Last Chance Reduced Price Micronutrient Panel Testing
We were notified earlier this month that the lab we use for Micronutrient testing (SpectraCell) is increasing its cost from $190/test with private medical insurance to $350/test out of pocket. We wanted to pass this on if anyone is interested in getting tested prior to the price increase.
Email from Spectracell: "SpectraCell Laboratories will be introducing a new pricing structure, effective August 30, 2020. Over the past five years, SpectraCell has avoided a price increase at all costs, however, prevailing healthcare laboratory market conditions, a decline in insurance reimbursement, and supply chain costs have played a pivotal role in a recent evaluation of corporate strategy and sustainability. While we've made every effort to control our internal costs, we've reached an inflection point where a change in our pricing model is necessary to maintain our quality service and long-term investment in making SpectraCell a leader in the specialty laboratory and functional medicine arena."
Though we are saddened that is makes testing more expensive, we also understand the need for a business to cover their costs. At Thrive Nutrition we are committed to using the best labs with the most affordable prices and will still continue to recommend using SpectraCell as our primary lab for this type of test. No other lab is as comprehensive with the micronutrient range they assess, nor are they using lymphocytes (white blood cells) to determine levels. Most labs will test serum levels, which isn't as accurate as what your cells are actually able to absorb.
About the Micronutrient Test:
The micronutrient panel is extremely helpful in assessing your overall diet quality, if you might need special B-vitamins (MTHFR mutations), how your gut is working as well as how robust your immune system is. It's also a great test for anyone wanting to become pregnant, is pregnant or is in the postpartum period. Athletes also benefit from this test as exercise demands more nutrition.
If you are interested in pursuing testing, here are the steps:
Simply request a "Lab Review Non-Client" appointment with Miranda 4 weeks out: https://www.thrivenutritionmn.com/schedule
You will need to complete the short electronic forms sent to you in our client portal CharmPHR by Tuesday 8/18 (but the earlier the better) so that we can get the kits shipped to you in time. The drop ship fee is $10.
Once the forms are completed, you will get a list in CharmPHR of draw site locations you can go to for the blood draw. The very last day for your blood draw needs to be scheduled by Friday August 28th. There are many local labs in the Twin Cities that will draw blood for $35-50 as well as mobile phlebotomists that can come to you for a higher rate ($50-$60). This is test is available nationally, so you can check out blood draw sites that may be near you: https://www.spectracell.com/drawsite
You will also receive a requisition form in CharmPHR that you will need to print off and finish filling out so that it can be shipped in with your sample. You will also need a picture of the front and back of your medical card to receive the $190 price.
Other notes: You do not need to fast for this test. You do need to have your blood drawn before 2pm so your sample can arrive to SpectraCell the same day. The lab you get your blood drawn or your mobile phlebotomist will ship the kit for you.
Remember, the last day to submit specimens with private/commercial insurance is Friday, August 28th.
We are always available to answer questions!