About your lab tests
Dr. Fellows has ordered lab tests to help understand your health status and guide your treatment. This handout covers everything you need to know about completing your blood work at LabCorp.
Scheduling your appointment
- Schedule ahead — while most LabCorp locations accept walk-ins, some require appointments, and availability can vary day to day based on staffing
- How to schedule — call your preferred location directly (phone numbers below) or visit the LabCorp website at labcorp.com to book online
- Why schedule? — an appointment can significantly reduce your wait time and ensure the location can accommodate you
Before your visit
- Fasting — follow Dr. Fellows’ specific instructions. Unless you were explicitly told to fast, you do not need to fast for your lab tests.
- Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water before your appointment, even if fasting. This makes your veins easier to find.
- Medications — take your regular medications as prescribed unless Dr. Fellows instructed otherwise
- Bring with you — your photo ID and insurance card
- Arrive early — plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete paperwork
LabCorp locations near our office
These locations are listed in order of proximity to Synergy Rheumatology:
- LabCorp Encinitas — 345 Saxony Rd, Suite 201B, Encinitas, CA 92024 — (760) 942-9804
- LabCorp Vista — 2067 W Vista Way, Suite 275, Vista, CA 92083 — (760) 724-9615
- LabCorp Oceanside / Tri-City — 3923 Waring Rd, Suite C, Oceanside, CA 92056 — (760) 932-8588
- LabCorp San Marcos — 1595 Grand Ave, Suite 109, San Marcos, CA 92078 — (760) 736-9387
Insurance and billing
- Most lab tests are covered by insurance when medically necessary, but coverage is not guaranteed
- Your plan may have specific requirements for laboratory services — contact your insurance provider with coverage questions
- If you do not have insurance or your tests may not be covered, ask LabCorp about payment options
Important information for Medicare patients
If LabCorp asks you to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN), do NOT sign it unless Dr. Fellows specifically told you to do so.
LabCorp may present an ABN if they believe Medicare won’t cover a particular test. In the vast majority of cases, this is a coding issue that our office can fix. If this happens:
- Decline to sign the ABN form
- Skip the tests in question
- Call our office at (760) 891-4687 for guidance
Please do not complete tests that require an ABN and then try to dispute charges later — this is typically unsuccessful.
After your test
- Some tests may cause minor bruising at the needle site — this is normal and should clear up within a few days
- Your results will be reviewed by Dr. Fellows:
- Urgent or critical findings — you’ll hear from the office right away
- Routine findings — these will be discussed at your next appointment
This handout is provided for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions given by your rheumatologist.