Is blood work covered by insurance blue cross blue shield

Which laboratory tests may be done in my doctor's office?

Some basic tests, such as a rapid strep test or complete blood count (CBC), may be performed in your doctor's office. For a complete list of these tests, click here.

What is an independent laboratory?

A laboratory that is not operated, controlled or funded by a doctor's office or hospital.

When would my doctor use an independent laboratory?

For a more complicated test or a test not listed here, your doctor would either collect a specimen, such as blood or urine, in his or her office and send it to the lab to run tests; or you may be referred to the lab for your specimen to be collected. The lab will send your test results back to your doctor.

What is the Select Lab Network?

Some plans include a special benefit for laboratory and pathology services called the Select Lab Network. If your plan includes this benefit, your doctor must use a Select Lab Network provider for certain lab services in order for your plan to cover services at the highest level.

How do I find a lab in the Select Lab Network?

There are a limited number of labs available in the Select Lab Network. To locate a lab in this network, you can call the Customer Service number located on the back of your ID card, or click here and follow the steps below:

1. Enter your zip code or state.
2. Choose "Other Facility or Supplier" from the list of provider types.
3. Choose "Select Lab" from the "Networks and Plans" drop-down box.
4. Click "Next".
5. The page will display a list of labs in the Select Lab Network. Please note: You may need to adjust the "maximum miles for search" and click "Update Search" if the initial search does not provide any results.

Understanding your preventive care benefits

Even if you're feeling fine, scheduling an appointment with your doctor for preventive care services is important. Through a preventive exam and routine health screenings, your doctor can determine your current health status and detect early warning signs of more serious, costly problems.

What's covered in a preventive care visit

During your visit, your doctor will determine what tests or health screenings are right for you based on factors such as your age, gender, health status, and health and family history. Plus, your medical plan covers 100% of the costs for preventive health services when care is provided through network providers.

What's not considered a preventive care visit

If you discuss new medical concerns or a current illness, the entire visit may be considered a medical treatment visit and would not be covered as preventive care. You will be required to pay the plan's physician office copayment or coinsurance.

Covered or not

Scroll down to see some common services that may or may not be covered during a preventive care visit.

Understanding non-preventive costs

After your annual preventive exam, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Blue Shield of California to notify you that your claim has been processed.

This document provides you with information about how your claim was paid, including your payment responsibility or reimbursement, if any.

It's important to note that your provider has the right to code and bill services according to his or her viewpoint.

To help change the future, take advantage of preventive care.

Find out what preventive care services are appropriate for you and build a list to share with your doctor.

Take charge today

Where do I file a claim for medical care received outside the United States?

If you are eligible for the Federal Employee Program (your member ID starts with the letter R immediately followed by numbers), your overseas claim form and instructions can be found here.

If you are eligible for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, enter the first three letters or numbers of your member ID here to access your international claim form and instructions.

Otherwise, contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for assistance.

Whom do I contact when I have billing questions, get claim forms or talk to if a claim has been rejected?

How often is your BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder updated?

Each one of our Blue Cross and Blue Shield independent licensees (our member companies) collect and provide information for our PPO finder via different timetables and methods. While we make every effort to keep the Provider Finder "up-to-date," it is always best to confirm any provider information you select from this utility with your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield representatives.

What is a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

A physician or other medical professional who serves as a group member's first contact with a company's health care system. Also known as a primary care provider, personal care physician or personal care provider.

What is an HMO?

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization, a health care system that assumes or shares both the financial risks and the delivery risks associated with providing comprehensive medical services to a voluntarily enrolled population in a particular geographic area, usually in return for a fixed, prepaid fee.

For more insurance terms and definitions, please see our Glossary.

What is a PPO?

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is an arrangement designed to supply health care services at a discounted cost by providing incentives for members to use designated health providers (who contract with the PPO at a discount), but which also provides coverage for services rendered by health care providers who are not part of the PPO network.

I was denied coverage, a claim, or received erroneous charged on my EOB, whom do I contact?

To access specific information about your coverage and claims related to your individual or group health insurance, please contact the customer service number on the back of your member card. Otherwise, you can find your local BCBS company online. BCBS.com does not maintain member information.

I am a member but I do not see where I can log in on this website. Where do I find access to my member benefits, coverage, etc?

Bcbs.com is the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association website. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association does not have access to member information. We regulate the brand and licenses to all 36 Blue Cross and Blue Shield local companies.

To access specific information about your coverage, EOBs, prescriptions, paying a bill, or any other questions related to your individual or group health insurance, please contact the customer service number on the back of your member card. You can also find your local BCBS company on BCBS.com. 

How can I find out information about coverage that is supplemental to Medicare?

There are lots of Medicare choices, including Medicare+Choice, medical savings accounts and private fee-for-service plans. For plans available to you, use our Medicare guide. You can also view a listing of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies who participate in Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug choices. Contact your local BlueCross and Blue Shield representative for details regarding claims or coverage. Not sure which Blue company you belong to? You can find out by typing your home or work ZIP code in our Plan Finder.

How can I get information on purchasing health insurance?

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.

Does Florida Blue pay for blood work?

What lab does BCBS of Texas use?

What's considered preventive care?

Can I use Blue Shield of California out of state?