Frequently Asked Questions

Billing FAQs

Who is Madison Core Laboratories?

• • Madison Core Laboratories (MCL) is a CLIA-certified laboratory that offers testing services to physicians, clinics, and other laboratories throughout the United States. State-of-the-art technologies allow us to provide fast, accurate analyses to clinicians and their patients. Your provider has chosen MCL to provide diagnostic testing services to assist them in your treatment plan. MCL will perform the test(s) as ordered by your provider.

I have an order from my doctor for lab work. Where can I go to have my specimen collected?

• • Madison Core Laboratories has convenient Patient Service Centers located in Huntsville and Gadsden for physician-ordered testing. No appointment is needed.
  • Learn more here.

Why did my doctor order this test?

• • MCL performs the test(s) ordered by your medical provider. Please contact your medical provider to determine why a particular test was requested.

Can I get a copy of my results?

• • MCL recommends you contact your medical provider for results and to discuss what your results mean. MCL staff cannot provide results without a completed medical record request form. At no time will MCL provide an interpretation of what your results may mean.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

• • Uninsured patients or patients who chose not to file an insurance claim will be billed directly for the cost of the services performed.
  • Contact MCL’s billing department to discuss our Financial Assistance Program.

Do you accept my insurance?

• • Madison Core Laboratories accepts and files all medical insurance plans. It is recommended you check with your insurance provider prior to testing to confirm coverage and your plan’s benefits.

Why did I get a bill?

• • After your test(s) are performed and results are reported to your provider, MCL will bill for all services performed based on the billing information provided on your lab order.
  • Uninsured patients or patients who chose not to file an insurance claim will be billed directly for the cost of the services performed.
  • For insured patients, MCL will bill the insurance plan(s) on file. If a balance is due after your claim is processed, a statement will be issued to you by MCL for any cost-share applied by your plan (this includes copayments, coinsurances, deductible, non-covered services, etc.).

I’ve never had to pay for a lab test before. Why do I have to pay now?

• • MCL recommends patients contact their insurance plan directly to determine coverage and plan benefits. MCL can only explain how our claim was processed by your plan but not what your benefits include.

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I have two (or more) insurance plans. How will you file these claims?

• • MCL will file your primary insurance first. Once processed, a claim will be submitted to your secondary insurance, then tertiary insurance, etc. Any patient responsibility remaining after all insurance claims have been processed will be billed to you.
  • Sometimes, if you have more than one insurance policy, your claim may be denied for a coordination of benefits (COB). This means your insurance plan is not sure if it is primary or secondary. In this case, you will receive a notice from MCL and possibly your insurance plan that your COB needs to be updated. This can only be updated by you and MCL cannot update it for you. Please contact all insurance plans to update your COB if you receive this notice.

I received an EOB from insurance. What is this?

• • Insured patients will likely receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) from their carrier once a claim has been processed (either paid or denied). An EOB may be called another name depending on your carrier but will essentially include the same information regarding the claim filed and total charges, adjustments, and payments and any potential cost to the patient (you).
  • An EOB is not a statement and payment should not be made unless you have received a statement from Madison Core Laboratories.

I already paid my doctor. Why am I getting another bill?

• • Payments made to your healthcare provider are only for the services they perform such as an office visit or exam. This does not include the lab work performed by MCL.

Why do I have multiple statements for the same date of service?

• • If you have more than one test performed, it may be billed as separate claims to your insurance plan depending on the type of test. Additionally, insurance may sometimes split a claim for payment. As a result, you may receive more than one bill for the same date of service, but this is not a duplicate bill.

I’ve already met my deductible. Why does my statement say I still owe?

• • It is recommended that you contact your insurance carrier to discuss your plan benefits such as copay, coinsurance, deductible, etc. Some plans may have in or out of network deductibles or out-of-pocket amounts that need to be met before insurance pays a claim.

How often will I be billed?

• • Statements are released roughly every 30 days until the balance is paid, or three statements cycles have been completed. After three statement cycles, delinquent accounts may be referred to a collection agency.
  • Payment plans are available and once set up, your account will remain active until the balance is satisfied.

Who do I contact to update my insurance information?

• • Call (256) 850-0075 option 2 or toll free at (877) 755-0140
  • Email [email protected]
  • Ensure that your account number, name, and date of birth are included with your communication.

My insurance sent payment to me. What do I need to do?

• • In the event your insurance plan issues payment directly to you, please follow one of the options below as you will receive a bill from MCL for the amount paid to you.
    • Deposit the check and mail a personal check to MCL.
    • Deposit the check and contact MCL to pay via credit/debit card.
    • Endorse the back of the insurance check and mail it to MCL.

Why did my insurance not pay more for my claim?

• • Madison Core Laboratories billing department is available to answer any questions you may have about how your MCL claim was processed, however specific questions related to your plan coverage and benefits should be directed to your insurance carrier directly.

My insurance said the wrong codes were submitted for my claim. Can you resubmit?

• • Procedure codes are based on the test ordered by your medical provider. These cannot be changed.
  • Diagnosis codes are supplied by your medical provider with your lab order, and these are the codes MCL will use for your claim. If these were provided in error by your doctor, please contact their office directly.

How do I pay my bill?

• • Payments can be submitted via check or credit/debit card using one of the methods below:
    • Call
      • (256) 850-0075 option 2
      • Toll free at (877) 755-0140
    • Mail:
      • PO Box 1565 Huntsville, AL 35807
    • Online:
      • Here
    • MCL accepts Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and American Express.

What are your billing department’s hours?

• • Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm CST
  • Closed on the following holidays:
    • New Years Day
    • Memorial Day
    • July 4th
    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving Day
    • Christmas Day

Testing Questions

Did I need this test?

Only your physician can explain why he/she ordered a Madison Core Laboratory. These panels are designed to be used in accordance with the type of illness or symptoms you may be experiencing. Your physician receives results in 24 to 48 hours, so that he/she may provide rapid and appropriate treatment to you.

Does Madison Core Labs do COVID-19 tests?

We run COVID-19 samples sent in from partnering clinics and nursing homes. We do not swab for COVID-19 as an outpatient service.

What do I need to have to get lab tests done that are ordered by my physician?

You will need a photo ID (this is a must. We will not process labs or perform venipuncture without it), your insurance card, and your signed physician’s order from the doctor’s office requesting the labs. Your doctor may also fax your lab orders to our office at (256) 850-3186.

Do I need to make an appointment to get outpatient blood lab work?

No, we are a walk-in laboratory. 

My child has orders for lab work, can they be done at MCL as an outpatient?

Children 14 years or older who are accompanied by an adult may have their blood drawn at an MCL Patient Service Center.