Panorama test

My OB suggested I get the panorama test (blood test for genetic disorders), even though I'm not 35. I asked him if insurance will cover it and he said No, and that I will get a very large bill, in the thousands, but that I should ignore it. He said all his patients do this and none have ever had to pay. He said the company just sends such a high bill to try to get as much as possible out of insurance but that they don't actually expect patients to pay it. This all has me very unsure of what to do. I want to have the testing done. But we definitely can't afford it if we are held liable to pay it. I love my OB and trust him fully as a doctor, but it still makes me nervous to go ahead with the testing just to have to deal with trying to fight a huge bill. Am I being overly cautious? I feel like it's easy for a doctor to say don't worry, because the bill won't be going to him. Should I call my insurance company first? He said no, but I still wonder if I should, because maybe there's a possibility they do cover the test?

Panorama test

My OBGYN had me take it because I will be 35 when I deliver. They gave me their panorama rep's information to work out payment but when I called my insurance NYSHIP Empire Plan they said they would cover it and I would just need to pay a $20 copay because they cover genetic testing. I would call your insurance and then talk to the panoroma rep to ensure that they are still doing the deal that if insurance doesn't cover it you are liable for $200 dollars instead of thousands.

Re: Panorama test

I would absolutely call. When we met with the genetics counselor, we were given a few tests to choose from and told the same thing (that they will most likely knock the bill down). However, our insurance would only cover Panorama and wouldn't cover any of the other "competing" tests. So in that sense the decision was made for us about which test to go with.

Re: Panorama test

My OB does Panorama for all patients regardless of insurance or criteria. I was told I would receive the big bill mailed to me twice and then it would be adjusted and I'd have to pay something like $250. We'll see in a few weeks...

Panorama test

I had the panorama test done and the nurse said it would be covered. Well a few weeks later i got a bill for $5,500!!!!!! I've called the lab 2x and was told a manager would call me back but no one has called yet. I just left a msg for the office manager at my OB office to see if she knows anything about it. I'm trying not to panic bc I've heard a lot of people have gotten insane bills but only had to pay a small portion.

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Panorama test

The nurse called me back and said to send them a copy of the bill and they will take care of it! The lab is so shady bc I called and they said they would have a manager call me back. After a week I hadn't heard from them so I called again and they said Oh I see you called. I'm sending this to the manager and someone will call you within 72 hours. Well that was also a week ago! So I decided to call my OB office. So weird! I think they just hope people will send the money. My insurance did pay about about $3,000 and then i still had a balance of $5,500.

Re: Panorama test