EPOCH partners with LabOne to provide a cost saving benefit option employers may choose to include in their plan design. This benefit saves both the employer and employee money.

According to LabOne, outpatient laboratory testing comprises more than 5% of total healthcare spending, but drives more than 70% of healthcare decisions. With the Lab Card, employers save up to 50% on outpatient laboratory testing without reducing member benefits or choice.

The program is easy to implement. Members show the Lab Card at the doctor's office when laboratory work is required and request that their specimens be sent to LabOne for testing. With Lab Card, the member pays nothing for laboratory testing -- no deductible, no coinsurance and no copay. If the doctor customarily collects specimens in the office, he/she simply sends those specimens to LabOne.

LabOne's rates are lower than what typical laboratories charge for testing. With Lab Card, LabOne markets directly to the health benefit plan, allowing them to avoid industry markups and benefit from their centralized, automated laboratory. Lab Card features:

       •   Free testing for members.*
       •   Optional benefit — If Lab Card is used, expenses are paid at 100% by the health benefit plan.*
       •   If Lab Card is not used, regular benefits apply.

         *  Provider collection and handling fees may apply, and are subject to health benefit plan provisions.