Central Coast Pathology Patient Service Centers

Staff were very efficient and knowledgeable. I thought I’d have to wait a long time but only had to wait minutes!

My first (and LAST) experience with this lab was last May.
Since Lab Corp. closed, I was forced to find a new one.
Since the company is still operating in the 1950’s, and they don’t have an online appointment system (confirmed by one of your nitwit young phlebotomists who, when asked WHY you don’t have an appointment system, said, and this is a direct quote, «Oh, if we had a scheduling system, we’d be here ²⁴⁄₇.»).
Ever consider that it would enable you to schedule your employee’s work load, expedite patients, etc. etc.
Second, my Dr. received my blood test results by FAX, not electronically. In case you haven’t checked the calendar, it’s almost 2016, but then again, this is central California.
Then six months AFTER my visit, I get a bill for the tests. No explanation WHY I was billed. Just a bill.
A call to your billing dept. greeted me with a recording that said, «Thank you for calling the Billing Department.» Of WHAT company? No mention of CC Pathology.
When I spoke to what seemed to be your only billing employee with a bad attitude, I was told that you don’t accept HMO’s, despite specifically my asking if you do when I called initially.
My wife, who had her blood drawn the same day, and whose insurance I was on (I’m now on Medicare) STILL hasn’t received HER bill.
I’ll be driving to Orcutt and Quest Diagnostics for my future lab needs. THEY have a scheduling system and AREN’T there ²⁴⁄₇.
Maybe this will help the «next guy.»

I got there at 7:00 and got my blood drawn at 7:30. Not a bad wait at all. The staff were pleasant and the woman that drew my blood was terrific. The problem is facility looks bad because of filthy carpet.

Went to the Pismo Beach office of Central Coast Pathology at James Way and Oak Park this morning (August 18 at 8:30am.) Was told the wait would be an hour. There were only three vacant seats in the waiting room out of perhaps 20. There is something wrong with the business model (staffing, space, equipment etc) for this long of a wait. Dr Vernacchia at San Luis Diagnostics, with all his expensive imaging equipment and a staff which requires years of training, gets patients in and out in 15 to 20 minutes. This office only draws blood, collects a few specimens, and has limited equipment; phlebotomist training is significantly shorter. My wife phoned a few minutes ago and said that the office is still backed up. Be prepared to wait!
On the positive side, my experience with the staff over many years has been positive. They appear to be knowledgeable, find the vein quickly, and are pleasant. My physician thinks well of the Pathologists. My concern is with the current waiting time.

I’ve been here many times, and think the place is great, but today’s problem is forcing me to give them a 3 star rating, rather than a 5-​star rating.
It’s Friday, July 3^rd. My wife needed a blood test early this morning and had fasted last night. We usually go first thing in the morning when they open at 6:30 am, as do dozens of people who start lining up before the doors even open.
We and many others were surprised upon parking and then walking to the door today. On it was a sign that said in observance of Independence Day, they were opening later today, at 8 am instead of 6:30am. Who the heck observes the Fourth of July by opening an office later on the third of July? Usually, an office just let’s people off early the day before a holiday weekend.
People were quite upset. We saw the elderly getting out of their handicapped spaces, who obviously struggled to even get there at all. Others were I’m sure impacted since they had planned their work day around an early blood test, unable to return later. Many likely changed had their plans last night as they had to fast. And I bet there are some who have a scheduled doctor’s appointment that required a test, that would now need to be rescheduled.
I should mention that before we left this morning, we doublechecked that they were open today by looking at their website and calling the office. There was no notice of opening 90 minutes later than usual.
With the walk-​in traffic this place gets early in the morning, I’m sure the change affected at least 50 people.
Opening late the day before a holiday (with no notice)? What a dumb thing to do.

Went to this place to get my blood drawn. If you need to get things done at this place, get there ONCE THEY OPEN, because this place does fill up pretty quickly.
The wait time was very reasonable and the process was quick. Everyone from the receptionist to the nurse have been friendly and helpful to this first timer.
Would recommend this place to anyone who needs to come here.

I did used to like this place but since they have changed hands it seems they are all about the money. They no longer have a receptionist and have cut all their snacks which were a very nice thing for people who have fasted and or just feel drained after the blood work and need a little something to pick them back up. Obviously, I am one of those people. I can see the moral of the employees seems to be suffering as well under the new ownership. Owners remember, the patients are the one and only reason you make any money at all so keep this in mind before you save a buck. I will not be back to you facility as I believe your actions show a flaw in your compassion and at this stage in my life I no longer support businesses that have no compassion for the human race.

Great place for blood work. Efficient professional personnel. Medical standards are of the highest here. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Great, friendly staff! Unfortunately they no longer have snacks or juice… Cut backs I suppose. I really really don’t like that! Some people fast before having blood drawn, and I know how icky you can feel after a draw. Having that little sugar helps regain strength… Bring you own and be prepared! Unfortunately not everyone knows how they will react after a draw… So that was a HUGE disappointment!

Micro-​review:
+=
1-​Fast & friendly service.
2-​They have juice, coffee, & snacks (mini-cupcakes)…after they suck out your blood.
3– New bright & modern!
4– Quick blood draw process with no wait!
5– Rooms named after local beaches… cool.
6– Skilled Techs… I should know I used to suck blood as an RN, in a SNF in Hawaii.
7– Tests came out great, no screwed up ruined specimens (e.g. Hemolysis)
8– Saturday hours!
9– Tech used a «Butter-​fly» needle, which while slower, is more accurate & least painful.
10– Nice blue colored sticky gauze bandage was place after.
11– Best of all— no bruising!
12– Sunny, in a new modern medical complex, right off the 101 Freeway.
13– Far, far superior to that damned Quest.
14– Relatively very comfy chairs. One recliner even!
-=
1– They are friendly Vampires… just kidding!
Conclusion: Great place for having your blood sucked in the SLO area!!! Probably one of the best, besides Mills Pennisula Hospital in da Bay Area.