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FLS2011
LIF Infant
Member since 8/11 282 total posts
Name:
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Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Hey ladies! Been lurking for a while and this is my first post on this board. I’ve seen how supportive and knowledgeable you girls are and think this board is such a great resource!
I’m homozygous for MTHFR C677T and have also experienced 3 miscarriages (2 mc’s, 1 live birth, another mc). I’ve had a panel of bloodwork done by my OB other than the presence of MTHFR everything came out ok. I have since seen an RE just to cover all bases and he didn’t feel that I needed any further testing but I’m wondering if I should look into it. I’ve seen everyone rave about Dr. B and how extensive his testing is and wondering if there are any doctors that do similar testing that take insurance. I’m just not sure if paying out of pocket for this testing is necessary since I have had some testing, consulted with an RE and tend to get pregnant quickly.
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Posted 10/25/11 7:47 AM  |
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classc1
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/10 805 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
SIRM NY uses Reprosource who then sends out the testing to Rosalind Franklin. Reprosource has started to take most all insurance and even has deeply discounted rates for those paying out of pocket. I paid about $187 when I was initially told it would cost about $500 and Reprosource prepared the paperwork for out of network benefits for my carrier. I just had to sign a contract saying that I would send Reprsource the check I got from the insurance company. I did not do the full panel though. This was for the NK assay and related tests.
You should check as Dr. B might use Reprosource too. Also..you can't go to SIRM just for immune testing...you must be a patient.
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| Posted 10/25/11 10:25 AM |
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AngnShaun
Sisters
Member since 1/10 21015 total posts
Name:
Ang
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by classc1
SIRM NY uses Reprosource who then sends out the testing to Rosalind Franklin. Reprosource has started to take most all insurance and even has deeply discounted rates for those paying out of pocket. I paid about $187 when I was initially told it would cost about $500 and Reprosource prepared the paperwork for out of network benefits for my carrier. I just had to sign a contract saying that I would send Reprsource the check I got from the insurance company. I did not do the full panel though. This was for the NK assay and related tests.
You should check as Dr. B might use Reprosource too. Also..you can't go to SIRM just for immune testing...you must be a patient.
Dr B does use Reprosource.
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| Posted 10/25/11 10:28 AM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by AngnShaun
Posted by classc1
SIRM NY uses Reprosource who then sends out the testing to Rosalind Franklin. Reprosource has started to take most all insurance and even has deeply discounted rates for those paying out of pocket. I paid about $187 when I was initially told it would cost about $500 and Reprosource prepared the paperwork for out of network benefits for my carrier. I just had to sign a contract saying that I would send Reprsource the check I got from the insurance company. I did not do the full panel though. This was for the NK assay and related tests.
You should check as Dr. B might use Reprosource too. Also..you can't go to SIRM just for immune testing...you must be a patient.
Dr B does use Reprosource.
Dr B does use Repro so the test might be covered under insruance but his office visit will not be and will run $$$$$$.
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:16 AM |
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cateyemm
Twins!
Member since 7/10 8027 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by alli3131
Posted by AngnShaun
Posted by classc1
SIRM NY uses Reprosource who then sends out the testing to Rosalind Franklin. Reprosource has started to take most all insurance and even has deeply discounted rates for those paying out of pocket. I paid about $187 when I was initially told it would cost about $500 and Reprosource prepared the paperwork for out of network benefits for my carrier. I just had to sign a contract saying that I would send Reprsource the check I got from the insurance company. I did not do the full panel though. This was for the NK assay and related tests.
You should check as Dr. B might use Reprosource too. Also..you can't go to SIRM just for immune testing...you must be a patient.
Dr B does use Reprosource.
Dr B does use Repro so the test might be covered under insruance but his office visit will not be and will run $$$$$$.
This is not true if you have out of network coverage
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:33 AM |
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Megs4
LIF Adult
Member since 11/08 1619 total posts
Name:
Megan
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
I was going to see Dr. B because I do have out of network coverage but then I found out my coverage is not that great so it was still a lot of money!
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:39 AM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by Megs4
I was going to see Dr. B because I do have out of network coverage but then I found out my coverage is not that great so it was still a lot of money!
It is still a lot of money. I would have had to pay hundreds for my out of network visit to Dr Bor my $40 copay to an in network provider.
