A 2023 Review of LabCorp OnDemand

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LabCorp is an international, global life sciences company, headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina. LabCorp provides at-home test kits as well as in-person testing at their laboratory facilities, which are located in 36 locations in 19 states throughout the United States.

The services provided at each lab vary but typically include:

• routine and specialized blood and urine testing
• routine and specialized pediatric test collection
• employment drug and toxicology screening of samples including hair, saliva, and urine
• H. pylori breath testing
• COVID-19 antibody and antigen testing
• diabetes screening tests

Read on to learn about LabCorp, and what you can expect about their testing facilities, costs, and protocols.

As of this writing, LabCorp manages 36 labs in the United States. While not independently owned, each lab is operated and managed by its own staff. For that reason, customer service, as well as the tests available, differ between locations. This affects the “pros” and “cons” of the overall LabCorp experience.

LabCorp is a sprawling corporation with over 70,000 employees. Some employees give it high marks, while others complain on online platforms about being overworked, getting rushed through training, and working long shifts. This may have a bearing on the large level of complaints about LabCorp’s poor customer service at some facilities.

Both consumers and medical professionals who order tests for their patients often complain about rudeness on the phone and at the front desk. Long waits for test results, and billing errors, are cited frequently. These complaints often center on specific locations, and someLabCorp facilities seem to be more efficiently run than others.

It’s important to note that the accuracy of LabCorp test results, for both at-home and in-person testing, is never cited in complaints. The test results provided by LabCorp appear to be accurate and trustworthy.

LabCorp has a solid track record of responding to customer complaints, which are copious, on the Better Business Bureau website. Here they have a low C rating and 1.04 out of 5 stars.

In February 2023, LabCorp was ordered to pay the United States $19 million to settle allegations under the False Claims Act. This settlement resolved a lawsuit filed by whistleblowers, acting on behalf of the United States, in reference to false billing claims made by LabCorp to Medicare.

Customer service

As we have mentioned, LabCorp has an uneven track record for customer service. Ther’s a large body of complaints about LabCorp on multiple sites, including the Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot. Many of these center on unprofessional behavior and rudeness of LabCorp personnel, both in person and on the phone. Billing issues and errors are cited often.

Many healthcare professionals use and recommend LabCorp to their patients. Your doctor may automatically send your samples to the lab that accepts your insurance.

They may also suggest that you make an appointment for testing at a specific facility. Check the reputation of the facilities near you, to determine where you’ll have the best experience. Make an appointment, even if walk-ins are accepted.

At the facility, you’ll be required to show your prescription for the test. LabCorp personnel at the front desk will give you an estimated bill before you give a sample. Make sure you understand what you’ll be expected to pay out of pocket. If necessary, call your insurer for clarification, prior to proceeding. Your test results should come back within a week, although this varies. Ask how long you can expect to wait for your particular test results.

A new law requires that test results be provided to patients promptly. You no longer have to wait for your doctor to give you your laboratory test results. However, many test results are confusing and can be misinterpreted. Make sure to discuss them with your healthcare professional. If your doctor isn’t available, ask to speak with a pathologist at LabCorp, to go over what your results mean.

At-home testing: Returning samples and getting results

If you’re using an at-home test, you’ll be given instructions about prepping for the test, and how to provide a sample.

Once you receive your test, you’ll register it online. Samples are mailed back in a prepaid envelope.

Your results will be available online within several days. Screening and diagnostic test results as well as next steps should always be discussed with your healthcare professional. You will receive results that require prompt attention via phone.

The cost of doctor-prescribed tests at LabCorp varies, based on your insurance plan, copay, and deductible. To determine what your out-of-pocket cost will be, contact your insurer.

In-person LabCorp OnDemand tests

LabCorp OnDemand tests are purchased online without a prescription. These tests are paid for out of pocket, and aren’t covered by health insurance. Most are HSA/FSA eligible.

When you purchase a LabCorp OnDemand test, you can choose the lab you wish to go to for a blood draw. Tests include:

• Women’s health blood test: $199
• Men’s health blood test: $199
• General health blood test: $99
• Comprehensive wellness blood test: $169
• Vitamin deficiency blood test: $159
• Anemia blood test: $179
• Liver health blood test: $59
• PSA prostate cancer screening test: $69
• Hepatitis B immunity test: $69
• Chickenpox immunity test: $59
• Women’s fertility (ovarian reserve): $219
• Total testosterone blood test: $69

At-home LabCorp OnDemand tests

LabCorp also sells at-home testing kits that don’t require a visit to a lab. These tests use samples you provide at home, such as urine, blood, sperm, or feces. Samples are mailed to the lab in a return envelope provided in your test kit. Test results are given online in a secure, private portal. At-home LabCorp tests include:

• Colorectal cancer screening: $89
• Men’s rapid fertility test: $199
• Diabetes risk: $79
• COVID-19 + Flu + RSV: $0 with insurance, $169 without insurance

LabCorp is located throughout 19 states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington
• West Virginia

In many states, LabCorp’s main competitor is Quest Diagnostics. You may be deciding which lab is best for you. When comparing the two, some things to consider include:

• Does the lab offer the test you need?
• Which lab accepts your insurance?
• What are the customer satisfaction ratings for the labs closest to you?
• Which lab your healthcare professional recommends, and why?

Do I have to go to the LabCorp facility located closest to me?

No. Your healthcare professional may recommend the facility they’re most familiar with. However, you can go to any laboratory you choose. Remember that your insurance may cover laboratory services in one region but not in another. If you plan on traveling far or to another state, double-check your coverage before your test.

How long does it take to get LabCorp at-home test results back?

LabCorp doesn’t publish wait times for at-home test results. We reached out to the company and were told that it takes 1 to 2 days to get results for most tests, once your sample is received by the lab.

Does LabCorp accept Medicaid and Medicare for laboratory tests?

LabCorp accepts Original Medicare, and some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans for medically necessary tests in most states. You may have a deductible or a copay, based on your particular plan.

Medicaid is a jointly-run state and federal program. Acceptance of Medicaid insurance by LabCorp varies by state.

LabCorp runs a chain of laboratory testing facilities that are available in 19 states. They also sell at-home diagnostic tests.

LabCorp has an uneven reputation. Some facilities get high consumer reviews while others get negative reviews. Overall, feedback on LabCorp’s professionalism and customer service includes a number of complaints. However, their test results are said to be accurate and trustworthy.