How much $$$ should I pay for this blood test?

[sandsoftime]

Otis has (slightly) high calcium level, and the vet said she wanted to do a blood test for (I think) hyperparathyroid. She said that this would run approx $200 - $225.

However, I've been hearing that it's better to first test for ionized calcium, and that this blood test would be cheaper.

I've been a little suspicious of my vet, and just want to check that I'm being treated fairly. So, does anybody know a ballpark figure of how much I should expect to pay to check his ionized calcium level?

 

[sharky]

I would call another vet near you and get a quote ... I found something as easy as ear cleaning can be a 100.00 different in the same area..

 

[sandsoftime]

OK, that's not a bad idea.

 

[jane_vernon]

Hmmm..I suspect you are getting a bit of a raw deal here - Unfortunately what happens is the vet is charged by the pathology company at a certain price and vets tend to charge 3-4 times this amount to the client. So a test that cost the vet $30 end up cost you $120!! They have excessive profit margins on blood work unfortunately.

But ringing around is definately a good way to go!

 

[sandsoftime]

This is weird. I called a vet nearby, and they quoted me a price of $74 to check his ionized calcium level. I then called my own vet, and they told me that they charge $150!

 

[hissy]

I called my vet, he charges $55.00 for this test. I think it just all depends on the vet and the clinic. Most bloodwork is sent out to labs, so the vet has to cover that fee as well.

 

[mrod1]

My Vet Charged me only $80 for a full blood pannel, and checked for everything. Eitherway, it looks like you are being over charged. It shouldn't go over $120 anywhere.

 

[solaritybengals]

I recently paid $120 for a full blood panel and it included tests for toxoplasmosis, FIP, Felv, and FIV. When I told my coworker this she was shocked because she just did a toxo only test for $200. I also found out the actual cost to the lab was $70 because I asked her if I could split it up over a couple weeks and she said that they at least need the 70 for the lab up front. Then she didn't charge me the office visit either.

 

[sharky]

My vets that I use all have in house labs so prices are more reasonable a full panel including senior stuff was 70 I think..