[JHop11]

My labwork showed an elevated Sulfatide IgM and was "polyreactive". the IgG was 0. From what I understand about pathology, this means my body has not made long term antibodies to protect myself from a virus, it is still using short term antibodies.

Anyone ever have this test? What did your doctor do next?

Anyone ever get their insurance to approve IVIg? My insurance has denied it 2x already.

Has anyone ever seen an immunologist or an infectious disease doctor?
I have no abnormal test results except this anti-sulfatide antibody thing. I just want my PN to stop

-Thanks in advance
-J

[northerngal]

I don't know anything about the particular antibody that you mentioned. A VGKC antibody in my blood work is what got my cidp diagnosis.
If you look up your insurance company info online it should show a list of conditions that they cover ivig for.
Sometimes you can have a phone hearing with a small panel of people from the ins .co. (a Dr. should always be on the panel) and present your case. They might cover for conditions not on the list. If you get to that point, do your research, try to put that panel in your shoes. Worked for me when I needed rituxin, which isn't typically used for cidp.

[Neuroproblem]

It seems that anti-sulfatide IGM, is cause of the neuropathy, i googled, it and it does cause it. This would make an autoimmune disease, that cause this particular igm to cause neuropathies.
I think the insurance denied you based on cost. according to wikipedia(of all places)
IVIG cost is stable but over $75/g. ($15,000 for a 100 kg (220 lbs) person at 2g/kg).
I know they wouldnt pay something like that.

[northerngal]

Possibly the reason your insurance isn't covering is the way the Dr. has your diagnosis written/coded. Ask him/her to see if they can code or write it differently.
Insurance companies can't deny treatment based on the price of it. They can request you try other things first---but right now IVIG is the first line treatment for an immune system related neuropathy.
What is your current diagnosis? Who is your insurance company?

[Neuroproblem]

Originally Posted by northerngal

Possibly the reason your insurance isn't covering is the way the Dr. has your diagnosis written/coded. Ask him/her to see if they can code or write it differently.
Insurance companies can't deny treatment based on the price of it. They can request you try other things first---but right now IVIG is the first line treatment for an immune system related neuropathy.
What is your current diagnosis? Who is your insurance company?

Actually they can deny paying for it, but not deny the treatment. The insurance is the one paying for the treatment, and they can choose to not pay, depending on what kind of policy the patient has with the insurance. The cost of ivg treatment is extremely expensive, if you thinking about getting treatment by the month, or years. the MD can offer you and give you the treatment but its the insurance thats paying the cost.

[northerngal]

J ---- back to your original question..... Many many people have received IVIG for an immune related neuropathy (myself included) in which the insurance company has covered.
If your Dr. feels you need it due to the antibody you have, then ask him to be more specific in the medical coding-----they should have given you a reason for why they denied the first two requests.
Dealing with the insurance companies can be frustrating, it's easier if you have a good Dr. who will call and work it out with them for you. Good luck.., don't get discouraged.....and I hope you are able to get the treatment you need.