Information on a variety of cancer and cancer-related diseases can be found at mybiopsy.org.

Information for Patients

The following are some common answers to questions patients may have about our services.

Blood Testing

Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: NO. We welcome you whenever it is convenient for you.

Q: How long do I have to go without eating for a FASTING test?
A: 12-14 hours for most tests – drink water only. Unless instructed otherwise by your physician, take your regular medications.

Q: Can I drink coffee when fasting?
A: NO. Drinking coffee before a fasting test is prohibited.

Q: Where are you located and what are your hours?
A: Information regarding our 7 Patient Service Centers locations and hours of operation can be found here.

Q: I have an out of town Doctor. Can I come to your lab?
A: We accept orders from any authorized provider, on any appropriate requisition or prescription pad.

Q: Do you fax results to Doctors?
A: Lab results are faxed immediately upon completion of the tests.

Q: How long will it take my Doctor to get my results?
A: Most tests are available the same working day.

Q: Can I get my results or do I have to call my Doctor?
A: Central Coast Pathology prefers you receive a record of your blood test through your doctor, so that any questions about your results may be answered by your health care provider. However, you may fill out a records release and we can either mail your blood test results or you may pick them up at any of our Patient Service Centers. PLEASE NOTE: Central Coast Pathology will not release a biopsy or Pap test result to a patient. Biopsy and Pap results are ONLY available through the ordering health care provider, which a patient must see if a copy is requested.

Q: The Doctor's office is closed and I need my blood result now, what can I do?
A: You may come to the main laboratory or any Patient Service Center to pick up a copy.

Q: Do I need a Doctor's referral for a cholesterol, lipid, or pregnancy?
A: YES. However, Central Coast Pathology offers a ONCE ANNUAL FREE TOTAL CHOLESTEROL without a physician order. Please visit one of our Patient Service Centers for more information.

Billing and Insurance

Q: I do not have insurance. Do I have to pay upfront or can I be billed?
A: We will bill you. However, if you pay for your tests at the time of service, we will discount your entire bill by 15%.

Q: What insurance plans to you accept?
A: Central Coast Pathology is an accepted provider for Medicare, Medi-Cal, Blue Cross HMO/PPO, Blue Shield PPO and the PReferred Local Provider for United Healthcare. We are also providers for most PPO and POS health plans, including Cigna, PacifiCare, Secure Horizons, Aetna, and HealthNet.

Should you have a question about your plan, please call our billing department at (805)549-7461.