Frequently Asked Questions

Results

  • How long does it take to get results back?

    Please refer to the MLabs handbook for the estimated time to run a given test.

  • What if I don’t understand my results?

    Your physician can explain the results of your test. You can also refer to https://labtestsonline.org for answers to common questions about your test.

  • Can you send my test results to more than one physician?

    Michigan Medicine participates in a state-wide Health Information Exchange (HIE) that allows other doctors and hospitals outside of U-M to access information that we’ve collected about patients.

Billing
  • What payment options are available for Michigan Medicine patients?
     
    • Pay Online
      To pay your bill online, or to sign up for a patient portal account, go to MyUofMHealth Patient Portal. Once you have signed in, select the Billing & Insurance tab.
       
    • Pay via the MyChart App
      You can also make payments to your account using the Michigan Medicine MyChart mobile app.
       
    • Pay by Mail
      University of Michigan Health System
      Patient Customer Services
      Dept: CH14410
      Palatine, Illinois 60055-4410
  • What are the prices for MLabs tests?

MLabs test prices vary by the specific test and the patient’s insurance coverage. There is not one standard out-of-pocket price.

Uninsured patients: Patient Financial Counselors can review expected costs and possible assistance through Michigan Medicine’s MSupport Financial Assistance Program.

Insured patients: Your cost depends on the test, the amount your insurance approves and pays, and your deductible, copay, or coinsurance. A counselor can provide an estimate.

Contact a Patient Financial Counselor
Phone: 877-326-9155
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern Time
Email: PFC-Counselors@med.umich.edu

  • Does MLabs have a Patient Assistance Program?

Yes. MLabs directs uninsured patients or patients receiving medically necessary services not covered by insurance, to Michigan Medicine’s MSupport Financial Assistance Program.

To discuss eligibility and available options, contact a Patient Financial Counselor:

Phone: 877-326-9155
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET
Email: PFC-Counselors@med.umich.edu

A counselor can review your circumstances and explain what assistance may be available.

  • Does MLabs accept my insurance?

    MLabs accepts many insurance plans, but coverage depends on your individual policy.

    Before testing: Review MLabs’ insurance list.

    Contact your insurer to confirm:

    • Whether the specific laboratory test is covered
    • Your copay, deductible, or coinsurance
    • Whether a referral or prior authorization is required
    • Whether Michigan Medicine Laboratories is an approved testing facility

    Important: MLabs claims are billed as outpatient hospital services, not as independent laboratory services. Your insurer may process these claims differently, which can affect your out-of-pocket cost.

Test/Ordering

  • I heard MLabs offers a unique test called MPS (MyProstateScore) for prostate cancer. How can I find out more about it?

    MLabs offers MyProstateScore (MPS), a prostate-cancer test performed in partnership with LYNX. Ask your physician or contact MLabs for current information about eligibility, ordering, specimen requirements, and interpretation. 

  • Does MLabs offer personalized gene reports like 23andMe?

    No. MLabs does not offer direct-to-consumer personalized genetic reports like 23andMe. MLabs provides clinical laboratory testing that must be ordered by a physician or another authorized healthcare provider. If genetic testing may be appropriate for you, speak with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor about available tests, their limitations, and what the results could mean for your health.

  • I am researching tests. What is the best way to find out which test or tests are best for me? 

    Lab Tests Online also provides information about health conditions and the laboratory tests commonly associated with them.

  • I’m a patient. How can I order a test?

    No. A physician or other authorized healthcare provider must order the test on the patient’s behalf.

  • Is MLabs a Joint Venture Hospital Laboratories (JVHL) participating lab?

    Yes, MLabs is a JVHL network laboratory.

Blood Drawing

  • Why do you need to copy my insurance card and driver’s license?

    We use documentation such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID to verify your identity and help ensure that your electronic medical record and laboratory results are accurate. This also helps us send your results to the correct ordering provider. Your insurance card is used to confirm current billing information.

  • Why do you need my insurance information every time I have my blood drawn?

    Insurance coverage can change. Confirming your information at each visit helps us bill the correct insurance plan and reduces the risk that you will be billed unnecessarily. 

Contact the location before visiting to confirm current availability and requirements.

  • Will you draw my blood for a kit to be sent to another laboratory?

    Yes. Michigan Medicine Laboratories (MLabs) blood-draw sites can collect specimens for kits that MLabs clients or Michigan Medicine physicians request be sent to another laboratory.

    Some locations offer only minimal specimen processing, such as:

    • Centrifuging, or “spinning,” the specimen
    • Transferring serum or plasma to an aliquot tube

    Freezing and other complex handling are not available. After collection and any available processing, the specimens will be returned to you. You are responsible for shipping them to the testing laboratory. MLabs does not ship the kit or obtain the results.

    Kit draws are available during normal business hours, up to one hour before closing, at:

    • Brighton Health Center
    • East Ann Arbor Health Center
    • Briarwood Health Center, Buildings 3 
    • Briarwood Health Center, Building 10
    • Canton Health Center
    • Northville Health Center
    • West Ann Arbor Health Center

Main Medical Campus locations offer phlebotomy-only kit draws during normal business hours. They do not provide specimen processing. Check the MLabs blood-draw locations and hours before visiting.

  • What are the blood draw station hours?

    Hours vary by location. Most blood-draw stations are open Monday through Saturday. Check the MLabs Blood Draw locations page for current hours before your visit.

  • Do I need an appointment to get a blood draw?

    No. MLabs blood draws are generally available on a walk-in basis. Check the requirements for your preferred location before visiting.

  • Can you send my laboratory testing to Quest Diagnostics?

    No. MLabs is not a Quest Diagnostics collection site. To find a current Quest collection location, call Quest Diagnostics at 866-697-8378.

  • Can you send my laboratory testing to LabOne/Lab Card participating lab?

    LabOne and Lab Card are Quest Diagnostics programs.

    MLabs can collect your specimen and perform the testing at the University of Michigan, but your standard laboratory-testing benefits will apply. LabOne benefits will not apply, and you may be responsible for coinsurance, a copayment, or a deductible.

    If you want your testing sent to LabOne, the specimen must be collected at a LabOne location. Call Quest Diagnostics at 866-697-8378 for current locations.

    Provider collection and handling fees may also apply, depending on your health plan. Contact your insurance plan to confirm coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.