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| Posted 10/25/11 11:48 AM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by alli3131
Posted by AngnShaun
Posted by classc1
SIRM NY uses Reprosource who then sends out the testing to Rosalind Franklin. Reprosource has started to take most all insurance and even has deeply discounted rates for those paying out of pocket. I paid about $187 when I was initially told it would cost about $500 and Reprosource prepared the paperwork for out of network benefits for my carrier. I just had to sign a contract saying that I would send Reprsource the check I got from the insurance company. I did not do the full panel though. This was for the NK assay and related tests.
You should check as Dr. B might use Reprosource too. Also..you can't go to SIRM just for immune testing...you must be a patient.
Dr B does use Reprosource.
Dr B does use Repro so the test might be covered under insruance but his office visit will not be and will run $$$$$$.
The cost of the office visit depends on what your out of network benefits are like. For me, I met my deductible because of IVF and I don't have to pay anything when I go for my appointments. I just have to give them the checks I get in the mail. I actually pay LESS than when he was in network! Soooo it varies from plan to plan....
Message edited 10/25/2011 1:26:40 PM.
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| Posted 10/25/11 1:26 PM |
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FLS2011
LIF Infant
Member since 8/11 282 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Thanks everyone! I don't have OON benefits right now, so Dr. B is not an option, especially since I'm not sure if I would even "need" the testing. I’m just looking to be extra cautious and also know that I am capable of sustaining a healthy pregnancy. I've just been reading up on the NK assay and some other testing that I have not had done and wondering if it's worthwhile to push for. I know lots of you have had all of this done and everyone's circumstances vary greatly but what's your opinion? Do you think I should peruse this? Would love to hear all of your thoughts.
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| Posted 10/25/11 2:24 PM |
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cateyemm
Twins!
Member since 7/10 8027 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
I think if you've had multiple m/c you should definitely persue it. I think Dr. Tortoriello at SIRM does immune testing.
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| Posted 10/25/11 3:51 PM |
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cateyemm
Twins!
Member since 7/10 8027 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by alli3131
Posted by Megs4
I was going to see Dr. B because I do have out of network coverage but then I found out my coverage is not that great so it was still a lot of money!
It is still a lot of money. I would have had to pay hundreds for my out of network visit to Dr Bor my $40 copay to an in network provider.
It depends on your plan. For me, it ended up being cheaper going out of network since I dont pay copays, and I had a very low deductible that I had already met. Everyone's different.
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| Posted 10/25/11 3:52 PM |
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classc1
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/10 805 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by FLS2011
Thanks everyone! I don't have OON benefits right now, so Dr. B is not an option, especially since I'm not sure if I would even "need" the testing. I’m just looking to be extra cautious and also know that I am capable of sustaining a healthy pregnancy. I've just been reading up on the NK assay and some other testing that I have not had done and wondering if it's worthwhile to push for. I know lots of you have had all of this done and everyone's circumstances vary greatly but what's your opinion? Do you think I should peruse this? Would love to hear all of your thoughts.
Absolutely pursue this. Do not throw good money after bad. It will be money well spent if it gets you your take home baby. Why waste money on expensive ART treatments when you may have an immune or clotting disorder that needs to be treated? One thing...I could be wrong but when I looked at Reprosource's info sheet, I think the only insurance carrier that is in-network for them is BCBS so no matter who you go to...you will likley run into the same problem if you do not have BCBS. No out of network benefits means that you must pay out of pocket for Reprosource wherever you go. I think that there are literally only a handful of labs that do this testing.
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| Posted 10/25/11 4:12 PM |
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FLS2011
LIF Infant
Member since 8/11 282 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by cateyemm
I think if you've had multiple m/c you should definitely persue it. I think Dr. Tortoriello at SIRM does immune testing.
Thanks for the info. As you know from my post from the PG after MC board, you my second loss was due to Triploidy and not an immune issue. The first loss I have no clue since I didn't have any genetics done and the third loss came back that the genetics were fine. In between those, I brought home a healthy baby who is now 2 and did not have any complications or have to do any treatment/meds to get pg or throughout the pregnancy. So this just leaves me confused because I don't know if I'm overacting or missing something. I'm wondering if I should just run it by my RE and just ask him to send me for the testing.
