Patient FAQs
Do you have questions? We have answers. Please contact us directly if we have not answered your Know Error question below.
How does the know error® system help me?
The know error® system ensures your safety by giving you the confidence that your biopsy results belong to you. Your physician can proceed with the recommended treatment with a high level of certainty.
What type of biopsy samples use the know error® system?
Currently, the know error® system is conducted on bladder, breast, cervical, colon, endometrial and prostate biopsy samples where well over 190,000 patients have been protected.
Why do you need my DNA?
Your DNA plays an important part in the biopsy evaluation process. With a reference sample of DNA (taken via cheek swab at the time of your procedure), physicians using the know error® system can confirm that any biopsy samples used in your diagnosis are, in fact, your samples and are not contaminated with other tissue.
What is self-identification?
Self-identification is your part in the know error® system. Your initials next to your name and patient information on the cheek swab bag label is the first step to ensure that you are you.
Will my DNA information be confidential?
All of your personal information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a U.S. law designed to provide privacy standards to protect patients’ medical records and other health information available to health plans, doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. Developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, these standards provide patients with access to their medical records and more control over how their personal health information is used and disclosed. Click here to review our comprehensive privacy policy.
Does medical insurance/Medicare cover the cost of the Know Error test?
Each insurance plan is different but many insurance companies will cover the cost of the Know Error test. Strand Diagnostics bills your Medicare and/or commercial insurance companies directly for you. We can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET at 1-888-924-6779, option 1 or by email at billing@knowerror.com.
How will I know if my insurance will cover the cost the Know Error test?
Once the claim process begins, you should receive a statement from your insurance carrier known as an Explanation of Benefit (EOB). The EOB will explain the services that have been billed and the amount covered by your plan.EOBs are NOT bills (“This is not a bill” is usually printed on the EOB you receive). If you have questions about the EOB statements you receive, do not contact your physician’s office, please contact a Strand financial services representative. There is a chance your insurance company will mail a check directly to you as reimbursement for the cost of Know Error testing instead of mailing it to Strand Diagnostics. Please do not cash the check; instead contact us at 1-888-924-6779, option 1 for information on forwarding the insurance check to Strand Diagnostics or email us at billing@knowerror.com.
What if my insurance company denies the claim for the Know Error test?
Strand will appeal all claims on your behalf. If your health insurer continues to deny the claim, you will get the same benefit provided to our uninsured patients, that is, a bill for $295. Please contact us with any questions or to establish a payment plan. We can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET at 1-888-924-6779, option 1 or by email at billing@knowerror.com.
Can I have the Know Error test if I do not have medical insurance?
Yes, your doctor can request the test on any of your biopsy tissues positive for cancer. The uninsured price for a Know Error test is $295. One of our financial services representatives can assist you Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET at 1-888-924-6779, option 1.
