Lab tests
Folic acid (folate) blood test cost in California
Folic acid (folate) blood test 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 267 hospital and 5 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $76.80 (most listed prices $18.45–$231).
Cheapest in California
- $3.75
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Doctors Hospital of Manteca price file · checked Oct 2026 - $3.82
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $3.89
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta price file · checked Oct 2026 - $3.95
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Seneca Healthcare District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Anaheim Global Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Chapman Global Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Orange County Global Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: South Coast Global Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4.20
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: El Centro Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4.21
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Plumas District Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4.24
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Ridgecrest Regional Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4.41
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Sierra View Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
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.