DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
USA HCG REFERENCE SERVICE
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REFERRAL WITH USA hCG REFERENCE SERVICE
The USA hCG Reference Service is certified by the Department of Heath and Human Services for running clinical tests for patient records (CLIA certification 32D0972561) (to see a copy click here). The laboratory is monitored by the College of American Pathologists (CAP certification 7176750-01). The USA hCG Reference Service is independent from any hospital or cancer center (NPI #1851545685).
Since most of the conditions diagnoses by USA hCG Reference Service tests are rare syndromes, few physicians are currently aware of optimal treatments. As well as finding or indicating diagnoses, the USA hCG Reference Service makes recommendations regarding treatment of referred patients. All referrals are sent a formal clinical report, with recommendations, for inclusion in the patient's medical records. To enhance this report, all clinical reports, diagnoses and recommendations are checked and validated by a certified Gynecologic Oncologist at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
Laurence A. Cole PhD
The Howard & Friedman Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics &
Gynecology.
Director, USA hCG Reference Service
Professor and Chief, Women's Health Research
University of New Mexico
Secretary, International Society for Study of Trophoblastic Diseases
Carolyn Y. Muller MD
Professor and Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of New Mexico
Sarah A. Khanlian
MPH
Laboratory Director, USA hCG Reference Service
University of New Mexico
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERRAL
The Reference Service process requires approximately 10 mL of serum and 10 mL of urine collected in parallel (at the same time) for each referral. Blood should be separated in red-top tubes (usually two 10 mL red-top tubes will give sufficient serum) and the separated serum is sent along with the urine.
Samples should be sent overnight if possible. Samples must be received on Tuesday through Friday to prevent thawing and sample damage. Do not send samples that might be delivered on the weekend. The urine and separated serum can either be shipped frozen or refrigerated by overnight carrier service with frozen blue ice or cold packs. If multiple days are required for shipping we request preservation of the samples by freezing and shipping with dry ice.
The sample shipment must include the following
1. The completed information form (to access form
click here). This insures that we know essential patient criteria
and whom to contact to discuss the case and whom should receive the
final clinical report.
2. A letter by a physician outlining brief clinical history, and any
previous hCG test results (list dates, test values, and laboratory
performing test), or a copy of patient's medical records.
3. A means of covering the actual costs of our service. Each case
require 2-4 days of technician time, Dr. Cole's work, and a Gynecologic
Oncologist consultation. The hCG
Reference Service is a non-profit facility. This has been
independently calculated as $957. This can be paid by one of the
following 3 means:
a. Patient or institution writes a check for $957. This is sent along with samples and records. Patient will then be send a receipt for this amount along with CPT codes and a copy of the final clinical report to send to the patient's insurance for reimbursement. Because we are an independent service we have no contracts or agreements with any insurance companies. We cannot guarantee that any out of pocket cost will be reimbursed by a specific insurance policy.
b. A copy of purchase order from the referring institution for $957. A copy of the report, CPT codes and receipt will be sent.
c. Payment by patient or referring institution by credit card (VISA or Mastercard only). In this case we must have the cardholder's name and billing address, credit card number, expiration date, and 3 digit security code (on back of card). A copy of the report, CPT codes, and receipt will be sent to the cardholder.
While bearing in mind we perform our procedures for actual cost, we will not refuse service to Medicaid/Medicare or hardship cases.
To submit samples (with coolant), records, the information form, and means of payment, ship to the following address (Fedex/UPS/DHL...all except USPS) :
Sarah Khanlian MPH
hCG Reference Service
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
BMSB G71
915 Camino de Salud
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
We do not recommend the use of US Postal Express
After samples have
been shipped, please e-mail Sarah Khanlian with the tracking
number, so that staff can be assigned to the referral
(skhanlian AT salud.unm.edu)
For further information, contact the hCG Reference Service:
Laurence A. Cole, Ph.D.
hCG Reference Service
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
MSC10
5580
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001
Telephone: (505) 272-6137,
Fax: (505) 272-3903,
E-mail: larry AT hcglab.com