Medicare is refusing to cover costs of Igenex testing for a friend. I thought they used to cover all costs. They did when my parents were tested last fall. There is, or at least was, a section on the lab order to fill out with Medicare information so that the patient would not have to pay up front and then seek reimbursement.
Has this changed? Is there a new procedure for obtaining reimbursement?
TIA to anyone who can help.
Suzanne
Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :
Hi Suzanne,
I had someone tell me recently that Medicare did not cover testing at IgeneX! I could not believe it, because several months ago I had a test for Ehrlichia there and it was covered by medicare.
Try their website and call the 800 number and ask them if medicare routinely covers their testing. http://www.igenex.com/index.shtml
If you find out, would you post it for us since many of us would be affected?
Thanx....nan
Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :
Yipes! I don't know either Suzanne but I had tests run mid June. The form still had the medicare box on it. (That doesn't mean they'll pay it though.)
They were covered in the past. I haven't recieved a medicare summary on the new ones, yet.
Posted by tabbytamer (Member # 3159) on :
I just had tests run two weeks ago. And they still had a place on the form for direct Medicare billing.
I hope they are still doing it, otherwise I'll be hit with a lab bill I have no way to pay tickedintx: Could it be that maybe your friend's doctor did not support requesting the lab with appropriate diagnosis codes?
Or maybe they forgot to include a photocopy of your friend's Medicare card when they sent off the kit?
------------------ Tabby
[This message has been edited by tabbytamer (edited 24 July 2005).]
Posted by tickedntx (Member # 5660) on :
Tabby:
Excellent questions, and I will forward them to my friend.
Thank you to everyone who has replied.
Posted by deja vu (Member # 7656) on :
I just had labwork done with Igenex last week and spoke with them on the phone. I believe it is still covered....section for Medicare which they also mentioned over the phone. So should be OK.
Posted by perplexed (Member # 1913) on :
I sure hope they still use Medicare. I have an appt with an LLMD in a few weeks, and he uses them. I will be up a creek paddling backwards if they do not!!
Jean :
Posted by nannie (Member # 5250) on :
In our state, we have this wonderful little consumer law that puts the burden of finding out what and what amount insurance will cover on the treating healthcare provider. Failure to advocate, no matter what state you are in and no matter if you participate can cost a healthcare provider their license-and it will be forwarded to the appropriate state.
WRT Igenex. Medicare bills are overseen and processed by fiscal intermediaries (FIs). FI's acceptance and reimbursement amounts can vary according to the FI. So if you have Medicare, an Igenex test might be covered under Medicare in one state but not covered in another state depending on the FI. Reimbursement amounts would also vary.
I have not checked the Igenex form of late, but, always check all medical forms for lines/provisions thta make you financially liable. Cross them out. If anyone says anything, tell them that they violate participating provider contracts-i.e. in the case of Medicare, could trigger an investigation. See how fast this gets your bills paid in full.
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