Understanding Counsyl's Billing Practices: Navigating Insurance Coverage For Genetic Testing

Counsyl is a Silicon Valley-based startup that offers genetic screening services. While the cost of Counsyl's testing services is often covered by insurance, there have been reports of patients receiving unexpected bills after their insurer deemed the test experimental. In such cases, Counsyl advises patients to appeal to their insurance company and offers a discounted rate for uninsured patients. To address this issue, Counsyl has created the Counsyl Access program, which aims to make genetic screening more accessible and affordable for patients. The program offers financial assistance, interest-free payment plans, and discounted prompt pay prices for those with high out-of-pocket responsibilities.

Counsyl's billing section

Counsyl offers a comprehensive program called Counsyl Access, which is designed to make genetic screening accessible to more patients. The company has a dedicated billing section on its website, which explains the billing process to patients.

Understanding your bill

To understand your bill, log in to your Counsyl account and click on the "My Bills" tab at the top of the page. Here, you will be able to view and pay your bill. You will need your invoice number to pay online or over the phone. You can pay by phone by calling 1-888-COUNSYL (268-6795). Make sure to have your invoice number ready. Alternatively, you can send a check payable to Counsyl at the following address:

> Counsyl, Inc.

> P.O. Box 748385

> Los Angeles, CA 90074-8385

Financial assistance

Counsyl offers financial assistance to eligible patients. If you have a high out-of-pocket responsibility, you may qualify for a discounted prompt pay price if you pay in full within 45 days of receiving your bill. Your invoice will indicate the due date you need to meet to be eligible for this discount.

No-charge testing is also available for those who qualify, and interest-free payment plans are offered to all patients regardless of financial need. To learn more about Counsyl's billing process, payment options, and the factors that affect your final cost, visit their website or contact their customer support team.

Counsyl's pricing transparency

Counsyl is committed to offering transparency around billing. The company acknowledges that healthcare pricing is complex and ever-changing, but it strives to provide patients with a clear and transparent assessment of screening costs. Counsyl's billing section on its website explains the billing process to patients, and the company offers several resources to help patients understand their bills, payment options, and insurance terminology.

Counsyl's pricing for uninsured patients is $349 for its genetic screening services. However, the rate it charges insurance companies is higher, at $1,494. This discrepancy has led to some patients receiving unexpected bills after their insurers deemed the test "experimental" and refused to cover the cost. In response, Counsyl has guided patients through the appeals process with their insurance companies. If the denial is upheld, Counsyl may agree to charge the uninsured patient rate.

To enhance affordability, Counsyl has created the Counsyl Access Program, which offers discounted prompt pay prices for patients with high out-of-pocket responsibilities. To be eligible, patients must pay their bill in full within 45 days. Additionally, no-charge testing is available for those who qualify, and interest-free payment plans are offered to all patients, regardless of financial need.

Counsyl's pricing and billing practices are comparable to those of other genetic-testing companies, such as Natera, Myriad Genetics, and Invitae, which also offer a mix of insurance coverage, flat cash rates, and financial assistance.

Counsyl Access Program

Counsyl is committed to making genetic screening accessible to more patients. The Counsyl Access Program is a comprehensive program that helps patients make informed choices about their health, family, and future. The program offers:

• No-charge screening for eligible patients based on their family size, income, and medical expenses through their financial assistance program.
• Interest-free payment plans for all patients, regardless of financial need.
• The option to pay without insurance.

Counsyl is in-network with most health plans, allowing patients to maximize their insurance benefits. However, as of July 16, 2018, Counsyl is out of network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) due to disagreements over the renewal of their network participation agreement. Despite this, Counsyl remains committed to ensuring appropriate and sustainable patient access to their valuable genetic screening services.

Through the Counsyl Access Program, patients are notified of their personalized cost estimates within 48 hours of receiving an order. This allows patients to understand their insurance coverage, out-of-pocket responsibilities, and options for assistance, ensuring transparency and avoiding surprises.

Counsyl also offers discounted prompt pay prices for patients with high out-of-pocket responsibilities who pay their bills in full within 45 days. Additionally, no-charge testing is available for those who qualify, and interest-free payment plans are accessible to all patients.

Counsyl's payment options

Counsyl is committed to making genetic screening accessible to more patients through its Counsyl Access program. This program offers a range of payment options and financial assistance to help patients manage the cost of their screening.

Understanding Your Bill

To understand your bill and payment options, you can log in to your Counsyl account and click on the "My Bills" tab. Here, you will be able to view and pay your bill online. You can also pay by phone by calling 1-888-COUNSYL (268-6795) and providing your invoice number. Alternatively, you can mail a check payable to Counsyl to the following address:

> Counsyl, Inc.

> P.O. Box 748385

> Los Angeles, CA 90074-8385

Discounted Prompt Pay Price

If you have a high out-of-pocket responsibility, you may be eligible for a discounted prompt pay price if you pay your bill in full within 45 days. Your invoice will indicate the due date you need to meet to qualify for this discount.

No-Charge Testing and Financial Assistance

Counsyl offers no-charge testing for those who qualify. You can apply for financial assistance through the Counsyl Access Program. Additionally, interest-free payment plans are available to all patients, regardless of financial need.

Insurance Coverage

Many patients may have insurance coverage for their genetic testing. 90% of patients with private insurance pay $0 for testing, and nearly 90% of patients pay less than $100. However, it's important to note that insurance coverage for genetic testing can vary, and some patients may still receive unexpected bills if their insurance company deems the test "experimental" or not medically necessary.

Counsyl's financial assistance

Counsyl is committed to making genetic screening accessible to more patients through its Counsyl Access program. This program offers a range of financial assistance options to help patients manage the cost of their tests.

For those with a high out-of-pocket responsibility, Counsyl offers a discounted prompt pay price if the bill is paid in full within 45 days. Interest-free payment plans are also available for all patients, regardless of financial need. Additionally, Counsyl provides no-charge testing for eligible individuals.

Counsyl's billing process is designed to be transparent, and they provide resources to help patients understand their invoices, payment options, and insurance terminology. Patients can pay their bills online, by phone, or by mail.

It is important to note that the cost of genetic testing can vary depending on insurance coverage and other factors. In some cases, insurance companies may deem certain tests as experimental and deny coverage, resulting in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for patients. However, companies like Counsyl often provide support and guidance to patients during the insurance claims and appeals processes.

To further assist patients with financial needs, Counsyl offers a comprehensive financial assistance program. This program provides discounted or free testing for qualified individuals based on their household income level and insurance status. By offering these financial assistance options, Counsyl strives to ensure that genetic screening is accessible to a wider range of patients.

Frequently asked questions