Doctors sent bloodwork to out of network lab without my knowledge.

Kaitlyn • 28|Married|Momma to three boys and a baby girl on the way

So I’m normally a pretty nice and easy going person but I’m slowly losing patience with my doctors office. My mother has been going to this office for years and has had no issues with them. My third time going I got bloodwork done and without my knowledge, they sent it to an out of network lab meaning that my insurance won’t cover it. When I received the bill I figured it was just an error, but when I called the office, I was told by the girl that I was supposed to tell them what lab to use and that it was pretty much my fault. I was never made aware that I was supposed to tell them, no papers I had to sign said it, no signs in their office, and no one said anything. My mother told me that she has never had to tell them what lab and so it doesn’t make any since. I figured that since they knew my insurance that they would choose the right lab. I’ve never had this happen before. I’ve called up there over 5 times today and they claim that they are now “looking into it”. If they keep blaming me I feel I have no choice but to go into the office. My bill is $400 dollars and I’m just not paying that. Has anyone had this happen before and if so did it get resolved?