Laboratory
Cash-pay blood work and diagnostic testing at transparent, bundled prices
Laboratory is the specialty focused on cash-pay blood work and diagnostic testing at transparent, bundled prices. OpenDoc keeps the common visit types visible so patients can compare the care path before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $10 to $350 across 14 common visit types. Laboratory services on OpenDoc offer direct-access blood work at prices up to 80% lower than hospital lab charges. A comprehensive metabolic panel that hospitals bill at $200–$500 costs $15–$50 cash-pay on OpenDoc. With over 7 billion lab tests performed annually in the US, transparent lab pricing is the fastest way to reduce healthcare spending for everyday diagnostics.
Common services and transparent pricing
Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) — $10–$35: Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) — $15–$50: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential — $10–$30: Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Lipid Panel (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides) — $15–$45: Lipid Panel (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides) is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) — $25–$75: Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Hemoglobin A1C — $15–$40: Hemoglobin A1C is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Urinalysis with Microscopy — $10–$30: Urinalysis with Microscopy is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- STI Panel (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV) — $75–$200: STI Panel (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV) is a screening-focused laboratory service for earlier detection, monitoring, or preventive care planning.
- Comprehensive STI Panel (10-test) — $150–$350: Comprehensive STI Panel (10-test) is a screening-focused laboratory service for earlier detection, monitoring, or preventive care planning.
- Vitamin D Level (25-hydroxy) — $25–$65: Vitamin D Level (25-hydroxy) is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Iron Studies (Ferritin, Iron, TIBC) — $20–$60: Iron Studies (Ferritin, Iron, TIBC) is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Liver Panel (Hepatic Function Panel) — $15–$45: Liver Panel (Hepatic Function Panel) is a diagnostic laboratory service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
Frequently asked questions
How much does blood work cost without insurance?
Cash-pay lab pricing on OpenDoc is dramatically lower than hospital pricing. A CBC costs $10–$30, a comprehensive metabolic panel costs $15–$50, and a lipid panel costs $15–$45. These same tests billed through a hospital lab can cost $200–$500+ per panel. Cash-pay labs offer the same CLIA-certified testing at a fraction of the price.
Do I need a doctor's order for blood work?
Many cash-pay labs on OpenDoc offer direct-access testing in states that permit it, meaning you can order common panels without a physician order. For tests requiring a prescription, OpenDoc providers can include the lab order with your consultation. Check your state's regulations — most states allow direct-access testing for standard panels.
Do I need to fast before blood work?
Fasting (8–12 hours, water is fine) is required for lipid panels and glucose testing for the most accurate results. Most other panels — CBC, thyroid, A1C, STI panels — do not require fasting. Your lab order will specify if fasting is needed. Morning appointments are ideal for fasting labs.
How long does it take to get lab results?
Most standard blood work results are available within 24–48 hours. STI panels may take 2–5 days for culture-based tests. Specialized panels (hormones, genetic tests) can take 5–10 days. Cash-pay labs on OpenDoc typically provide results through a patient portal or direct notification as soon as they are ready.
Why is cash-pay lab work so much cheaper than hospital labs?
Hospital labs add facility fees, specimen processing charges, and administrative overhead that inflate prices 5–10x above the actual test cost. A comprehensive metabolic panel costs the lab about $3–$5 to run. Cash-pay labs eliminate the facility fee layer and pass direct pricing to patients. The testing quality is identical — all labs must meet the same CLIA certification standards.
What is included in a comprehensive metabolic panel?
A CMP includes 14 tests: glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, BUN, creatinine, albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST, and bilirubin. It evaluates kidney function, liver function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance. It's one of the most commonly ordered panels for general health screening.
What STI tests should I get?
A standard STI panel includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV — the four most clinically significant infections. A comprehensive panel adds herpes (HSV-1/2), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, trichomoniasis, and mycoplasma. Your testing needs depend on risk factors, exposure history, and whether you have symptoms. Cash-pay panels range from $75–$350.
Can I use OpenDoc lab results with my regular doctor?
Absolutely. Cash-pay lab results are clinically valid and formatted identically to insurance-billed lab results. You receive a standard lab report with reference ranges that you can share with any physician. Many patients use OpenDoc labs for routine monitoring and bring results to their existing providers.