Labs: Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering and managing lab work can involve multiple steps, especially when working with external diagnostic providers. This Q&A brings together common questions practices often have when getting started.
Before diving in, we strongly recommend reviewing these two resources:
Start here: Adding charge items for diagnostic tests
https://clinician-help.sigmamd.com/article/240-adding-charge-items-for-diagnostic-tests
Explore all Lab & Imaging articles:
These articles explain how SigmaMD handles charge items, price lists, provider connections, and patient billing.
Are the diagnostic providers’ cash prices honored if I select “Patient pays at PSC”?
Cash pricing varies by provider. Some clinics report that PSCs honor their contracted rates, while others do not. Because each practice negotiates its own agreement, please confirm directly with your provider representative.
If I select “Pay in clinic,” how do diagnostic providers bill my practice?
Billing workflows differ by agreement. Some clinics are billed per order, while others receive periodic batch invoices.
SigmaMD does not control or manage the billing cadence, so it’s important to confirm this with your provider representative.
Will diagnostic providers charge tax on my orders?
This depends on your state and your contract with the provider.
Please verify with your provider, as SigmaMD does not determine or collect these taxes.
Are there any other fees I should anticipate?
Fees vary based on your negotiated terms, state requirements, and the specific test panels ordered.
To avoid surprises, review your contract or speak with your provider representative.
Can there be a difference between what I charge the patient and what diagnostic providers bill me?
Clinics using SigmaMD generally report stable pricing when their contracted price list is kept up to date.
The key is to ensure your diagnostic test charge items reflect your negotiated rates.
SigmaMD does not receive pricing directly from providers, so make sure your price list in SigmaMD matches what your diagnostic provider has shared with your practice.
When ordering labs, why were the prices blank?
Diagnostic providers do not automatically send price lists to SigmaMD. Each practice negotiates its own contracted pricing, and those prices must be entered manually.
To ensure your prices appear correctly:
- Add each lab test as a diagnostic charge item.
Enter the contracted price provided by your diagnostic providers.
Confirm all CPT codes and descriptions match your negotiated list.
If you haven’t set this up yet, follow this guide:
https://clinician-help.sigmamd.com/article/240-adding-charge-items-for-diagnostic-tests
Why doesn’t SigmaMD auto-populate diagnostic providers pricing?
Pricing for lab tests is not standardized across practices. Each provider gives clinics their own contracted rates, and these prices are not shared with SigmaMD through any integration.
Because of this, SigmaMD cannot auto-populate or sync prices—you maintain full control of what appears on your charge list.