CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Available now: The July 1 Preferred Lab Network roster
UnitedHealthcare·Network News
Effective date
Jul 1, 2026
We identified it
Jul 2, 2026
Summary
UnitedHealthcare has updated its Preferred Lab Network roster effective July 1, 2026. The network includes designated laboratories across four service categories (Full test menu, Genetic/molecular pathology, Pathology, and Toxicology). Referring patients to these preferred labs may reduce out-of-pocket costs, and providers will be able to identify them in UnitedHealthcare directories and the Designated Diagnostic Provider tool.
Action Required
By June 30, 2026: Billing team should review the updated Preferred Lab Network roster and update internal referral protocols and provider education materials to reflect the new network effective July 1, 2026. Providers and clinical staff should be notified to preferentially refer to labs on the UnitedHealthcare Preferred Lab Network (Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics, Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Natera, Neogenomics, AmeriPath, Clinical Pathology Laboratories, Aegis Sciences, and Millennium Health) to help reduce patient out-of-pocket costs. Update any internal lab referral lists, EMR routing rules, or standing orders to include these designated providers. Verify that your billing system and provider portal access reflects the updated Designated Diagnostic Provider directory starting July 1, 2026. No claim processing changes are required, but proactive referral guidance will optimize patient cost-sharing.