Pathology
The Pathologist: A key specialist on your medical team
During your office or hospital visit, your physician may perform a procedure to remove a sample of your tissue or blood. This is analyzed by a pathologist, a physician who examines tissue specimens and is responsible for the accuracy of laboratory tests. Although you may not have direct contact with this specially trained consultant, the pathologist plays a crucial role in determining you diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Seaview Pathology, P.C. and South Shore Pathology Associates, P.C. are the pathologist groups serving Staten Island University Hospital. The members of these groups are board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and have either board certification or extensive additional training in Cytopathology, Hematopathology, Gastrointestinal Pathology, Neuropathology, Pediatric Pathology, Obstetric & Gynecologic Pathology and Blood Bank/Transfusion services.
Why do my slides have to be examined again?
Prior to undertaking definitive treatment such as surgery, it is prudent for your physician to confirm your diagnosis by examination of the original material on which your diagnosis was based. This review by Staten Island University Hospital pathologists may yield additional facts about your condition...facts that your primary physician can use to make more accurate and effective decisions about the care that you will receive. As with any case in which a physician is consulted, there is a fee for this service.
If you need slides from procedures performed at Staten Island University Hospital you may call (718) 226-4110 for instructions. Approximately two days are required and there is a fee for preparation of the slides.
What fees should I expect? Are these fees included in my hospital bill?
In addition to being billed for medical services provided by your primary physician, you may receive one or more separate bill(s) for pathology services rendered. These include:
Professional services by Seaview Pathology, P.C. - for final interpretation of test results by the Pathologist.
Technical services by Staten Island University Hospital for laboratory/facility-related costs.
Initially, payment will be requested directly from your third-party payer (or insurance carrier), as reflected in your hospital/physician's records. Subsequently, you may receive a bill for the remaining balance including any deductibles, co-insurance and charges deemed "not customary and reasonable" by your insurance carrier. If you have any questions regarding pathology or laboratory charges, please call the telephone number that appears on your bill.