Outreach Clinic FAQs
What may I expect from the outreach clinic process?
What is the blood draw process?
How long will my clinic appointment take?
Does my child need to fast prior to the scheduled appointment time?
Should my child increase fluids prior to appointment?
May I give my child medications to calm or apply a numbing cream?
I have two (or more) children testing at the same time. May they share an appointment time?
Which insurance provider do you accept?
Can we submit to any other insurance companies after the clinic?
My child is not autistic. Will we have to use the same, recommended testing panel?
Why do I need to provide a credit card for the appointment?
What may I expect from the outreach clinic process?
When you arrive (ten minutes early), you will check in at a designated “Registration” area to turn in and fill out necessary paperwork. You and your child will have your consultation with the physician, at which time, test panels are ordered. Following the consultation, return back to the registration area to finalize testing payments, physician fee, and to receive kits for urine and stool collection if necessary. Lastly, your child will see our pediatric phlebotomist, who has experience with special needs children, for the blood draw and hair specimen collection. Blood and hair collection will be done as quickly as possible in order to minimize any unnecessary anxiety to your child.
What is the blood draw process?
A certified and experienced, pediatric phlebotomist will perform all laboratory procedures for blood collection at the Outreach Clinic. Hair specimens may also be taken at this time. All other specimens (urine and stool) will be collected at home and returned to GPL in a pre-paid FedEx package.
How long will my clinic appointment take?
The whole process typically takes an hour to an hour and a half.
Does my child need to fast prior to the scheduled appointment time?
Yes, the patient needs to fast three (3) hours prior to scheduled appointment time. Fasting is required for the Advanced Cholesterol Profile and Immune Deficiency Profile tests, as it affects the Zinc levels.
Should my child increase fluids prior to appointment?
Yes, it is encouraged to increase water-intake twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled appointment time because it helps with the blood draw process.
May I give my child medications to calm or apply a numbing cream?
Yes, if you have a prescription medication from your child’s Pediatrician for a calming medication, you may administer it as per the doctors order prior to your child’s appointment. Topical anesthetic creams must also be prescribed by the Pediatrician, and applied as directed prior to your child’s appointment. ( Do not use over the counter creams)
I have two (or more) children testing at the same time. May they share an appointment time?
No, each child has to have an individual appointment and the doctor’s visit fee is charged separately.
Which insurance provider do you accept?
The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc (GPL) is a preferred provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Insurance. This is the ONLY insurance that GPL will accept at an outreach clinic for laboratory testing and phlebotomy. Your card should have a suitcase emblem on it. We will provide you with a list of CPT codes that you will discuss with your insurance prior to the appointment to determine the amount of insurance coverage you will receive. Since we are a provider for BCBS, we will submit the proper paper work to Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance, for you.
Can we submit to any other insurance companies after the clinic?
Yes, you will receive a super bill receipt from The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc., shortly after your child’s clinic visit. Keep a copy of the super bill for yourself and send the original to your child’s insurance company for reimbursement. Please note: You CANNOT submit for reimbursement to Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare insurance if you attended an Outreach clinic.
My child is not autistic. Will we have to use the same, recommended testing panel?
The testing panels are not only for Autism. The panels are also suggested for other relative disorders, such as: AD(H)D, Allergies, OCD, Behavioral disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Digestive Disorders, and many others.
Why do I need to provide a credit card for the appointment?
A credit card simply guarantees the appointment, much like reserving a hotel room. You will not be charged for holding the appointment; however, if a cancellation is necessary, GPL requires a notification of 72 hours prior to appointment date. Failure of notification may result in a charge in the amount of the doctor’s fee. The card information is password protected and will be deleted upon completion of the appointment, or if the clinic is canceled. |
