Author: jonathanm1978
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 1:03 pm
I would say the drug screen being done is probably one that insures he (or his liver, rather) is filtering out the suboxone as it should. This test is a bit more expensive than just a 9-panel drug / tox screen, so it does cost more. As far as how much it should cost, I can’t really be sure. My doctor charges me the $100 per visit (with ins picking up the rest), but the lab he sends off to charges my insurance $400 for each drug screen that I do. I dont pay any of that $400, but that’s what that particular lab charges.
They are going to want to make sure that 1)he’s taking the proper amount of Suboxone, because as addicts, we have to build up our trust with our doctors, and the only way to do that is through having clean urine tests and honesty. The drug test your son is given tells the doctor how much suboxone your son is taking, and also if he’s taking too much..or if he’s taking not enough.
And 2)if he’s taking the right amount, but it’s not showing up in his urine, that means his liver isn’t filtering properly and can be VERY dangerous!! So they are taking that precaution as well.
I would bet it’s safe to say that you are getting a "somewhat" reasonable fee charged for the type of test that’s being done..but I’m not in a position to really say how much it ideally should cost.
