To find UR Medicine (U of R) labs near you, utilize the MyChart portal or the UR Medicine Labs online locator to access over 40 patient service centers across Monroe and surrounding counties. These facilities provide professional phlebotomy and diagnostic services for University of Rochester Medical Center patients and those with external provider orders. This guide specifically focuses on the University of Rochester Medical Center (UR Medicine) network in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region of New York.
Navigating the UR Medicine Lab Network in 2026
The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) operates one of the most extensive laboratory networks in Upstate New York. Known as UR Medicine Labs, this system includes hospital-based laboratories, such as those at Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital, as well as dozens of convenient outpatient Patient Service Centers (PSCs). In 2026, the network has expanded to meet the growing demand for specialized diagnostic testing and rapid result turnaround.
When searching for "u of r labs near me," it is essential to distinguish between the various types of facilities available. Most patients require a standard outpatient PSC for routine blood draws or urine collection. However, certain specialized tests—such as those requiring immediate processing or pediatric-specific phlebotomists—may be restricted to specific locations.
Outpatient Patient Service Centers (PSCs)
These are standalone or office-based sites designed for speed and convenience. They are located in high-traffic areas like Brighton, Henrietta, Greece, and Pittsford. Most sites in 2026 offer online check-in capabilities to minimize wait times.
Hospital-Based Labs
Located within facilities like Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson, these labs are typically open 24/7 for emergency and inpatient needs but also maintain outpatient hours. They are ideal for patients who have appointments with specialists on the same campus.
Primary UR Medicine Lab Locations and Hours (2026)
As of 2026, UR Medicine Labs has optimized its geographic footprint to ensure most residents in the Rochester area are within a 10-minute drive of a facility. Below are the core high-volume locations serving the community.
| Location Name | Address | Primary Hours (M-F) | Specialized Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawgrass Drive (Brighton) | 180 Sawgrass Dr, Rochester, NY | 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Pediatric Draws, Fasting Tests |
| Clinton Crossings | 2400 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY | 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Oncology-Related Testing |
| Strong Memorial Hospital | 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY | 24/7 (Outpatient 7 AM - 6 PM) | Critical Care, STAT Labs |
| Greece (Latta Road) | 3170 Latta Rd, Rochester, NY | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Routine Wellness Screens |
| Henrietta (Calkins Rd) | 115 Calkins Rd, Rochester, NY | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Glucose Tolerance Testing |
| Highland Hospital | 1000 South Ave, Rochester, NY | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Geriatric Specialists |
| Webster (Barrett Dr) | 1672 Barrett Dr, Webster, NY | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Routine Phlebotomy |
| Pittsford (Monroe Ave) | 3100 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Standard Diagnostic Draws |
Note: Saturday hours are available at select locations, including Sawgrass Drive and Latta Road, typically from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Scheduling and Appointment Requirements
In 2026, UR Medicine Labs has transitioned to a "Digital-First" entry model. While walk-ins are still accepted at most locations, patients with scheduled appointments or those who use the "On My Way" feature in MyChart receive priority sequencing.
How to Schedule Your Lab Visit
- MyChart App: Log into your UR Medicine MyChart account. Navigate to "Find Care" and select "Lab Visit." You can view real-time wait times for nearby locations and book a specific slot.
- Online Check-In: For those without MyChart, the UR Medicine Labs website offers a guest check-in feature that allows you to "join the line" before you leave your house.
- Provider Orders: Ensure your healthcare provider has submitted an electronic order. If you have a paper requisition from a non-URMC provider, you must bring the physical copy with you.
Documentation Needed
- A valid government-issued photo ID.
- Current insurance card (digital or physical).
- The paper requisition form (only if the order was not sent electronically).
- A list of current medications (relevant for certain therapeutic drug monitoring tests).
Insurance Coverage and Billing Protocols for 2026
UR Medicine Labs participates with a wide array of insurance providers. However, laboratory benefits can vary significantly between plans. In 2026, UR Medicine remains a "Tier 1" or "In-Network" provider for the majority of major plans in the Finger Lakes region.
Insurance Acceptance Standards 2026
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield: UR Medicine Labs is a participating provider for all Excellus plans, including Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Managed Medicaid.
MVP Health Care: Full participation across all product lines.
Aetna and UnitedHealthcare (UHC): UR Medicine is in-network for most national PPO and HMO plans. However, patients with UHC "Oxford" or specific restricted-network plans should verify that URMC is their designated lab provider, as some plans mandate the use of LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics.
Medicare and Medicaid: Traditional Medicare (Part B) and NYS Medicaid are accepted. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage HMO, you must ensure URMC is within your plan's specific network to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
Cigna and Humana: Generally accepted, but prior authorization may be required for high-cost molecular or genetic testing.
Self-Pay and High-Deductible Plans
For patients without insurance or those on high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), UR Medicine offers a self-pay discount schedule. In 2026, transparent pricing for common tests (like a Basic Metabolic Panel or Lipid Profile) is available upon request at the registration desk.
Specialized Testing and Pediatric Services
Not all "u of r labs" are equipped for specialized diagnostic procedures. If your provider has ordered complex testing, you should choose your location carefully.
Pediatric Phlebotomy
Drawing blood from infants and young children requires specialized training and equipment (smaller needles, "butterfly" sets, and distraction techniques). The Sawgrass Drive and Strong Memorial Hospital locations are the primary centers for pediatric patients. They employ phlebotomists specifically certified in pediatric care.
