Frequently
Asked Questions About Kidney Stones
1) Are kidney stones
hereditary?
3) Does weather play any
part in kidney stone formation?
4) Will Louis C. Herring
send me a copy of my stone analysis at my request?
5) Will Louis C. Herring
bill my private insurance company for my stone analysis?
6) Will Medicare pay for
my stone analysis?
7) Do other animals have
kidney stones?
8) How much does a stone analysis
and photographs cost?
Answers:
1) Are kidney stones hereditary?
There is some statistical evidence indicating a genetic pre-disposition to form stones. However, other factors are of equal or greater importance and should be the patient’s first consideration.
2) Can Louis C. Herring & Co. Laboratory suggest a diet or medication to prevent recurrence of kidney stones?
No. Treatment and prevention recommendations should be directed by the patient's physician who is familiar with the aspects of their case. Our laboratory's role is that of stone analysis. Knowledge of stone composition and structure is necessary to physicians for treatment and prevention maintenance. Federal and State laws typically prohibit laboratories from prescribing treatments, diets, preventions or medications for any illness.
3) Does weather play any part in kidney stone formation?
Our records indicate that we receive many more stones in hot, dry weather suggesting an increased incidence.
4) Will Louis C. Herring send me a copy of my stone analysis at my request?
No.
All lab results issued by independent
clinical labs (Chapter 483, Part 1) under Florida law {59A-7.028(7)(b),
FAC} can only be released to, or as
directed by, the authorized medical practitioner that ordered the test, unless
compelled by a Florida or Federal subpoena.
Except to the medical practitioner ordering the test; Federal CLIA law
{42 C.F.R. §493.1291(f)} prohibits secondary
providers (i.e., independent labs) from releasing records, even under subpoena,
unless a good faith effort to obtain the records from the primary provider (i.e., the ordering physician, hospital, clinic,
etc.) is justifiably impossible, has been documented, and includes the
patient’s written authorization for release of their medical information
to a specific entity. In this event,
None of the above law applies if
the specimen originates from, is shipped from, and the results are reported to,
outside the
They also do not apply if the patient is not a human.
5) Will Louis C. Herring bill my private insurance company for my stone analysis?
No. We request your understanding. As a specialty lab, we cannot keep up with the excessive paperwork, insufficient reimbursement and the contract requirements of hundreds of private insurers nationwide. However, after receipt of your payment and upon your request, we will be most happy to assist you with reimbursement by mailing you a receipt and/or insurance claim form for submission to your carrier. Any additional payment we receive from your carrier will be promptly endorsed and returned to you.
Please advise us if you have government (i.e., Medicare, Medicaid, Railroad, etc.) and/or government mandated coverage. We will directly bill and accept assignment from most of these carriers.
1) Will Medicare pay for my stone analysis?
Yes.
2) Do animals have kidney stones?
Yes. Apparently, all animals with kidneys can produce kidney stones. Approximately 5% of all stones analyzed by Louis C. Herring & Co. are from animals other than humans.
3) How much does a stone analysis and photographs cost?
FEE SCHEDULE
Physicians,
Hospitals, Laboratories, Veterinarians, etc.
Calculi
Analysis..............................................................$35.00
Photographs (two, by request only)................................$12.00
Measurements (by request only)................................$2.00
Terms.................................................................NET 30
EOM
(billed monthly)
PATIENTS
PRE-PAYING
Calculi Analysis (pre-paid)..............................................$50.00
Photographs (two, by request only, pre-paid).................$12.00
(include a check or credit card
info with the specimen)
MEDICARE
PART B or MEDICAID
Calculi Analysis......................................Assignment Accepted
Visa,
MasterCard, US Postal Money Order or
Checks drawn on a US Bank in US Funds Accepted
~ Competitor’s Prices are Unapparent by Internet ~
