patient resources

Patient FAQs

Customer Support

We do not collect samples at PSCs due to the risk of infection. We accept drop-offs and can provide stool sample collection kits for at-home use.  Patients can drop off samples that they've collected using the supplies provided by their healthcare provider. 

You can reach the compliance department by calling Customer Care at 1-877-402-4221. You can also report concerns anonymously through our ethics reporting form linked below.

Ethics Reporting

Please visit our locations page to find the Patient Service Center closest to you. 

When you use Health Network Laboratories (HNL Lab Medicine) you have two options for receiving lab results.

  • You may contact your physician.
  • Log into your patient portal.
    • Your patient portal is a secured site that allows you to view your test results as they become available.

Our goal at HNL Lab Medicine is to provide you the most convenient, accessible, and affordable lab testing.

Health Network Laboratories

PO BOX 789581

Philadelphia, PA 19178-9581

No! Walk-ins are welcome and wait time is typically 15 minutes or less.

You can reach the compliance department by calling Customer Care at 1-877-402-4221. 

You can also report concerns anonymously through our Ethics Reporting form linked below. 

Ethics Reporting

Your identification is crucial for maintaining precise records and ensuring proper identification, minimizing errors and guaranteeing you get the correct care. Patients without a valid photo ID will have alternative methods to confirm their identity. 

Your cooperation in safeguarding your health information is greatly appreciated!

Valid Photo ID types accepted include:

    • Driver's License
    • State ID
      • Immigration ID
      • Visa
      • Temporary Visa
    • Resident alien card or receipt card
    • Military ID
    • Passport (USA or Foreign)

Billing

HNL Lab Medicine is a Medicare participant and accepts Medicare assignment. You will be billed only for the co-payment requirement and/or deductibles as required by federal law. This also applies to genomics testing.

To determine if HNL Lab Medicine works with your insurance provider, please view our Participating Insurance Plans page for additional information. For specific information, we suggest you contact your insurance provider. 

There are several convenient ways to pay your bill:

  • For doctor-ordered lab tests:
    • If you opt for paperless statements, you will receive a secure link to the HNL Lab Medicine payment portal, allowing you to view, manage, and pay your bills online at any time.
    • Log in to your patient portal and click Pay Bills on your portal dashboard or on Pay My Bills in the menu on the left. This will take you to the Billing Portal. You can log in in using your account number or patient ID. This information can be found on your invoice.
    • Make a payment over the phone. You can also contact one of our billing representatives who will be happy to help you. Please call 877-402-4221, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday to speak to a representative.
    • Mail your payment to:
      • HNL Lab Medicine
      • PO BOX 789581
      • Philadelphia, PA 19178-9581
    • Please use the pre-addressed return envelope included with your invoice.
  • For HNL Lab Tests Direct: Users will pay at the time of order with a credit card or via PayPal.

Please visit our billing page for additional information about billing, or feel free to call our billing team at 877-402-4221.

Our billing team is happy to help. Contact them by calling 877-402-4221.

Please visit Payment Options page under billing and insurance for details.

Prior Authorization, also known as a pre-authorization or pre-certification, is a clause in the health insurance policy that says the patient must get permission from their health insurance company before they receive certain health care services which includes specialized laboratory testing. This process was developed to help ordering health care professionals, laboratories, and their patients receive a quicker coverage determination by giving them information: 

  • If a member’s benefit plan requires prior authorization. 
  • When additional clinical information is required to make a coverage decision. 
  • Whether the request meets third party’s clinical and coverage policy criteria.

Since we are unable to access your individual insurance plan details, you'll need to contact your insurance for more information regarding EOB questions.

Please submit a Contact Us form and provide the updated information in the appropriate field. The billing account number, name of patient, name of insurance, contact information, name of subscriber, and subscriber ID group number can be found on the back of your insurance card.

In order to find out details about why your insurance didn't cover a specific bill, please contact your insurance provider for more information related to your benefit plan.

Since your account has been transferred, please contact the collection agency directly at this time.

Please contact Customer Support at 1-877-402-4221.

This bill is for laboratory services performed by HNL Lab Medicine. The balance could be due to: a deductible or copay; services not covered by your insurance provider; missing insurance information.

It is possible the payment was not received before the statement was generated. If you feel you have received this bill after payment was made, please contact us to verify at 1-877-402-4221.

General Lab Testing

A lipid panel measures different types of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood to help assess heart health and cardiovascular risk.

In many cases, fasting is not required for a cholesterol (lipid) test. A fasting sample may be requested if your triglycerides are high, if your initial nonfasting triglycerides are ≥400 mg/dL, or if your clinician needs a fasting baseline for certain evaluations.

  • HDL (“good” cholesterol): Helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream.
  • LDL (“bad” cholesterol): High levels may increase the risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. High levels may increase the risk of heart disease and other health conditions. 

The Hemoglobin A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months and helps screen for or monitor diabetes.

A glucose test measures the amount of sugar in your blood at the time of testing.

A glucose tolerance test helps evaluate how your body processes sugar and may be used to diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes.

 Some diabetes-related tests require fasting. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.

