I've been chugging along through treatment the past couple of months and I'm going to be following up with my LLNP at the end of the month.
Due to the fact that I've seen minimal improvement over the past year, I'm considering getting tested again but this time through Igenex. I'm hoping that this may give me a clearer picture of what exactly I have.
So my questions are, do I have to do anything ahead of time before my appointment to be tested through them and what am I looking at as far as costs? Thanks!
Posts: 87 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Aug 2015
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If you're on Medicare, you could call Igenex and ask if Medicare still pays for Lyme tests. Also, find out if you have to be Fasting before taking the test.
Posts: 653 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Oct 2014
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My appointment is in the morning so I will plan on fasting just in case I'm thinking.
Posts: 87 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Aug 2015
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If you qualify as low income, www.lymetap.com will cover 75% of IGeneX costs! You can contact them and find out.
I don't think we have to fast for the bloodtesting to be done, but you can call them. 1-800-832-3200.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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I think also that you don't have to Fast for Igenex testing.
But just in case, here's my method - - - If I have to Fast for a blood test for my GP, it's a 12 hr Fast, which means I eat dinner, then around 8pm stop all
food but drink lots of water (I was just told this by my blood lab). Then any time after about 8am the next morning, you can have the blood drawn but no food till after the blood draw.
Also, during the night, void your bladder as needed, but drink some water afterwards. Keep yourself hydrated. Also, just before the blood draw, I shake my arms down and
then run my hand and fingers in a downward motion from above my elbow to my finger tips. Since Lyme makes me dehydrated, I drink lots of water in the car on the way to the
blood lab and in the waiting room, but don't void my bladder till after the blood has been drawn but if you need to void, do so and then drink more water. Also, there is a special
Igenex blood draw form (your doctor gets this form from them or it can probably be downloaded). When I had my Igenex blood test, I had to have the form and give it to them.
Otherwise, they don't know what in the world you're talking about. Your doctor has to sign the form first, authorizing it. I think they draw four vials - if I remember right.
Posts: 653 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Oct 2014
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quote:Originally posted by Robin123: So I presume you have their testing kit?
No, I do not. Can I get that by calling? I have United Healthcare for insurance so I'm hoping it covers some of it.
Posts: 87 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Aug 2015
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Yes, either you or your doctor needs to have their testing kit - they will mail to you for free. Then you need to get your blood drawn early in the week, like Monday is a good idea for blood draw day.
My understanding is that insurance doesn't cover but you will need to ask them. And as I said above, if you qualify for low income, www.lymetap.com will cover 75%.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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