Billed for lab requested as part of routine exam

Hey there! I went to my gynecologist to have my yearly routine visit. During the visit, I asked to have STD testing done. I had no symptoms, or no reason to suspect I have an STD, but since I never got tested for it, I figured it would be helpful to have an screening, since most guidelines recommend being tested for STD every now and then. During the visit, the doctor asked if I have had my annual health maintenance appt that year, which is with a general physician. I said I haven’t because I’m new to the area and haven’t found a doctor yet. She then asked me if I wanted to request a general blood work too, just to check everything else, in addition to my STD test and I said yes. Fast forward, I receive a $400 bill from the laboratory as none of the lab work was covered by my insurance. I called blue cross and they confirmed that blood work requested as part of a preventive visit should not be charged and told me to have the provider change the code. The provider was confused and said they always use that code. There was a lot of back and forth and they finally re-submitted the claim. Yet, I just received a new bill, with the exact same amount and nothing was covered by my insurance. I am so confused. I was told to file an appeal with blue cross blue shield. Has anyone had a similar experience? Any advice on how to write the appeal? My coverage says that routine physical related test x-rays, EKG and lab procedures performed as part of the health maintenance exam are 100% covered (in their own words).

submitted by /u/Fun_Analyst7296
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