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: Do you do "Paternity" testing?
A: We collect paternity samples using cheek swabs – not a blood test. We can assist you in locating an appropriate laboratory for testing.

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.

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. 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.