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first lab order from my LLMD ... is this right? Anyone with BCBSNC?

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Posted 7/23/2012 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
hiya, A bit nervous. Took my lab orders to labcorp today and they made me sign something saying that if my insurance (BCBS of NC) doesn't pay, they'll charge my credit card $5800. Then Labcorp didn't have the right chemicals to add to a few of the tests. (Technician said the tests were so unusual.)

She's ordered: (those in green, I don't know what they are???)
Bartonella Quintana/ PCR
Bartonella Quintana/ AB
Bartonella Miroti DNA
Babesia AB
Babesia DNA
Ehrlichia AB Anaplasam
Rickettsia AB
Ferritin
B12
Vit D
DHEA-S
Cortisol
CoEnzyme q10
C3a
C4a
Immunoglobulins-Quant
VEGF
Heavy Metals (urine)
ESR
CMP
TSH
Urine w/macro
EBV Panel
Parvovirus b19 Ab
Chlamydia
HNK1 profile

Is this overkill? Don't get me wrong .. I'm ecstatic to finally have a doc that is testing me for perhaps the bazillion RIGHT things, but I'm concerned my insurance won't cover it all. What's been your experience with BCBSNC?

(Add to this the Igenex basic Lyme panel, $260 out of pocket test. But Labcorp will not do this draw for me.)

ETA: I have to go to a different Labcorp lab Tues morning ... an office that has the right chemicals.)
Posted 7/23/2012 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
Well you certainly will have a long list of lab results to look at but the question is, will they be accurate. I myself have no faith in labcorp or any other lab than a specialty lab when it comes to lyme or coinfections. Even then, they are questionable.

In addition, I don't trust Bc/Bs. I would have had the lab find out what they would cover first before I signed agreeing to pay.

If you google the ones in green, you should be able to find out what they are. I hope you get some results soon. I wonder why she only ran lyme panel through igenex and not coinfections. Don't forget that you may be able to submit your igenex receipt to your insurance for partial reimbursement.
Posted 7/24/2012 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks SpringJean. I'll ask them to tell me which they'll cover first. Do I just call BCBS on the phone for this? She's not running the other things in Igenex because I don't have the money. I have to come up with $260 up front for Igx, and hopefully I will get reimbursed. So hard because the Lab won't do the draw. Any suggestions about where I can get a draw? (I'm going to try to get Labcorp to do it again tomorrow, but failing that, not sure where to go.)
Posted 7/24/2012 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
I do not know it this helps since I have bcbs arkansas.. but we have quest lab that pays 100% as long as quest does the work. I figured all bcbs had similar .. we use to have labOne.. the funny thing about mine was ,, they charged $3500 dollars to bcbs.. but accepted 500 as payment in full.
Not sure how that works. some agreement quest makes with bcbs. Sure wouldnt want to pay for the test out of pocket..

My thought is this.. if they will take less amount from bcbs.. they might work with you also.. doesnt hurt to ask.
Posted 7/26/2012 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bars! I'm keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed.
Posted 7/27/2012 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Pennypru ~ I have BCBS of Il and my LLMD orderd most all of those same tests and the bill was like 5grand also ..My Ins did pay almost all of it and what was left LabCorp couldnt bill us because they were and "In Network" lab ... I also had to do Spectracell Lab work but the Ins did not pay any of that ..It was 200.00.. All the testing for Lyme and its friends can be overwhelming !!!
Posted 7/27/2012 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
My LLMD ordered most of those too, totalling somewhere around $4000. I went to Labcorp and paid cash for the simpler tests. It was a much lower price than what they charge Anthem BCBS in Indiana. Then the more expensive ones (basically the first half of your list) I am going to submit to BCBS because the "cash" price is not any lower than the Anthem price. Perhaps you should ask your doc to priortize them. Do some tests first, and if there are no answers, then do the rest?

Hoosierlyme
Posted 10/24/2012 3:39 AM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I know you posted a few months ago, but just came across your post in a google search about Bartonella and VEGF. 

The tests your doc ordered are right on - good for diagnosis (hopefully) and a more directed treatment.

Also wanted to comment on your insurance issues:  BCBS will usually grant you a "one time exception" (which actually lasts 6 months) to see an out of network provider who is a lyme specialist. This is how it worked for me anyway.  I still have to pay 50%, but it's better than nothing.  Also, since I got my Igenix Test kit from the doctor (bought it for $260), I submitted this claim along with the office visit, and it was also reimbursed at 50%.  And, I think that as long as the lab you are going to is in network, they will cover the costs of the lab tests according to your policy.  For me, it's 100%, so it's really sweet.

By now you've probably got all your results.   Hope they help!

Good luck!

Posted 10/24/2012 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for your response. I will definitely try asking for an exception. So far they have denied my claims until I meet a $3,000 deductible, so everything is out of pocket for me. Gulp. You've given me a glimmer of a hope that perhaps there is another way to at least get a bit of money back. Thanks and welcome to this amazing forum!
Posted 7/29/2018 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
That is not atypical for a first round of lab work. Seems overwhelming but important to know. Also agree with another poster that some labs are more competent with certain tests and are clueless about how to properly test for others, even if they have the test as part of their offering. Lyme and confection testing I still think IGENIX most experienced.

I am now considering a CPR test to check my current status (not feeling well again).

Hope you got some answers and a treatment plan
Posted 7/29/2018 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Labcorp changed their policy some years back and now only draw for their tests.

I had to goto to local hospital lab to get blood drawn for IGENIX and other tests.
Posted 7/29/2018 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Roxie - not sure you realize this is an older thread from 2012
Posted 7/29/2018 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Yes. I'm just commenting for new folks that may read the post.
Posted 7/29/2018 4:52 AM (GMT 0)

Roxie60 said...
Yes. I'm just commenting for new folks that may read the post.

Oh okay - smile
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