How do I pay my bill?

Use the security code listed on your billing statement to securely log in to PLN’s patient portal linked above. From there, you can securely pay your bill.

How does the Preferred Lab Network work?

The Preferred Lab Network is a subset of the existing UnitedHealthcare laboratory network. You or the member won’t need to do anything differently to access services from these labs. They are participating in the network, and we designate them in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Directory.

Will UnitedHealthcare encourage members to use Preferred Lab Network providers?

Yes. We highlight labs participating in the Preferred Lab Network, to let members know about the lab provider’s quality, access and potential cost savings.

Will UnitedHealthcare encourage members to use Preferred Lab Network providers?

Yes. We highlight labs participating in the Preferred Lab Network, to let members know about the lab provider’s quality, access and potential cost savings. However, members can continue to use any lab in our network, and we won’t penalize you or members for not using Preferred Lab Network providers.

Which types of labs are eligible to apply to be a part of the Preferred Lab Network?

Freestanding independent labs that currently participate in the UnitedHealthcare network are eligible to apply for the Preferred Lab Network. The criteria for this application process are proprietary to UnitedHealthcare and, at a minimum, include advanced certifications beyond CLIA, online capabilities and data security requirements. If a hospital lab would like to apply to be part of the Preferred Lab Network, they’ll need to contract with us as a freestanding lab provider and meet the Preferred Lab Network criteria. Hospital labs can contact their network contract manager for more information.

Why do labs have to apply to be a part of the Preferred Lab Network?

We required labs to apply to help ensure that the labs chosen for the Preferred Lab Network met requirements based on a new set of access, cost, quality and service criteria. Participation status is for 1 year, and labs that were accepted into the Preferred Lab Network are required to reapply for participation each year.

What happens if a lab applied but isn’t accepted into the Preferred Lab Network?

We notified the labs that we didn’t accept their application. Labs that are not part of the Preferred Lab Network are still part of our extensive lab network and our members continue to have access to these labs for services. Labs that didn’t meet criteria for the Preferred Lab Network will continue to participate in the UnitedHealthcare network, as outlined in their participation agreement.

How often will UnitedHealthcare evaluate labs to be part of the Preferred Lab Network?

We evaluate the contracted independent freestanding labs that reapply each year against certain criteria. We’ll announce the opening of the next application window in the December Network News. You can see the monthly Network News at UHCprovider.com/news.

Will Preferred Lab Network labs be able to perform all lab tests/services for members?

Preferred Lab Network labs will perform covered tests. However, available services may vary by lab. The lab’s Preferred Lab Network directory listing will include the type of testing available. The lab’s website will also list the type of tests performed and their locations.

Does the Preferred Lab Network affect notification or prior authorization requirements?

No. We’ll post any updates to plan notification/prior authorization requirements at UHCprovider.com/priorauth and in the Administrative Guide at UHCprovider.com/guides.

Will an ordering provider have to do anything differently to request services from a lab in the Preferred Lab Network?

No. We want to help make the overall process as simple as possible, so ordering providers will continue to interact as usual with all UnitedHealthcare participating labs.

Will claims process differently from labs in the Preferred Lab Network?

No. Claims for Preferred Lab Network care providers will continue to process as they do today. You can find the information on submitting claims at UHCprovider.com/claims and in the Administrative Guide at UHCprovider.com/guides.

Will all markets have access to the Preferred Lab Network?

No. There are some limitations on where and to whom we can offer the Preferred Lab Network because of pre-existing contractual arrangements.

Is UnitedHealthcare terminating labs from its network as part of the establishment of the Preferred Lab Network?

No. Any termination of an existing lab agreement is separate from the establishment of the Preferred Lab Network.

What is the No Surprise Act? What rights do I have against surprise medical bills?

Beginning January 1, 2022, health care providers and facilities must provide a good faith estimate of expected charges to uninsured consumers, or to insured consumers if they don't plan to have their health plan help cover the costs (self-paying individuals).

We have put together a comprehensive list of our services to include Delta Pathology’s uninsured/self-pay pricing for your good faith estimate. Pricing may be subject to change due the complexity of the specimen after diagnostic exam and/or additional testing required for diagnostic purposes. We have included the price schedule by specimen as well as by procedure to provide the utmost detailed information possible. Please make sure to include all procedures and tests, that will be requested for Delta Pathology to perform, in your good faith estimate.

Click below to learn more about the No Surprise Act, and your rights against surprise bills.