Genetic test

[Guest guest]

I have a question for you all. I have been told that it is crucial for

me to take some sort of test to indicate the disease. They are supposed

to take 5 cube centimeters of blood supposedly and have me officially

listed as someone with SMA. Have any of you taken this test? What am I

supposed to expect? Any info would be great and soon please! Thank you.

Maya

http://www.brightdarkness.webpicturebook.com/

[Guest guest]

I have never taken a test involving blood for SMA.

[Guest guest]

There are VERY FEW genetic tests that Insurance companies pay for. You doctor office knew this. Testing for genetics are more of an FYI endeavor as opposed to an actual treatment protocol. Most every DNA testing done will be out of pocket pay. What information gained would have made a change in actual the actual treatment plan?? Since most treatments and therapy for ASD etc are based on symptoms and clinical observations anyway. If you cab document concretely how a GENETIC. result would have made a practical difference then that is your best chance for an insurance recourse. Sent from the KFree iPhoneOn Dec 3, 2010, at 10:11 PM, "warwick51197" <dmwarwick@...> wrote:

Hello All,

I have a 13 year old son with autism and epilepsy. During a consultation with a new pediatric neurologist, she recommended that my son get a series of genetic tests done, as she noted that he had some "dysmorphic features" and this raised concerns for a multi-gene disorder. One test in particular, one that is suppose to be the most effective method in detecting chromosomal microdeletions or microduplications, known as "comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was done on my son but ultimately denied by my insurance company because it was considered "investigational". The doctors office never gave me the CPT codes to see if my insurance company would pay for it and now there's a possibility that I might be stuck with paying a $3,300 bill! I never thought of checking to see if this was a covered item. I now have to try and appeal the charges with the insurance company and was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience with the insurance companies denying genetic testing. If so, how were you successful in getting them to pay for it.

I have since found out that because of my experience and situation, the doctors office is now providing the CPT codes to their patients so they can check to see if the insurance company will pay for it. Now why didn't they think of doing this for me?!!

Thanks,

Debbie