Resources

Billing Information

The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory does not participate with any health insurance plans and does not bill health insurance companies directly. Payment is required with sample submission. The two methods for payment include institutional billing or patient self-pay. Institutional: If the institution will be assuming responsibility for payment of all charges, please included the billing address, person authorizing payment, telephone number and fax number on the test request form. Self-Pay: Individuals can make payments through a major credit card (VISA, Master Card, Discover, American Express), money order or personal check. Checks should be made payable to the “”Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory.”” Payment should accompany the test request form when the sample arrives at the laboratory. A receipt suitable for submission to insurance carriers indicating charges, ICD10 diagnostic code and the CPT codes will be provided.

** For costs and CPT codes associated with specific tests, please see the test catalog.

Forms

**Test Request forms can be found in the Test Catalog

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the laboratory open to accept samples on the weekend?
A: No, the Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.

Q: What do I do if a sample is drawn on a Friday?
A: If sample is drawn on a Friday, please refrigerate it for shipment on the following Monday.

Q: What is the minimum blood requirement?
A: Obtain 2 EDTA tubes (lavender top) of blood – approximately 4 mL per tube.
For a newborn sample, obtain 2 EDTA tube (lavender top) of blood – approximately 1-2 mL per tube.

Q: How do I ship blood samples?
A: Ship at room temperature via Federal Express or other overnight courier that guarantees AM delivery to arrive Monday-Friday.

Q: How do I ship frozen tumor samples?
A: Send frozen tumor on dry ice via Federal Express or other overnight courier that guarantees AM delivery to arrive Monday-Friday.

Q: How do I ship paraffin-embedded tumor samples?
A: Ship at room temperature via Federal Express or other overnight courier that guarantees AM delivery to arrive Monday-Friday.

Q: Does the lab accept sent DNA?
A: Yes, but the lab does not prefer this. Please call for sample requirements.

Q: Does the lab offer prenatal testing?
A: The lab offers prenatal testing for most of our genetic tests. Please contact the laboratory prior to sending a prenatal sample. The lab prefers to be notified of the expected prenatal sample at the time the procedure is scheduled. Please call with any questions regarding prenatal samples.

Q: What is the CPT code and/or price for this particular test?
A: Information on CPT codes and pricing can be found on the test information webpage for that particular test. Additionally, this information can be accessed here.

Q: What is the laboratory’s cancellation policy?
A: Cancellation or revision of submitted test orders within 48 hours of sample receipt will not incur any charges. Please perform the following steps to cancel a test.

  1. Complete a test cancellation form. A copy of this form can be found here.
  2. Fax (215-573-5940) or email (gdllab@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) completed form

Tests with an expedited turnaround time such as prenatal analysis or Level 1 Congenital Hyperinsulinism 4 gene panel cannot be canceled once sample has been received by the laboratory.

After 48 hours, requests for cancellation or revision of an ordered test will be handled on a case by case basis. A fee for DNA extraction may be applied if sample has been processed. Please call the laboratory at 215-573-9161 to determine the status of your patient’s sample.

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