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What are thoughts about new PHI test?

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 4/29/2015 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
After 6 negative biopsies, one PIN, one positive PCA3 [67], my Doc. is considering an MRI. He wanted to do one more PSA before making the decision. After much discussion, he agreed to send out for a PHI (prostate health index). I really had to twist his arm. Have any of you had experience with the test, and how do you feel about its reliability? PCA over 14 years, (taken every 6 mo.) has slowly increased from 4.0 to present at 7.6. Maximum ever was 10. Should have the results any day now.
Posted 4/29/2015 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
PHI - better than another biopsy.

and if Tall Allen says to do it, I'd just do it.

Andrew
Posted 4/29/2015 6:05 AM (GMT 0)
It's better than PSA and % free PSA, which isn't saying a whole lot. It's pretty cheap and if it saves you a biopsy, worth the test tube of blood. The doctor probably resisted because he had to register with the lab and get special equipment for the blood work. Sometimes it's easier to see a doctor who is already registered with them. Let us know what the results were.

- Allen
Posted 4/29/2015 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
I had it. Recommend it .Valuable. However, my high end BCBS insurance decided it was experimental and would not pay for it. 500USD $
Posted 4/29/2015 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
FDA approved test in 2012. Makes you wonder. I ask the lab test what it cost and she said $160.
Posted 4/29/2015 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
What about the 4kscore as an alternative? I had that and medicare paid for it. I had a 7% risk of high-grade PC, which was under their 7.5 cut off for a biopsy. The doc said his cut off was 9%.
Posted 4/29/2015 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
Not familiar with 4k, but understand it is expensive. I would like to know more.
Posted 4/29/2015 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
4KScore is about equal (they both detect additional kallikreins), but most insurance won't cover it and it is a lot more expensive. There are a lot of more sophisticated tests, but they are all very expensive.

BenSam -are you sure you're talking about PHI? It's FDA-approved and I've never heard a cost that high for it. 4KScore costs around $500 - maybe your insurance was thinking you meant that.

- Allen
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