Tests for multiple viruses may come out of pocket

A lab in North Alabama that processes coronavirus tests warns patients to be cautious when it comes to billing

New information.

The families first coronavirus response act calls for free coronavirus testing for anyone whose doctor determines it is medically necessary.

Medicare beneficiaries can can also receive free testing.

However -- a lab in north alabama that processes coronavirus tests - warns patients to be cautious when it comes to billing.

The lab says depending on the type of test - you may still have to pay.

Waay31's megan reyna talked with hudson alpha's director of billing.

She learned that if you went through your doctor or a hospital... and had a panel test done -- which tests for coronavirus plus other viruses... that's when things get tricky.

Richmond-munyon says:"if the provider is ordering something besides that single target, that patient will possibly have that responsibility dependent upon their plan."

Heather richmond- munyon is the director of billing for diatherix labratory.

It's processing tests for hospitals across the united states right now.

Richmond-munyon says:"our services are in the clinics, or in the hospital system where we are getting a sample swab back from the client, and or hospital in our doors, we receive those samples within 24 hours, and then within a 24 hour period, we're able to get that sample processed and also get those results back over."

But munyon says many people don't realize that if a physician wants to test for multiple viruses or diseases -- that may not be covered by insurance.

And the bill is coming from the lab -- not the hospital.

Munyon says:"the biggest thing is, what is truly being ordered and what is truly being covered, so we're going to be in the end zone here when we have patients that maybe have miscommunicatio n or misinterpretatio n on what's coming down the pipeline from the government right now."

To be safe... munyon says if even you are healthy -- double check with your provider on what exactly is covered.

Richmond-munyon says:"of course, we always want to say, if its our loved one that's not feeling well, is the dollar really going to matter, but for some individuals, it very well could right now, the impact of not being able to work."

Munyon adds - under regulatory guidance they are required to physically bill patients if its necessary.

Huntsville hospital is one of many hospitals across the country that is using that labratory to do their