 A CBC (Complete Blood Count) measures red blood cells (including hemoglobin/hematocrit and red cell indices), white blood cells (often with differential), and platelets.

A CBC can help evaluate:

  • Infection 
  • Anemia 
  • Inflammation 
  • Overall health status 

It may indicate infection, inflammation, stress, or other medical conditions. Your provider will interpret the results in context.

Low hemoglobin may suggest anemia or other conditions affecting red blood cells.

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) testing helps evaluate how well your thyroid gland is functioning.

Your provider may order thyroid testing if you have symptoms such as:

  • Fatigue 
  • Weight changes 
  • Hair thinning 
  • Temperature sensitivity 
  • Changes in heart rate 


Thyroid tests usually don’t require fasting. For repeat monitoring, try to test at a similar time of day, and tell your clinician about supplements (especially biotin) and thyroid medication timing.

Infectious Disease Testing

A PCR test detects genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19 and is commonly performed using a nasal swab. 

 Respiratory testing may detect:

  • Influenza A & B
  • RSV
  • COVID-19
  • Other respiratory infections

Some respiratory tests require a provider’s order, although certain direct-access options may also be available. 

Metabolic & Organ Function Tests

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) includes: Calcium, albumin, total protein, and a set of electrolytes (Na/K/Cl/CO₂), plus glucose, kidney markers (BUN/Cr), and liver-related measures (ALP/ALT/AST/bilirubin).

A Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) includes: glucose, calcium, electrolytes (Na/K/Cl/CO₂), and kidney markers (BUN/Cr).

Electrolytes help regulate hydration, muscle function, nerve signaling, and heart rhythm.

Common liver tests include:

  • ALT 
  • AST 
  • Bilirubin 
  • Alkaline phosphatase 



Kidney health is often evaluated using:

  • Creatinine 
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) 
  • Estimated GFR (eGFR) 


A Vitamin D test measures the level of vitamin D in your blood, which supports bone health and immune function.

Iron testing may help evaluate anemia, fatigue, or iron deficiency.

Bilirubin is a substance produced when red blood cells break down. High bilirubin levels may sometimes cause yellowing of the skin or eyes and can indicate liver or bile duct concerns.

Hormone testing may help evaluate:

  • Thyroid function 
  • Fertility concerns 
  • Menopause 
  • Testosterone levels 
  •  Adrenal function 


 Testosterone testing may be ordered to evaluate symptoms related to hormone imbalance, energy levels, or reproductive health.

Preventive & Routine Testing

Yes. Children and teenagers may naturally have higher ALP levels because of bone growth, and some medications or supplements may affect results. Always inform your healthcare provider about medications you are taking.


ALP testing usually does not require fasting unless it is part of another test panel that does require fasting. Discuss fasting requirements with your healthcare

Liver function tests are blood tests that help evaluate how well your liver is working. These tests measure enzymes, proteins, and other substances in the blood that may indicate liver health.

Liver testing may be used to:

  • Evaluate liver health 
  • Monitor medication effects 
  • Investigate symptoms such as fatigue or abdominal discomfort 
  • Check for inflammation or liver damage 
  • Monitor chronic medical conditions


Elevated ALP levels may be associated with liver or bile duct conditions, bone growth or healing, pregnancy, or certain medications. Low ALP levels are less common but may be linked to nutritional deficiencies or other medical conditions. Your healthcare provider may order additional tests to determine the cause.


Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances through the bloodstream. Low levels may indicate liver or kidney concerns, among other conditions.

An Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the level of an enzyme found mainly in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. It is commonly included in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and may help evaluate liver function, bone health, and bile duct concerns.


Bilirubin is a substance produced when red blood cells break down. High bilirubin levels may sometimes cause yellowing of the skin or eyes and can indicate liver or bile duct concerns.

 Common preventive tests may include:

  •  CBC
  • CMP or BMP
  • Lipid panel
  • A1C or glucose testing
  • Thyroid testing

Routine testing can help identify risk factors and detect health concerns early, even before symptoms develop.


Genomics Testing

HNL Genomics does not provide consultation or genetic counseling services. If you are a patient interested in genetic testing, this is a decision best made between you and your doctor or genetic counselor. If you are unable to find a genetic counselor, the Find a Genetic Counselor tool provided by NSGC can help you locate a genetic counselor who offers services in your area, or via telehealth.

Any physician can order genetic testing including geneticists, cardiologists, OBGYNs, primary care providers, etc. However, your physician may not feel comfortable ordering genetic testing and may refer you to a specialized genetics doctor or genetic counselor who can help determine if you are a candidate for genetic testing.

All tests must be ordered by a physician and all results will be sent to the ordering physician. HNL Genomics does not provide Direct-to-Consumer testing.

HNL Genomics does not provide medical advice to patients. While we are always happy to explain our testing process, the best person to help you choose the right test for you is your doctor or genetic counselor. 

Monday-Friday 8am- 5pm

*excluding holidays

A completed test requisition form must accompany each specimen. Additionally, if you would like HNL Genomics to perform a benefits investigation for the patient’s insurance, please include our prior authorization packet. Incomplete paperwork can lead to a delay in testing.