Important Update: New Client Bill Lab Process Starting May 1st, 2025
Sanctuary Functional Medicine | Dr. Potter
We’re Making Lab Billing Easier, More Predictable, and Often More Affordable
Beginning May 1st, all labs ordered by Sanctuary Functional Medicine providers through Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp will be processed using our Client Bill Process — not through your insurance.
But good news—you don’t have to wait!
You can begin using this cost-saving, stress-reducing option today.
Why Are We Making This Change?
- Unexpected high charges when labs are billed through insurance
- Complicated claim denials and endless insurance headaches
- Insurance pricing for labs is often 2–6x higher than our client bill price.
- If you’re paying toward a deductible, you’ll pay the inflated rate.
- Even with coverage, copays can be higher due to insurance markups.
- With insurance billing, we can’t predict the cost. With client billing, you can.
Our new Client Bill Process simplifies things.
- Upfront pricing estimates (within 5–10% accuracy)
- No surprise bills
- Lower costs overall
Risk vs Benefit: Insurance Bill vs Client Bill
| Billing Through Insurance | Billing Through Client Bill |
|---|---|
| Functional & Out-of-Network = often denied or partially covered | Upfront cost estimate before labs are drawn |
| Labs often priced 2–6x higher | Much lower pricing — no insurance markup |
| Deductibles & copays = high out-of-pocket costs | Transparent pricing & no surprise bills |
| Final cost unknown until after insurance processes | Estimated invoice with predictable final charges |
How the Client Bill Process Works:
Receive a lab estimate before your draw.
Pay 60% down based on that estimate.
About 1 month later, once we receive final billing from Quest or LabCorp, we’ll notify you of the total and send you a final invoice.
You’ll have 72 hours to pay the remaining balance by your preferred payment method.
If a balance remains after 72 hours, we’ll auto-charge your card on file.
You may still submit the final invoice to insurance for potential reimbursement.
Still Have Questions About Your Insurance Coverage?
You can call your insurance provider directly to ask about out-of-network lab benefits, deductibles, or lab billing policies. Here are the billing/customer service numbers for several major insurance companies:
| Insurance Provider | Billing Customer Service |
|---|---|
| Aetna | 1-800-872-3862 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | 1-888-630-2583 (Check back of card for state-specific #) |
| Cigna | 1-800-244-6224 |
| Humana | 1-800-457-4708 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 1-866-414-1959 |
| Medicare | 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) |
| Tricare | 1-877-874-2273 |
| Kaiser Permanente | 1-800-464-4000 |
Be sure to ask if they will cover out-of-network labs ordered by a Functional Medicine provider.
We’re Here to Help
We believe this change will reduce your stress, save you money, and help you feel more in control of your healthcare costs. Thank you for your trust in Sanctuary Functional Medicine.
Thank You for Your Understanding
We’ve made this change with your financial well-being in mind. It’s part of our mission to provide transparent, affordable, and personalized care.
Blessings,
Dr. Potter & The Sanctuary Functional Medicine Team