Hospital To Offer Cash Price Lab Testing

By Laboratory Director Erin Hunt

UNC Health Southeastern will launch a new lab service in January 2026 which allows patients to order specific tests without a provider's order, and pay out of pocket, offering a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional lab services.

Benefits for patients include accessing health information more quickly without appointments, promoting engagement and convenience. By allowing self-ordering, patients gain more control over their wellness, fostering deeper engagement with healthcare providers. The service is particularly beneficial for uninsured patients or those with high deductibles.

“As the first health system in the region to offer this model for lab services, this initiative underscores our commitment to innovative, patient-centered care and marks a significant step forward in healthcare delivery,” said UNC Health Southeastern President & CEO Chris Ellington.

Lab tests that were selected as part of the on-demand panel include preventative wellness tests, endocrine and metabolic testing, cardiovascular, and anemia evaluation. Other tests include urinalysis, pregnancy testing, infectious disease, as well as a robust selection of hormone and allergy testing.

Patients, ages 18 or older, may visit the Main Laboratory on the hospital campus or UNC Health Southeastern Drive Thru Express Lab, for the testing, with results processed and delivered within 24 hours via MyChart.

In the event of a critical result, patients will be contacted by phone; however, it will be the responsibility of the patient to inform their primary care physician about abnormal or critical test results that may require immediate medical care.

The Cash Price Laboratory service is set to launch on January 14, 2026. UNC Health Southeastern Main Laboratory hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and the UNC Health Southeastern Drive Thru Express Lab is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. To learn more, call (910) 671-5072.