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| Posted 10/25/11 6:31 PM |
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FLS2011
LIF Infant
Member since 8/11 282 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by classc1
Posted by FLS2011
Thanks everyone! I don't have OON benefits right now, so Dr. B is not an option, especially since I'm not sure if I would even "need" the testing. I’m just looking to be extra cautious and also know that I am capable of sustaining a healthy pregnancy. I've just been reading up on the NK assay and some other testing that I have not had done and wondering if it's worthwhile to push for. I know lots of you have had all of this done and everyone's circumstances vary greatly but what's your opinion? Do you think I should peruse this? Would love to hear all of your thoughts.
Absolutely pursue this. Do not throw good money after bad. It will be money well spent if it gets you your take home baby. Why waste money on expensive ART treatments when you may have an immune or clotting disorder that needs to be treated? One thing...I could be wrong but when I looked at Reprosource's info sheet, I think the only insurance carrier that is in-network for them is BCBS so no matter who you go to...you will likley run into the same problem if you do not have BCBS. No out of network benefits means that you must pay out of pocket for Reprosource wherever you go. I think that there are literally only a handful of labs that do this testing.
I had 2 mc's then went on to have a healthy baby with no complications at all and never needed to even see the help of a high risk OB or RE with that pregnancy. I was never even treated for the MTHFR during my pg with my son because my second loss was due to chromosome issues, not immune and my homosystine was within normal range. The good news is that I do have BC/BS so I'm wondering if I can just request this testing from my current RE. His plan for my next pregnancy is baby aspirin, Folgard, Lovenox and progesterone.
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| Posted 10/25/11 6:38 PM |
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classc1
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/10 805 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by FLS2011
Posted by classc1
Posted by FLS2011
Thanks everyone! I don't have OON benefits right now, so Dr. B is not an option, especially since I'm not sure if I would even "need" the testing. I’m just looking to be extra cautious and also know that I am capable of sustaining a healthy pregnancy. I've just been reading up on the NK assay and some other testing that I have not had done and wondering if it's worthwhile to push for. I know lots of you have had all of this done and everyone's circumstances vary greatly but what's your opinion? Do you think I should peruse this? Would love to hear all of your thoughts.
Absolutely pursue this. Do not throw good money after bad. It will be money well spent if it gets you your take home baby. Why waste money on expensive ART treatments when you may have an immune or clotting disorder that needs to be treated? One thing...I could be wrong but when I looked at Reprosource's info sheet, I think the only insurance carrier that is in-network for them is BCBS so no matter who you go to...you will likley run into the same problem if you do not have BCBS. No out of network benefits means that you must pay out of pocket for Reprosource wherever you go. I think that there are literally only a handful of labs that do this testing.
I had 2 mc's then went on to have a healthy baby with no complications at all and never needed to even see the help of a high risk OB or RE with that pregnancy. I was never even treated for the MTHFR during my pg with my son because my second loss was due to chromosome issues, not immune and my homosystine was within normal range. The good news is that I do have BC/BS so I'm wondering if I can just request this testing from my current RE. His plan for my next pregnancy is baby aspirin, Folgard, Lovenox and progesterone.
Unfortunately, I believe that in some, pregnancy can trigger an elevation of NK cells and such. The problem with just having your doctor order the tests is that you will need someone to interpret them..but it may be worth a shot. GL!!
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| Posted 10/25/11 8:08 PM |
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BA2008
Need to find some hope!
Member since 2/08 2485 total posts
Name:
Beth -Ann
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
I have Oxford and I always got my money back from Reprosource. It might take a while (like 7-9 months) but if its covered, you will get your money back.
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| Posted 10/26/11 11:00 AM |
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Irishgrl1017
It happened :)
Member since 9/08 1872 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by PennyCat
Posted by alli3131
Posted by AngnShaun
Posted by classc1
SIRM NY uses Reprosource who then sends out the testing to Rosalind Franklin. Reprosource has started to take most all insurance and even has deeply discounted rates for those paying out of pocket. I paid about $187 when I was initially told it would cost about $500 and Reprosource prepared the paperwork for out of network benefits for my carrier. I just had to sign a contract saying that I would send Reprsource the check I got from the insurance company. I did not do the full panel though. This was for the NK assay and related tests.
You should check as Dr. B might use Reprosource too. Also..you can't go to SIRM just for immune testing...you must be a patient.