Glucose Tolerance Testing (GTT)
Commonly used for diagnosing gestational diabetes, GTT requires the patient to remain at the lab for one to three hours. It is highly recommended to schedule these appointments in advance at larger centers like Clinton Crossings or Calkins Road, where comfortable waiting areas are available.
Pathology and Biopsy Samples
If you are dropping off a sample collected at home (such as a 24-hour urine collection or a stool sample), these can be accepted at any Patient Service Center. However, ensure the container is labeled with your full name, date of birth, and the date/time of collection.
Preparing for Your Lab Appointment
Proper preparation is the most critical factor in ensuring accurate test results. Failure to follow pre-test instructions often results in the need for a re-draw.
- Fasting Requirements: If your test requires fasting (usually for Glucose or Lipid panels), do not consume anything except water for 8 to 12 hours prior to the draw. Avoid coffee, tea, and gum.
- Hydration: Being well-hydrated makes your veins more accessible and the draw process much smoother. Drink plenty of water unless your doctor has specifically restricted fluid intake.
- Medication Consumption: Continue taking your routine medications unless your doctor explicitly told you to stop. For "trough level" drug testing (e.g., Lithium or Digoxin levels), the timing of your last dose is critical; inform the phlebotomist exactly when you last took the medication.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.
Accessing Your Results in 2026
The UR Medicine Labs system is fully integrated with the MyChart electronic health record. This allows for rapid dissemination of information.
- Standard Results: Most routine tests (CBC, CMP, Urinalysis) are available in MyChart within 24 hours.
- Specialized Testing: Biopsies, genetic testing, and complex cultures may take 3 to 7 business days.
- Automatic Release: In compliance with federal "Open Notes" regulations updated for 2026, most lab results are released to the patient portal as soon as they are finalized, often before your doctor has had a chance to review them. Do not panic if you see a result outside the "normal" range; wait for your provider’s interpretation.
Comparison of UR Medicine Labs vs. National Chains
When deciding whether to use a UR Medicine Lab or a national chain like Quest or LabCorp, consider the following factors:
| Feature | UR Medicine Labs | National Chains (Quest/LabCorp) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Record Integration | Seamless; results go directly into your URMC chart. | May require manual upload or faxing to your URMC doctor. |
| Regional Expertise | High; pathologists are faculty at the University of Rochester. | Variable; samples may be sent to central regional hubs. |
| Availability | Excellent in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region. | Extensive national footprint; better if traveling out of state. |
| Wait Times | Managed via MyChart "On My Way." | Managed via proprietary apps; varies by location. |
| Pediatric Support | Specialized centers with pediatric experts. | Limited; depends on specific staff on-site. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"My doctor sent the order, but the lab can't find it."
This is a frequent occurrence. It usually happens if the order was sent to a different health system (like Rochester Regional Health) or if the order has expired. In 2026, most UR Medicine lab orders are valid for 6 months. If the lab cannot find your order, they can often call your doctor's office to have it refaxed or re-entered while you wait.
"I missed my scheduled appointment time."
If you are more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled slot at a busy location like Sawgrass, you may be moved to the walk-in queue. Use the MyChart app to update your status if you are running late.
"The phlebotomist couldn't find a vein."
If a draw is unsuccessful after two attempts, standard UR Medicine protocol suggests a second phlebotomist attempt the draw, or the patient may be asked to return another day after better hydration. You can request a "butterfly needle" if you know you are a "difficult stick."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for UR Medicine labs?
While walk-ins are welcome at most UR Medicine Patient Service Centers, appointments are strongly encouraged in 2026 to reduce wait times. You can schedule an appointment or use the "On My Way" feature through your MyChart account to secure a spot in line.
Which UR Medicine lab is open on weekends?
Several key locations offer Saturday morning hours, typically from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. These include the Sawgrass Drive (Brighton) and Latta Road (Greece) locations. Hospital-based outpatient labs may also have limited weekend availability. Always check the UR Medicine Labs website for the most current Saturday schedule.
How long does it take to get blood work results from U of R?
Routine blood work results are typically available within 24 hours through the MyChart portal. More complex tests, such as pathology or specialized molecular diagnostics, can take anywhere from three to seven business days depending on the complexity of the analysis required.
Can I go to a UR Medicine lab if my doctor is not part of URMC?
Yes, UR Medicine Labs accept orders from outside providers. You must bring a paper requisition form from your doctor that includes their contact information, NPI number, and the specific ICD-10 codes for the tests being ordered. Results will be faxed back to the ordering physician.
Are UR Medicine labs more expensive than Quest or LabCorp?
Costs are generally comparable for patients with insurance, as your out-of-pocket expense is determined by your insurance plan's co-pay or deductible. For self-pay patients, UR Medicine provides a transparent fee schedule that is competitive with national diagnostic chains in the Rochester area.
Final Recommendations for Your Lab Visit
To ensure the most efficient experience at a UR Medicine lab in 2026, always prioritize scheduling through MyChart. Selecting a location like Sawgrass or Clinton Crossings offers the benefit of higher staffing levels and specialized equipment. Remember to hydrate well 24 hours before your visit and verify your fasting status with your provider to avoid the need for a return trip. By choosing a UR Medicine facility, you ensure that your diagnostic data remains within your integrated health record, allowing your medical team to make the most informed decisions for your care.
