Lab tests
Digital slide scan add-on: smears, extended study cost in California
Digital slide scan add-on: smears, extended study is a lab test. Many labs sell tests directly to the public for a flat cash price, often far below hospital prices.
Typical cash price
In California
From 28 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $9.60 (most listed prices $2.60–$448).
Cheapest in California
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital OaklandDigital slide scan add-on: smears, extended studyFacility fee only$0.60
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland price file · checked Oct 2026 - UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San FranciscoDigital slide scan add-on: smears, extended studyFacility fee only$0.60
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $24
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Green Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Scripps Memorial Hospital EncinitasDigital slide scan add-on: smears, extended studyFacility fee only$24
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas price file · checked Oct 2026 - Scripps Memorial Hospital La JollaDigital slide scan add-on: smears, extended studyFacility fee only$24
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla price file · checked Oct 2026 - Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula VistaDigital slide scan add-on: smears, extended studyFacility fee only$24
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista price file · checked Oct 2026 - $24
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $448
Doctor fees are billed separately. +19 more in this system at the same published price. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Antioch Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Digital slide scan add-on: smears, extended study
Common questions
Do I need a doctor's order?
In most states, direct-to-consumer labs can sell many tests without a separate doctor visit. Some states and some tests still require an order.
Is the blood draw included?
Usually yes for lab stores and booking sites. Hospitals sometimes bill the draw (venipuncture) separately.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.