Dr B does use Reprosource.
Dr B does use Repro so the test might be covered under insruance but his office visit will not be and will run $$$$$$.
The cost of the office visit depends on what your out of network benefits are like. For me, I met my deductible because of IVF and I don't have to pay anything when I go for my appointments. I just have to give them the checks I get in the mail. I actually pay LESS than when he was in network! Soooo it varies from plan to plan....
Ditto here. I pay less as well
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| Posted 10/26/11 6:15 PM |
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KMCGK
Gotta have faith
Member since 7/09 2176 total posts
Name:
Keep the Faith
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
After three losses, you should definitely have more testing. No excuse. Any OB or RE that thinks it's "Ok" to not pursue the reason why you had a loss or says it's "Normal" or even just "bad luck" to have three losses shouldn't be worth your time or your money, regardless of your live birth.
I had a genetic loss as well and that was my farthest pregnancy, it doesn't explain the other five. I also have a ton of issues including immune and thrombo.
Look into everything and get the information for yourself.
For me, a co-pay or an out of pocket office visit is small beans compared to the emotional and physical pain of a loss.
GL
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| Posted 10/26/11 7:24 PM |
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FLS2011
LIF Infant
Member since 8/11 282 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by KMCGK
After three losses, you should definitely have more testing. No excuse. Any OB or RE that thinks it's "Ok" to not pursue the reason why you had a loss or says it's "Normal" or even just "bad luck" to have three losses shouldn't be worth your time or your money, regardless of your live birth.
I had a genetic loss as well and that was my farthest pregnancy, it doesn't explain the other five. I also have a ton of issues including immune and thrombo.
Look into everything and get the information for yourself.
For me, a co-pay or an out of pocket office visit is small beans compared to the emotional and physical pain of a loss.
GL
Thanks for the input! As I mentioned, I have had lots of bloodwork (thrombo, chrome analysis, clotting issues, etc) done thus far and other than the presence of MTHFR nothing else has shown up. My mc's may be attributed to the MTHFR, especially since I did not have any treatment for it at the times of the losses. I just figured that I would look into doctors that do accept my insurance before extending the search/money to those that don't.
I totally agree about getting info yourself and not just blindly trusting your doctor, especially if it can avoid the pain of a loss! So sorry for your losses hand hopefully you will get some answers and take home a much deserved baby!
Message edited 10/27/2011 9:18:04 AM.
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| Posted 10/27/11 9:12 AM |
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FLS2011
LIF Infant
Member since 8/11 282 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctors who do extensive immune testing
Posted by classc1
Posted by FLS2011
Posted by classc1
Posted by FLS2011
Thanks everyone! I don't have OON benefits right now, so Dr. B is not an option, especially since I'm not sure if I would even "need" the testing. I’m just looking to be extra cautious and also know that I am capable of sustaining a healthy pregnancy. I've just been reading up on the NK assay and some other testing that I have not had done and wondering if it's worthwhile to push for. I know lots of you have had all of this done and everyone's circumstances vary greatly but what's your opinion? Do you think I should peruse this? Would love to hear all of your thoughts.
Absolutely pursue this. Do not throw good money after bad. It will be money well spent if it gets you your take home baby. Why waste money on expensive ART treatments when you may have an immune or clotting disorder that needs to be treated? One thing...I could be wrong but when I looked at Reprosource's info sheet, I think the only insurance carrier that is in-network for them is BCBS so no matter who you go to...you will likley run into the same problem if you do not have BCBS. No out of network benefits means that you must pay out of pocket for Reprosource wherever you go. I think that there are literally only a handful of labs that do this testing.
I had 2 mc's then went on to have a healthy baby with no complications at all and never needed to even see the help of a high risk OB or RE with that pregnancy. I was never even treated for the MTHFR during my pg with my son because my second loss was due to chromosome issues, not immune and my homosystine was within normal range. The good news is that I do have BC/BS so I'm wondering if I can just request this testing from my current RE. His plan for my next pregnancy is baby aspirin, Folgard, Lovenox and progesterone.
Unfortunately, I believe that in some, pregnancy can trigger an elevation of NK cells and such. The problem with just having your doctor order the tests is that you will need someone to interpret them..but it may be worth a shot. GL!!
Good to know! Thanks!
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| Posted 10/27/11 9:18 AM |
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