So while unconscious and without permission, a tissue sample was sent off for complex DNA testing to a company that was out of network. The explanation of benefits that I got just now six weeks later coded it as both NOT IN NETWORK and NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY so I expect the out of network company to send a bill directly to me. Oh, it's just a charge I never expected as the hospital and my surgeon were in network - but it's just a tiny bill for $9,000.

What would you rich old Ags do?

I suspect this lab has a no collection agency policy.

The eob is scary but not a bill. See if you get one. Then call and say you can't afford it.

Be grateful you don't have one of the faith based plans. It could be even worse. Not sure how though.

That happened to me when I had an emergency c-section and it turned out that the anesthesiologist was out of network. I got an EOB that informed me that I was on the hook for the full $4200, on top of everything I'd already paid. I freaked out but when I called BXBS to ask what my options were they said to chill out and see if I even got a bill from the doctor. Sure enough I was never billed for that service. I imagine that when the doctor's office realized it was inadvertent and I'd fight it they just let it go or re-negotiated with insurance.

You can probably file an appeal with insurance to cover it as in network.

If denied you may file an appeal to Texas department of insurance (assuming you are in Texas). Then the insurer and provider will generally work out an offer.

Happened to me with anesthesiologist similar to the post above. Very annoying to have to do the paperwork/legwork but eventually it got handled. You might talk to the lab itself to see if they have advice to get it processed.

Dr T and the Women said:

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I suspect this lab has a no collection agency policy.

The eob is scary but not a bill. See if you get one. Then call and say you can't afford it.

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This at this time. The lab is mostly going to appeal to try to pull InsCo money. Also, check your insurance policy to see what it says regarding balance billing. InsCos have started telling non-participating providers that they cannot bill their insureds even though the provider is out-of-network. BCBS is a real pain in the ass about that in particular in my exprience.

Not sure but I don't think Texas Dept of Insurance will mediate on your behalf if your part of a group plan thru your employer. (not sure if that's your case)
We got a surprise bill around 8 months after my wife's surgery.

Me checking the mail, lets see...there is a flyer for KFC, a car dealership, some pizza coupons, oh what's this? Oh just an unexpected bill for $33,872 from Dr. Rabajabbadingdong surgical assistant we knew nothing about. Called BCBS, they're like. Haha Sorry dog, your SOL, LOLZ, This D outtta network.
Called TDI, they are like, Nope your on a group plan. We don't serve your kind here, Try AG Paxton.
Ended up using a service my company offers as a benefit. They negotiate for you for crap like this.
Was able to drop the $33,872 down to $1500. Somewhat satisfied, but Still pissed off about it.

As others have said, fight this stuff. The balancing billing is becoming a huge issue and consumers have to push back.