General Information

The University of Louisville Oral Pathology Laboratory offers nationwide surgical pathology services for biopsies from the oral and maxillofacial region.  Diagnoses of biopsy specimens are typically reported the day after the tissue is received.  Special procedures (i.e. decalcification of hard tissue, special stains, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent studies) require additional time.  We encourage submission of clinical images and radiographs to ensure the most precise diagnostic assessment possible.

Phone/Email Consultations

A brief consultation with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologists may provide important diagnostic or treatment recommendations.  Provision of appropriate radiographs/clinical pictures and a complete clinical history will facilitate these discussions.  These can be emailed to:

Dr. Brian Shumway: brian.shumway@louisville.edu

Dr. Sarah Franklin: sarah.franklin.1@louisville.edu

How to submit biopsy specimens

We provide free shipping through United Parcel Service (UPS) for all biopsy specimens.  Please call Kathy at our office (502) 852-5654 to arrange for shipping of specimens.

How to obtain biopsy kits

To request specimen containers and/or biopsy submission forms call Kathy at (502) 852-5654.

Instructions for specimen handling (will be included in your biopsy kit)

1. Submit each biopsy in a separate bottle.
2. Label the bottle with the Patient’s Name and Doctor’s name and place in the biohazard bag.
3. Place biohazard bag into styrofoam container, tape container shut and, insert styrofoam into cardboard box.
4. Fill out Patient Information Form completely, including the signed patient consent.
5. Attach legible copies of the patient’s medical primary and secondary insurance cards.  Dental insurance information should also be included.
6. If applicable, attach clinical photos or radiographs (alternatively these images may be emailed to the pathologists).
7. Place cardboard box and all paperwork into UPS laboratory Pak shipping bag and attach shipping label. You may place more than one biopsy in a UPS Pak.
8. Put package in a local UPS dropbox or give to a UPS driver in your area.

Note: If you would like to request immunofluorescence examination for vesiculobullous diseases (e.g. pemphigus, pemphigoid), please contact us before the biopsy procedure for special considerations.

Billing and Insurance

1. Biopsy specimens are typically billed under medical insurance.  This information should be included to defray costs to insured patients.  Dental insurance information should be included as a backup.
2. We are in-network for laboratory services with most insurance plans for the following medical providers:

Out of network insurance will be billed as a courtesy to your patient, with the patient being responsible for the unpaid balance.

Note: Many patients do not understand that when a biopsy is taken they may receive a bill from our laboratory in Louisville, KY.  To promote positive relationships with your patients, prior to performing the biopsy procedure, obtain written consent on the patient history form regarding the cost of laboratory services.