Do my labs and imaging cost extra under my membership?

Your labs and imaging do not cost extra under your Fishtown Medicine membership for the clinical work. Your membership covers consultations, ordering, prior auths, and result review. The labs and imaging themselves are billed by the facility to your health insurance, HSA, or cash.

Can I use my insurance for labs you order?

Yes, you can use your insurance for labs we order. We send electronic orders that the lab bills directly to your insurer. You pay any copay, deductible, or coinsurance the plan applies. We help you choose the most cost-effective lab when prices vary.

Do you do labs in the office?

We do basic point-of-care testing in the office for some visits, including rapid strep, flu, COVID, and select urinalysis. Most blood draws happen at LabCorp, Quest, or through a mobile phlebotomy partner who can come to your home for a small fee.

How do I get a prior authorization for an MRI or specialty test?

You get a prior authorization for an MRI or specialty test through our team. We submit the clinical documentation, follow up with the insurer, and notify you when approval comes through. Most prior auths are decided within 3 to 5 business days, sometimes faster.

What is mobile phlebotomy and how much does it cost?

Mobile phlebotomy is a service where a phlebotomist comes to your home or office to draw blood. The cost is typically $50 to $100 per visit on top of the standard lab fee. We work with vetted providers who can collect specialty tubes for advanced lipid panels, hormones, and Galleri.

Can I use HSA or FSA money for diagnostics?

Yes, you can use HSA or FSA money for nearly all diagnostics, including labs, imaging, and many self-pay scans. Provide our office with the receipt or itemized bill if your HSA administrator requests documentation.

How long do test results take?

Test results take varying times. Most blood work returns within 1 to 3 business days. Imaging reports usually return within 24 to 72 hours. Specialty tests like Galleri or whole genome sequencing take 1 to 8 weeks. We message you with a plain-English summary as soon as we review.

What if I had labs done at another office recently?

If you had labs done at another office recently, you can upload them to your secure portal in the Ultralight app and we will incorporate them into your record. We can also pull labs from LabCorp and Quest with your authorization, even if they were ordered by a previous physician.

How does Fishtown Medicine handle out-of-network specialty labs?

Fishtown Medicine handles out-of-network specialty labs by giving you the choice. Some specialty assays (like advanced lipid panels, hormone testing, or genetic panels) are not in your insurance network. We quote the cash-pay price up front and help you decide if the value justifies the cost.

What is the difference between LabCorp and Quest pricing?

The difference between LabCorp and Quest pricing varies by test and contract. The two giants compete, and prices for the same test can differ. We help you compare based on your insurance contract and the specific tests ordered. For uninsured cash-pay, online discount tools like MDsave and DirectLabs sometimes beat both.

How do I navigate prior authorization denials?

You navigate prior authorization denials through our office, not on your own. We file appeals with peer-to-peer reviews when needed, and we have successfully overturned many initial denials with proper clinical documentation. Most denials are administrative, not medical.

How do you protect privacy when sharing results across systems?

We protect privacy when sharing results across systems by using encrypted electronic health records, HIPAA-compliant messaging, and secure file transfer for genetic data. We do not email lab results or scan reports. You see results in the Ultralight app or in our chart system.

What is "balance billing" and how do I avoid it?

Balance billing is when an out-of-network provider bills you for the difference between their charge and what insurance pays. The federal No Surprises Act now protects against balance billing for many emergency services and out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. We help you understand which protections apply to your bill.

How does Fishtown Medicine choose between hospital and independent imaging centers?

Fishtown Medicine chooses between hospital and independent imaging centers based on cost, scanner quality, and radiologist subspecialty. Hospital systems are best for complex cases needing subspecialty radiology. Independent centers are often faster and cheaper for routine MRI, ultrasound, and CT.

What is a superbill and when do I need one?

A superbill is an itemized invoice you can submit to insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. You need one if you paid cash for a service that you believe should be partially covered by your insurance. We provide superbills on request after any cash-pay service.

How do you handle medication prior authorizations?

We handle medication prior authorizations the same way we handle imaging: we submit the clinical documentation, follow up with the insurer, and notify you. Common prior auths include GLP-1 agonists, PCSK9 inhibitors, biologics, and newer migraine treatments.

What happens if a test result is critical or abnormal?

If a test result is critical or abnormal, we contact you the same day with a plain-English explanation and next steps. Critical findings (very low blood counts, very high glucose, abnormal cardiac biomarkers) get phone calls. Important but not critical findings get app messages with action items.

How does Fishtown Medicine track lab trends over years?

Fishtown Medicine tracks lab trends over years using our chart system, which graphs key biomarkers over time. We watch slope, not just snapshot values. A "normal" ApoB that has crept up 30 percent in 5 years is a different story than a stable one.

Can I order labs without seeing Dr. Ash first?

You can order labs without seeing Dr. Ash first if you are an established patient and the test is on your maintenance plan. New tests, especially complex ones like genetic panels or advanced cardiovascular workups, usually need a brief consult so we can match the test to the question.

