|
Health Professionals Guide to Newborn Screening Newborn Screening Funding Newborn screening is funded with user generated fees. The fee is collected with the purchase of the blood collection card from the WSLH. The collection site (hospital, clinic, physician or nurse) is responsible for billing the patient. Often the patients insurance will cover the cost of screening. For ordering and current pricing information, see Collection Card Ordering. The price includes a laboratory fee and a surcharge. The laboratory fee supports all testing activities, including staff salaries, reagents, and equipment. The surcharge fee supports confirmatory testing, treatment, and counseling for affected children and their families. For example, children with PKU require a special formula that is purchased with surcharge monies and made available to the parents. Also, children identified with a genetic disorder through newborn screening are referred to specialty clinics for treatment and genetic counseling. Although the newborn screening program is a state-run program, no state tax dollars are provided to support it. |