[ 07-10-2009, 12:21 PM: Message edited by: Pinelady ]
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
I believe NY has some very strict rules about docs needing to use labs licensed in the state for non-Medicare business (or something similar). I may be wrong.
All I know is NY is a weird animal of its own when it comes to insurance!
Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :
IgeneX was available to NY residents last time I checked, however there is one test PCR (maybe 2) that are not available to NY residents as the state has some very stringent laws on what they consider to be valid testing, dictated by the CDC.
(IGeneX is now performing a courtesy PCR on serum if whole blood is ordered and vice versa if both serum and whole blood are received.)
The Initial Lyme Panel includes IgG and IgM Western Blots and PCR (whole blood and serum):
Panel 5010** #188, #189 & #456, (and #453)
(IGeneX is now performing a courtesy PCR on serum if whole blood is ordered and vice versa if both serum and whole blood are received.)
*Not available for NY Residents ** Use for NY Residents
The double asterisk is to indicate the type of testing Panel available to NY residents.
Am I misunderstanding your question?
Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :
Actually maybe you should change the topic heading
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
For anyone that might be coming into this topic fresh, so you see both sides of the issue, a letter from IGeneX Labs CEO Nick Harris, in response to the article MarsyNY posted (from August 23rd 2005 NY Times):
A Letter from IGeneX Labs CEO, Nick Harris (CA)
quote:"I am pleased to announce that IGeneX, Inc. recently passed two inspections on September 7 and 8, 2005, for its biannual recertification from the State of California. A federal inspector also arrived simultaneously, indicating she was present due to the NY Times article August 23 which had made allegations against IGeneX laboratories. The inspection was intense, with a focus on the Western Blots which had been cited in the NY Times article.
The lab has been fully recertified, and the inspectors clearly saw the allegations were without merit.
Despite a volume of letters to the Times after the article by patients, groups,and doctors in support of IGeneX, nothing was printed by the Times.
IGenex thanks all the Lyme community for your support. Perhaps the Times will relent and print another piece on this issue.
Sincerely, Nick Harris CEO, IGeneX Labs Palo Alto, California"
edited for clarity :-)
[ 07-10-2009, 11:29 AM: Message edited by: nenet ]
Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :
Nenet,
Sorry if you misunderstood, the article link was posted to help Pinelady understand the ridiculous reasons NYS has for not allowing some of these tests.
It stuck out in my mind because I picked up a NY Times that morning as I was on my way to get my first IgeneX test. My stomach was in knots hoping that the Dr. did not read the paper and change his mind. It answered the question of those asterisks for me that day as I did not understand why all the tests were not available.
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
That is SO unfair the NYT wouldn't comment after the lab passed testing. BS.
Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :
You know when they'll comment when someone famous has crippling lyme disease and speaks out about IgeneX
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
Hey MarsyNY, I totally understood where you were coming from, no worries!
That was just for Pinelady's and anyone else's benefit that might be coming into this topic fresh, so they could see both sides of the issue.
I'm sorry I wasn't more clear about that. I will edit it for clarity.
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
Yes nenet that is to what I refer. According to
CPT codes they allow WB IgG and IgM and PCR whole
blood and serum. But not any IFA? Is this correct? I'm sorry I'm lost here. Slap me with a skillet, I don't understand.
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
quote:Originally posted by Pinelady:
Yes nenet that is to what I refer. According to CPT codes they allow WB IgG and IgM and PCR whole blood and serum. But not any IFA?
Is this correct? I'm sorry I'm lost here. Slap me with a skillet, I don't understand.
"Slap me with a skillet"!
Ahh I love that phrase! That's defintely going in my lexicon.
I believe what MArsyNY posted covers why NY doesn't recognize the #230 (Lyme IFA) Test from IGeneX.
If not, then I am as confused as you are, and I need someone to slap me with a skillet too!
Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :
Yes Pinelady,
Looks like they allow the PCR whole now but not the IFA I just looked at the form and it is a bit confusing no need for the skillet yet.
So if you are in NY and want the panel its 5010 or just order Tests # 188 & 189 to save money.