going to ER, which med to ask for?

04-17-2015, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madisongrrl

My insurance did not cover the test and said it was experimental, in their opinion.

If you don't mind me asking how much does the test cost out of pocket?

madisongrrl · 04-17-2015, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTGrad

If you don't mind me asking how much does the test cost out of pocket?

Mine was $321 for the first hole punch, $190 for the second hole punch, $558 for the immunochemistry analysis, and $1930 for the nerve analysis. I was seen at UW Hospital and they do all their biopsy analysis in-house unlike many hospitals that send their samples to Therapath.

My insurance contributed some money for the immunochemistry and the hole punches but won't contribute to the nerve analysis. I wish UW would have consulted with me first before they plowed ahead and did the testing. I will eventually pay them what I owe them, but I'm holding their feet to the fire a little bit and have asked them to explain to me as to why this wasn't a conversation up front.

St George 2013 · 04-17-2015, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madisongrrl

My insurance did not cover the test and said it was experimental, in their opinion.

As far as I know a skin punch biopsy is pretty much the Gold Standard now for small fiber neuropathy dx.

Other NT'ers......isn't this correct ?

Please excuse if you were talking about something else

Debi from Georgia

04-17-2015, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madisongrrl

Mine was $321 for the first hole punch, $190 for the second hole punch, $558 for the immunochemistry analysis, and $1930 for the nerve analysis. I was seen at UW Hospital and they do all their biopsy analysis in-house unlike many hospitals that send their samples to Therapath.

My insurance contributed some money for the immunochemistry and the hole punches but won't contribute to the nerve analysis. I wish UW would have consulted with me first before they plowed ahead and did the testing. I will eventually pay them what I owe them, but I'm holding their feet to the fire a little bit and have asked them to explain to me as to why this wasn't a conversation up front.

Wow!! That's some serious $$$ for them not to fully disclose everything up front.

echoes long ago · 04-17-2015, 08:49 PM

its been the gold standard for quite a few years now

madisongrrl · 04-17-2015, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by St George 2013

As far as I know a skin punch biopsy is pretty much the Gold Standard now for small fiber neuropathy dx.

Other NT'ers......isn't this correct ?

Please excuse if you were talking about something else

Debi from Georgia

Well Blue Cross Blue Shield must have missed that memo. Haha.

I'm probably going to pull a bunch of research articles and fight them a little bit. I doubt they will budge but I'll make some time for this challenge.

St George 2013 · 04-17-2015, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madisongrrl

Well Blue Cross Blue Shield must have missed that memo. Haha.

I'm probably going to pull a bunch of research articles and fight them a little bit. I doubt they will budge but I'll make some time for this challenge.

I'm surprised about BCBS but I guess I shouldn't be after all we've see on here

There are many articles out there. Good Luck !

Debi from Georgia

ger715 · 04-17-2015, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canagirl

I have a really good primary and two horrible neuros

It's really helpful to go to the ER where your PCP is on staff. Also, If you have Pain Management doctor, very important to give names. ER staff will contact them.

I went to ER a few years ago. After quite some time trying to correct problem; was admitted. Both my PCP and PM doctors were on staff and took over my care during ER as well as after admitting.

Gerry

ger715 · 04-17-2015, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janieg

If it makes you feel any better, I didn't get a skin biopsy. My neuro said it was an option, but said he was sure I had SFN, and all the biopsy would do is confirm it. It wouldn't help with the cause.

I know it can help mark progression, but I certainly don't want to keep getting them if they're still not going to tell me why. I'm sure I'll be able to tell if it gets worse.

Like you, My PCP & PM doctor agree this is peripheral neuropathy. Did not get tested. I guess if you are trying to get on disability, the testing would be important; otherwise, for myself, I didn't see any reason for testing.

Gerry

Kitt · 04-18-2015, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susanne C.

I would second Debi's suggestion to find a good podiatrist. Mine was very instrumental in getting me to a neurologist and getting me properly diagnosed. They see a lot of SFN and are more compassionate than many neurologists.

In my experience once a neurologist knows you have SFN they wash their hands of you as there is no treatment but the diagnosis does usually put you on the fast track for pain management as next to trigeminal neuralgia it is one of the worst pain syndromes.

They are the only specialist I see anymore as they also prescribe braces.

Just curious as to what type of braces you will get. I know you mentioned orthotics once and they would be custom made I'm sure and they just go in your shoe. AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) - braces - are quite different as you know. Thanks for your reply.

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