COVID-19 Tests Don’t Cost Over $3,000

Re:COVID-19 Tests Don’t Cost Over $3,000 by PragmaticPulp on Thursday March 05, 2020 @08:24AM (#22493289)

From the article: The test is paid for by the government.

It’s the ancillary hospital services that cause the charges. If you go to a hospital, you have to pay for the usage of the hospital. This is billed to your insurance.

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Re:COVID-19 Tests Don’t Cost Over $3,000 by TulliusCicero on Thursday March 05, 2020 @08:39AM (#22493390)

So, the test itself doesn't cost that much...but, getting tested does cost that much.

When most people are talking about the test, I think they're talking about the whole process.

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Re:COVID-19 Tests Don’t Cost Over $3,000 by PragmaticPulp on Thursday March 05, 2020 @08:52AM (#22493455)

> getting tested does cost that much.

Getting tested at a hospital emergency room for 20+ different possible viruses could cost that much, but you shouldn't be presenting to the emergency room for basic testing. That should be handled through your local doctor.

The hospital emergency room is for urgent emergencies. ER doctors are rushing to get things done. Unless you're having severe respiratory distress, you should not rush to the ER for routine Coronavirus testing.

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Re:COVID-19 Tests Don’t Cost Over $3,000 by tobltobs on Thursday March 05, 2020 @08:31AM (#22493339)

Does it make a difference what exactly is causing the costs? If you are broke you can't afford to be tested and you will continue to spread the virus if you have it.

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