South Bruce Grey Health Centre to start billing for uninsured lab tests

Effective June 1, the South Bruce Grey Health Centre will begin billing patients for all uninsured laboratory tests.

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of most lab tests; however, there are some specialized, non‐routine tests that are not covered.

To date, the health centre has absorbed the cost for most uninsured tests, with the exception of AST (aspartate aminotransferase), PSA (prostate-specific antigen), Vitamin D and Folate testing. The organization is no longer in a financial position to continue this practice, resulting in the new billing policy.

“We regret to have to redirect these costs to our patients,” says Paul Rosebush, health centre president and chief executive officer. “However, given our current financial position, this is one change we can make that will help to address our deficit that is consistent with practices across the province.”

Lab requisition forms given to patients by their care provider, will indicate the cost associated with the uninsured tests so patients are aware before they come in to the hospital for collection.

A full list of the uninsured lab tests, and costs associated, is available on the health centre's website at www.sbghc.on.ca.