In an effort to control the overall cost and access to lab services, Aetna has decided to make a change to their national lab network contract. Effective July 1, 2007, Quest Diagnostics becomes Aetna’s preferred provider of diagnostic testing, information and services.
HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU AS AN EMPLOYEE
The easiest way to address the many questions you may have about this change in plan sponsored lab partner is by answering your questions:
Q: When is the Effective Date of this Change?
A: July 1, 2007
Q: Does this change apply to all AETNA products (HMO, POS, PPO, EPO)?
A: Yes, this change applies to all AETNA products
Q: What is my responsibility if my physician sends a test to LabCorp, or if I use a LabCorp facility?
A: Your non participating provider or out-of-network benefits would apply when you access any LabCorp facility after the effective date of the new arrangement or if a physician sends your tests to a LabCorp facility.
Q:What happens if Labcorp performs a test?
A: If Labcorp performs a test on or after 7/1/07, Aetna will reimburse LabCorp consistent with our non-participating provider fee schedule. Again, Aetna has targeted additional regional and local labs that it will contract with prior to the effective date. In addition, Quest Diagnostics has committed to a plan to expand access and work with physicians to limit this experience. Since LabCorp would be a non participating provider, we expect that our participating physicians will follow Aetna’s policies for the use of contracted providers and refer our members to our contracted labs. The use of contracted labs will significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for our members.
Q: How will Aetna communicate to my physicians about this change?
A: Aetna has identified each office that has selected LabCorp as its provider, and we will notify each office of our network change through a letter and our quarterly newsletter to participating providers.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
If you would like assistance in locating participating laboratories or help answering any unanswered questions, please call Corporate Synergies at 1.866.CSG.1719 or click here to contact us. |