Why does Fishtown Medicine emphasize concierge navigation as a core service?

Fishtown Medicine emphasizes concierge navigation as a core service because we know that good care without good logistics is not actually good care. The Philadelphia healthcare system is fragmented. We build the bridges so your data flows from the lab to the chart to a clear next step, without you having to chase it.

TL;DR · 30-second take

Fishtown Medicine acts as your concierge for diagnostics. We coordinate scripts with LabCorp, Quest, Penn, Jefferson, Temple, and independent imaging centers, handle prior authorizations, route results back to you in plain English through the Ultralight app, and help you use your existing insurance, HSA, or fair cash-pay rates.

Managing Labs and Imaging With Ease in Philadelphia

At Fishtown Medicine, we do not just "order a test" and leave the logistics to you. We act as your concierge for diagnostics, helping you find the highest-quality imaging centers and labs in Philadelphia that work with your insurance or offer fair cash-pay pricing. For most patients, the slowest part of healthcare is not the science. It is the scheduling, the prior auths, and the chase for results. We absorb that work so you can focus on the actual decisions.

Who do we partner with for labs and imaging?

We partner with the major diagnostic players across the Philadelphia region so you can pick the location and price that works for your life.

LabCorp and Quest: We send scripts daily and can route results through the Ultralight app for plain-English review.
Hospital systems: We coordinate with Penn, Jefferson, and Temple for complex imaging like MRI, PET-CT, and specialized cardiac or neuro studies.
Independent imaging centers: For many patients, independent centers offer faster turnaround and lower costs than hospital-based facilities. We have direct relationships across Center City, Northern Liberties, and the suburbs.
Boutique scan partners: For Cleerly CTA, Galleri, and full-body MRI, we work with vetted providers like Prenuvo, Ezra, and select cardiac imaging centers.

How do we maximize your insurance coverage?

We maximize your insurance coverage by handling the parts of the system that usually slow patients down. Your Fishtown Medicine membership covers your clinical consultations and strategy. Your labs and imaging are typically covered by your traditional health insurance.

Direct integration: We send electronic orders directly to the facility of your choice.
Prior authorizations: If your insurance requires a prior auth for a complex scan like an MRI, our team handles the clinical documentation so you do not have to.
HSA/FSA eligibility: Most labs and imaging are fully eligible for payment using your Health Savings Account.
Cash-pay options: When insurance does not cover a test, we help you compare cash-pay rates across local centers.

Direct coordination and result-sharing work through one inbox so you are never alone in the process.

Scheduling support: Need a specific facility close to home or work? Just message us in the Ultralight app and we route the order there.
Result translation: Once your results arrive, Dr. Ash reviews them through a prevention lens. We do not just say "it is normal." We explain what the numbers mean for your long-term healthspan.
Sharing prior records: If you have had labs or imaging done elsewhere, you can upload them to your portal for our review.
Trend tracking: We chart key biomarkers like ApoB, hsCRP, fasting insulin, and HbA1c over time so we can see direction, not just snapshots.

Guidance from the clinic

"The biggest barrier to good data is the friction of the system. My goal is to remove that friction. Whether we are ordering a simple CBC or a high-tech [Cleerly heart scan](/diagnostics/cleerly-cta), we walk you through exactly where to go and what to expect. You are a member of a precision practice. Your diagnostics should feel precise, too."

Actionable Steps for Diagnostic Success

Streamline your next scan.

Update your pharmacy and lab choice: Tell us your preferred LabCorp or Quest location during your next visit.
Double-check insurance: If your plan has changed, upload a photo of your new card to the Ultralight app.
Prepare for fasting: If your labs require fasting, we will note it in the order. Usually that means water and black coffee only for 8 to 12 hours prior.
Schedule before vacation: For travel-sensitive testing, plan your draw at least 5 business days before any trip so results land before you leave.

Key Takeaways

We coordinate with all major Philadelphia health systems.
Your insurance typically covers the labs and imaging we order.
We handle prior authorizations and scheduling logistics.
Dr. Ash translates med-speak into actionable strategy.

Scientific References

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. "No Surprises Act Final Rule." 2022.
Fendrick AM, et al. "Eliminating cost-sharing requirements for colon cancer screening in Medicare." American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2021.
Schleifer D, et al. "Patient navigation in cancer screening: A systematic review." Cancer. 2020.
HealthIT.gov. "21st Century Cures Act: Information Blocking Final Rule." 2020.

Dr. Ash is a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in preventive medicine and healthspan optimization at Fishtown Medicine in Philadelphia.

Fishtown Medicine | Diagnostics

2418 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125(267) 360-7927 hello@fishtownmedicine.comHSA/FSA Eligible

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Medical Disclaimer: This resource provides clinical context for educational purposes. In the world of Precision Medicine, there is no "one size fits all", the right plan must be matched to your unique lab work, physiology, and goals. Consult Dr. Ash to determine if this approach is right for you, especially if you have chronic health conditions or are taking prescription medications.

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