Does LabCorp Accept Medicare? What You Need to Know About Lab Tests and Coverage

Yes, LabCorp accepts Medicare for most lab tests, but coverage and your out-of-pocket cost depend on the type of test and how your doctor orders it

LabCorp is one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the United States and participates in Medicare. When your doctor orders a lab test through LabCorp, Medicare Part B typically covers the cost of the test itself — you usually pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your annual deductible. However, not every test is covered at the same rate, and some tests may not be covered at all. The key is understanding what Medicare covers, what you will owe, and how to find out your cost before you go in for the test.

Key Takeaways

LabCorp accepts Medicare, and Part B covers most routine lab tests ordered by your doctor, though you pay 20 percent of the approved cost after your deductible.
Your actual out-of-pocket cost varies by the specific test, your deductible status, and whether the lab is in-network for your plan.
You can call LabCorp directly or ask your doctor's office to find out the Medicare-approved cost of a test before you have it done.
Some tests that are not medically necessary — such as certain wellness screenings or tests ordered without a doctor's order — may not be covered by Medicare.
If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage and cost-sharing may differ from Original Medicare.

How Medicare Part B covers LabCorp tests

Medicare Part B covers lab tests that your doctor orders as medically necessary. LabCorp bills Medicare directly for these tests, and Medicare pays its approved amount. You are responsible for 20 percent of that approved amount, but only after you have paid your Part B deductible for the year (which is $240 in 2024, though this amount changes annually).

The approved amount is not the same as LabCorp's full price. Medicare sets the approved amount for each test code, and that is what Medicare uses to calculate your 20 percent share. If LabCorp's charge is higher than the approved amount, you do not pay the difference — LabCorp writes it off as a participating provider.

For example, if Medicare's approved amount for a specific blood test is $50, Medicare pays $40 (80 percent) and you pay $10 (20 percent) — but only if you have already met your deductible. If you have not met your deductible, you pay the full $50 until the deductible is satisfied.

Tests that Medicare may not cover

Medicare covers lab tests that are medically necessary — meaning your doctor orders them to diagnose, treat, or monitor a health condition. Tests ordered for screening purposes when you have no symptoms or medical reason may not be covered, even if LabCorp performs them.

Routine wellness tests like an annual physical blood panel are often covered as part of your yearly preventive visit, but some specialized or experimental tests may not be. Tests ordered without a doctor's order, or tests you pay for out of pocket upfront, are your responsibility. If you are unsure whether a specific test is covered, ask your doctor or call LabCorp before the test to confirm.

How to find out your cost before the test

You have two ways to learn what you will owe for a LabCorp test. The first is to ask your doctor's office — they often know the Medicare-approved cost and can tell you what your share will be based on your deductible status. The second is to call LabCorp directly at 1-800-222-7378 and provide the test code (your doctor can give you this) and your Medicare information. LabCorp can tell you the Medicare-approved amount and estimate your cost.

Knowing the cost ahead of time helps you plan and avoid surprises. If the cost is higher than you expected, you can ask your doctor whether the test is necessary or whether there are lower-cost alternatives.

LabCorp locations and in-network status

LabCorp has thousands of patient service centers across the United States, and most accept Medicare. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your coverage may vary by plan and location. Some Medicare Advantage plans have different networks, and a LabCorp location near you may or may not be in-network for your specific plan.

Before you go to a LabCorp location, check your Medicare Advantage plan documents or call the plan to confirm that the specific location is in-network. Out-of-network lab tests may cost you more or may not be covered at all, depending on your plan.

What to bring to your LabCorp appointment

Bring your Medicare card and a photo ID to your LabCorp appointment. You may also want to bring your doctor's order for the test (sometimes called a requisition or lab slip). If you have a Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage plan, bring that card as well so LabCorp can bill correctly.

If you have already met your Part B deductible for the year, let LabCorp know — this affects what you owe. If you are unsure about your deductible status, you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to check.

Medigap and Medicare Advantage coverage differences

If you have a Medigap (supplemental insurance) policy, your coverage for LabCorp tests is the same as with Original Medicare, but Medigap may pay some or all of your 20 percent cost-sharing, depending on your policy. This means you may owe less out of pocket.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage works differently. Medicare Advantage plans set their own rules for lab test coverage, copays, and coinsurance. Some plans cover lab tests with a small copay (such as $5 or $10), while others use coinsurance (a percentage of the cost). Always check your plan documents or call your plan before the test to know what you will owe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's order to get a lab test at LabCorp with Medicare?

Yes. Medicare covers lab tests only when a doctor orders them as medically necessary. You cannot walk into LabCorp and order a test yourself and expect Medicare to pay. Your doctor must provide an order (requisition) for the test.

What if LabCorp tells me I owe more than 20 percent?

If you have not met your Part B deductible, you may owe more than 20 percent until the deductible is satisfied. If you have met your deductible and LabCorp is still asking for more than 20 percent, ask them to explain the charge — it may be a test that Medicare does not cover, or there may be an error in billing.

Can I use LabCorp if I have a Medicare Advantage plan?

Many Medicare Advantage plans include LabCorp in their network, but not all. Check your plan's provider directory or call your plan to confirm that the LabCorp location you plan to visit is in-network. Using an out-of-network lab may cost you more.

What happens if my doctor orders a test that Medicare does not cover?

Your doctor should tell you if a test is not covered by Medicare. You can then decide whether to pay out of pocket or skip the test. If you are not told in advance and receive a bill, you have the right to dispute it — contact Medicare or LabCorp to ask why the test was not covered.

How do I know if I have met my Part B deductible?

You can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to check your deductible status. You can also log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov if you have set one up. Your Medicare Summary Notice (the bill you receive from Medicare) also shows how much of your deductible you have used.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.