After months of trying to get my kids to be tested for lyme disease one of them finally decided they would do it.
The only way my LLMD will test them is if they have an appointmenbt with him. So this means it would cost the 460.00 he charges for the office visit plus the 195.00 for the test. Now don't tell me they are not money hungry.
This just about does it for me.
sick
Posted by pineapple (Member # 11904) on :
any patient that would require testing for possible lyme disease should have a clinical examination at an appointment as well. just doing a blood test is not sufficient for diagnosis. if i were a physician, i would have done the same thing. it is very important to look at the patient's history as well as do a physical exam. the doctor needs to also see if other diseases or conditions besides lyme could be the cause. if a doc found another condition that could mimic lyme disease and you didn't need the lyme blood test done, that llmd would have saved you from unneccessary lyme treatment and an expensive blood test.
your llmd sounds very, very smart to me.
Posted by sick (Member # 9143) on :
I don't agree.
They wanted their blood drwan to be sent to the Igenex lab.
After they got the results back they would go from there.
A patient should have more say in their care.
sick
Posted by pineapple (Member # 11904) on :
they can go to another doctor I guess.
again, a diagnosis is not to be based upon a blood test alone.
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
My LLMD signed both orders for my children to be tested.
Remember if you test 3 or more family members within a 2 week period, Igenex gives a "family"
Discount of 15%, thus tests for Lyme (188 and 189 end up costing 161.50 each).
I made no appointment with him for my children until test results came back.....
I do realize Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis, however
As my children's health insurance is not transferrable to LLMD,
I thought to see what blood tests showed first.
You can always get the children's pediatrician to sign the order for the tests.
Get a copy of them when they come in and then make an appt with LLMD.
It is a financial strain to have one of us infected with Lyme....Now I know my whole family will probably need treatment.
I understand the LLMD's reasoning behind this, but I think waiting on the test result and then
Making an appt is also feasible, especially for those of us on limited budgets.
I asked my LLMD if he gave "family" discounts as well as all of my children's treatment will
Be out of pocket for us. He said "yes".
I would pay either way, but every little penny counts.
Hope your children's tests are negative...
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by sick (Member # 9143) on :
Yes, that is the way I was thinking Geneal. Why spend the money for appt until after you get results back.
My children are older and on their own but still need to save every dollar they can.
sick
Posted by Sojourner (Member # 9424) on :
One can use a regular doc to order tests.
Since we are traveling to see docs, I thought it was better to have the igenex test in hand when we went for the appts. for my two daughters.
To that end, I had our local pediatrician sign for our one daughter (and with a little explanation and a once over she did) and my other daughter's local psychiatrist signed for her test. She was only too happy to sign off on the test and, "leave no stone unturned"
In this way, the appts to get the lab work were both covered by insurance and so it saved money and also time--since we were one step ahead at the llmd appts.
Posted by sick (Member # 9143) on :
That would be great if the local doctor would draw the blood but they refuse.
sick
Posted by Lisianthus (Member # 6631) on :
Try another doctor, there must be a few in your town that would be willing to draw the blood and send it to IGeneX. They don't have to treat, just draw the blood.
Good Luck, Lisi
Posted by robi (Member # 5547) on :
Sick,
Check with area hospital labs. They will usually draw blood for Igenex tests. They usually cahrge around $15.00 to draw. You can call Igenex and get the kit sent to your house. You will need a doc to sign for the tests. Be sure you read ALL the mailing and drawing instructions BEFORE going to the hospital as the days to be drawn and mailing instructions are very specific.
Some hospitals will even let you take the kit and mail it yourself............... that is best.