HEATHERKISS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6789
posted
I was wondering if any one has ever been reimbursed for these expensive specialty labs.
I know I need to get the tests done because regular labs "elisa" tests have come back negative.
It costs so much!
Posts: 1974 | From ABERDEEN, NJ 07747 | Registered: Jan 2005
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Lyddie
Unregistered
posted
The two Western Blots come to around $180. I ahve always been reimbursed (4 times now for various family members). Make sure a doctor who takes your insurance orders the test, and that the docctor writes on the bottom of the lab requisition "Igenex only." Then you can pretty much have the lab done anywhere and it should be covered. I usually pay up front, then fill out a claim form, attach a copy of the requisition form (get this from the lab, because they will keep the original) and insurance reimburses pretty quickly. (You have to get the kit from Igenex; they will mail it to you. You also have to arrange shipping from the lab yourself, after talking with the lab about the best pickup time)
[This message has been edited by Lyddie (edited 19 February 2005).]
posted
My insurance co pd. $24.30 out of $180.00. Need I say more? Make sure they reimburse you for IGG and IGM. Some just put lyme test and and they don't break it down to 2 tests. I got back only $12.15, then I called and told them it was 2 tests ()Igg is one and IGM is another - they doubled and send me another $12.15. Hopefully you'll have more luck.
Cigi
Posts: 320 | From Upstate, NY USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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HEATHERKISS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6789
posted
Did the prices go up? I'm paying 989.00 to igx and about 500.00 to MDL
Posts: 1974 | From ABERDEEN, NJ 07747 | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
Heather - I think that it depends on your insurance - mine reimbursed about 80%.
Posts: 128 | From Brick, NJ, USA | Registered: Dec 2003
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posted
Heather, I have traditional BC/BS and I was reimbursed 100% of the $180 it cost in 2003. You are in NJ, right? So am I. I was only tested for Lyme, not coinfections. That might be the reason for the large price tag. My LLMD ordered the test. No muss, no fuss. Yoda
Posts: 101 | From NJ | Registered: Jul 2001
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HEATHERKISS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6789
posted
I'm getting tested for LYME, bab, erch and each one tested three different ways. so it is nine tests.
Posts: 1974 | From ABERDEEN, NJ 07747 | Registered: Jan 2005
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HEATHERKISS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6789
posted
I'm paying directly to the labs.
Posts: 1974 | From ABERDEEN, NJ 07747 | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
Western Blots at IGENEX should be 180.00. $90.00 for IgG ans $90.00 for IgM) Labs at MDL were almost $1200.00. I have blue choice and they have denied every claim I have for all labs and our lyme doctor. Keep on submitting the claims. I have not given up on reimbursment but the cost of all of this scares me. I just pray they keep on paying for ABX. or I don't know what we will do.
Posts: 488 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
HEATHER, I've posted on this subject too so you might want to do a search for my detailed info there. Summary is:
IGX does NOT accept insurance; only medicare will they send the billing paperwork to them.
Make sure IGX's special form has been signed by your dr., has IC DIAGNOSIS CODE on, and write on there after send only to IGX w/their address that you want RESULTS FAXED to your dr. & paper copy mailed by snail mail.
(our clinic screwed up & didn't have drs. dx code on; all paperwork was returned to me after 6 weeks of NOT paying anything.)
I have Iowa's BC/BS; IGX is NOT approved blood lab with them! So they sent my reimbursement paperwork for $180 to "BLUE CARD" who sent my claim to Calif. BS office.
Calif. BS paid me only $43 out of $180 prepaid.
fyi - MD LABS, NJ, accepts most insurance companies, and I understand they have reputable results also. They bill medicare.
I know if I test for co-infections, I'll use MD labs next time.
I had positive results on both western blot but the paperwork hassles/phone calls were too much. IGX was sent my paperwork to call my local dr; they didn't nor did they fax him for info. Everyone passed the buck until paperwork was ALL returned to me.
Good luck. Betty G.
Posts: 1 | From US | Registered: Aug 2015
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riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
I've tested twice with Igenex. The first time it was only the Western Blot, IgG and IgM. I sent it to CA BS, and received about $45 back on a $180 payment.
The second time I was tested for all of the tick borne illnesses, with billing sent to Medicare. Medicare paid everything.
If you have insurance other than Medicare, it will depend on how your insurance handles out of network charges.
I never had any trouble getting the results sent to my doctor, and Igenex always provided the documenation needed to bill for two tests.
Just make sure your doctor puts the diagnosis code on the order, as Igenex is not allowed to write it on themselves. Insurance will not pay without a proper diagnosis code.
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