Lab tests
Lipid panel (cholesterol) cost in District of Columbia
Lipid panel (cholesterol) 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 District of Columbia
From 7 hospital and 1 clinic prices in District of Columbia.
Nationwide typical: $71.50 (most listed prices $13.39–$282).
Usually included: the facility fee.
Cheapest in District of Columbia
Total price
Lipid panel (cholesterol)
The facility fee
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the facility fee. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In District of Columbia, from 8 providers.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $13
- $18
- $57.31
- $13est. $13 total
Listed $13 Quest lab fee, paid to GW. Tests ordered separately are subject to a higher fee. A separate $6 lab visit fee is listed. Aetna SHIP students are exempt.
Source: healthcenter.gwu.edu · checked Oct 2026 - $18est. $18 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Sibley Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $57.31est. $57.31 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $94.74est. $94.74 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $104est. $104 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: MedStar Washington Hospital Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $164est. $164 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Howard University Hospital 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.