screen will not charge the family for the screen. There are, however, certain avenues one must travel to have this service covered by their state. You might contact your state Early Intervention program to determine proper protocol.
GL

[cileag]

Here in MN, the test is mandated (although you can always refuse it) but the card itself is $110 so if we want it done with a home birth, the midwife or the family have to pay the fee. In Wisconsin, the state gives the cards to midwives for free so it's not an issue. Over 800 seems excessive though!

[Peony]

I can't remember what the blood test cost me last spring for DS, we had it done in a pedi office. I do know that the hearing test cost $250.00, I wasn't expecting that.

[leavemealone]

I don't think our state charges for it. I assumed it was wrapped up in the charge for the hospital births I had with my first two children. I had it done after my home birth about a year ago and never heard anything about a charge for it from the midwife. I also seem to remember someone mentioning that the Vital Stats dept just gave them a card when they filed the birth certificate. I'd check with your local Health Dept or Vital Stats dept to see if they know. Our insurance covered the hearing test and I would assume it would cover the newborn screen as well, but obviously check with your policy.

ETA: I just checked with the state and the charge is about $55 for the card. I never received a charge from the midwife, but that is the only test she is able to do.

[JennTheMomma]

My MW charges $120 for the test because that's how much it costs for her to get the kit.

[marie1080]

yikes! I paid 80 something... I ordered the card from the state and the MW sent it in....

[Serenyd]

Originally Posted by marie1080

yikes! I paid 80 something... I ordered the card from the state and the MW sent it in....

If I ever do this again, I think I will look into this! I'm still hoping insurance will pick it up but I'm waiting for her BC and soc security card so we can add her. We only have 30 days to dispute the charges (according to the bill) and that runs out this week.

The reason we went to the hospital at all, is that the peds office doesn't have a machine small enough to test newborn hearing. This machine tests hearing by reading the newborn's brain waves in response to sound. It's pretty cool, but I know she can hear just fine anyway because she startles easily.

[erin_brycesmom]

My MWs charged me $100 for the newborn screen. Could have gotten in it for free on base but wanted to keep LO home. We did end up doing the hearing test for free on base later on.

[Peppamint]

In Indiana it costs $85, which homebirth clients pay directly to the newborn screening lab. The receipt from the paperwork entitles them to a free hearing screen at a hospital within 1 year of the birth if the parents wish.

$810 sounds like you are getting jipped for using a hospital facility as a cash-pay patient.