We don't plan on doing NIPT unless a maker is found during the NT scan. Also, is the NT scan less common now with NIPT available or are you guys planning on doing it as well?
@becausescience I just asked today because we did the NT scan with my 1st two. She said they no longer do the ultrasound but just a blood test.
So whatever the Nt scan is now called is what I'll be doing. I'll be 12 weeks exactly at that appointment.
Just had a 10 week appt with my midwife and she liked and recommended the Panorama, which I did, although I'm having second thoughts about it.
I'm 34 and desperately hoping it's covered. Mobile bumping so having a hard time tagging and remembering who said it's a racket but YES! $200 if we pay out of pocket or $8000 billed to our insurance!! How???
@barrelocarol Genetics told me that would happen to us if our insurance decided to cover *some* and then we hadn't met our deductible. She said it's very unlikely they'll cover it so the lab that does Mat21 generally bills for $200. In the event insurance decided to cover some of ours we've met our deductible already anyway so we just went ahead with testing. I hope this makes sense?
I'm due March 1 and just had my blood draw for Counsyl done yesterday. The wait begins! My insurance does not cover this test, and Counsyl had a lower out of pocket ($349) than MaterniT21 (which was quoted to me at $550).
I wanted to get the MAT21, but it looks like I will do the Harmony test. I spoke with my OB about the test earlier this week during my first appointment. I have been working with my OB's office to determine if my insurance will cover it. Either way, I plan on going through with the testing as soon as I hit 11 weeks on the week of 8/21. Exciting yet unnerving stuff!
In our appointment yesterday we talked about the testing. We are going to do the Counsyl NIPT (I get confused because we did the other Counsyl on me for carrier status). She did warn us that if they add the sex, it changes the coding and people were getting bills for $300 copays. Which, we are leaning towards team green so that works but pisses me off because I think that testing for extra sex chromosomes should be as valid as the rest of it. And it also illustrates how many people are just doing it to find out the sex earlier without a single thought about the rest of the test.
Me: 34 DH: 38 Married: June 2011 TTC since Feb 2016 BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16 BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
@kiki75 I agree. The one I did includes it, but won't report the results if you don't want to know the sex. It will still mention an abnormal number of sex chromosomes though. It is a very important part of genetic testing. I think it's a bit unethical to not report an abnormality if they find it through testing but you don't opt to be charged more just to find out the sex.
1. Does it tell you any information besides sex and if you flag for a condition? Like any cool information? Otherwise I am leaning toward just doing SneakPeek which is at 9 weeks for sex.
2. Is AMA 35+? And it sounds like it's normally 100% covered AMA and normally not covered if not AMA - is that right?
@mintea sex isn't (or shouldn't be) why people get NIPT. It's mainly for chromosomal abnormalities. The main ones are trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18
(Edward syndrome), trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and
monosomy X (Turner syndrome).
AMA is 35+ but depending on the circumstance it might be covered if you're not. I got it was DS (not AMA) because my NT scan came back with a higher likelihood of trisomy 21. NIPT is a more sensitive test so it was recommended to me and covered by my insurance because of the previous result.
I opted out of the fancy nipt test (forget which one we have here). I could have gone this week for it but it's not covered by healthcare in Canada (so $500 oop) and next week I have my NT scan anyway.
IF my NT scan shows anything then the fancy test is covered. We're team green though so as long as the regular testing comes back clear I don't care about extra testing. We were screened for a number of things when doing IF treatments so neither of us are carriers for anything.
@mintea They generally screen for trisomies, turners, etc. They take DNA from the placenta which is why they're able to tell you XX or XY.
Finding out the sex is the last reason I opted for NIPT. TW I went ahead with it due to PGAL 3x in a row and not knowing what caused those. If you're just doing it to find out the sex, wait until your anatomy scan.
Hello- I am AMA and planning on NiPT- I have Kaiser insurance so its covered at no charge, but my last pregnancy i did had a hight deductible PPO until the halfway point in my pregnancy and Maternity21 was going to cost a fortune, so I called their billing department before I got the test and they worked with me to pay a negotiated $115 and gave me a code to tell my dr...so if anyone is AMA or has a higher risk of genetic issues and having issues cost wise with any of these companies you could try doing that... just wanted to throw it out there...
Mama to: Zane William 9/17/03 Vance Xenophon 5/17/06 Mars Florencio 11/15/16 - 3/6/17 Nova Marsela 3/14/18
If you'd carry to term regardless is there a reason to find out about chromosomal abnormalities in utero, or is it just out of curiosity and wanting to feel prepared? Like is there anything that can be done?
@mintea If you're committed to carry to term no matter what, it could definitely still be useful to know. I think in some circumstances it *could* lead to extra precautions during or immediately after birth, and yes, to preparing (like some people may want to read up on special needs while pregnant if they know for sure they're having a kid with special needs). That said, it's a personal decision, and if you decide to refuse testing, you certainly won't be the first person ever to do that.
@mintea certain chromosomal abnormalities, like trisomy 13 and 18 are not compatible with life. So I think it would be good information to have, even if you're not planning to terminate. ETA: these are things you would also find out at the anatomy scan, so if early testing isn't something you want to do that's ok too.
Major *TWs* @mintea Like @heatherdubrow said, some of the trisomies are not compatible with life. Some it isn't exactly a matter of carrying to term as they likely won't make it to term so it's being prepared for that. Others, they will likely make it to birth but will pass within days or months. For me, I'd rather be prepared for that ahead of time. As far as something like Down's (Trisomy 21), there can be certain health issues like heart defects that they can watch for and be prepared for at birth, if necessary.
Me: 34 DH: 38 Married: June 2011 TTC since Feb 2016 BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16 BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
Reading all of this is freaking me out. I have. nuchal translucency test on the 28. Reading this stuff makes me wonder if maybe I should be doing blood tests instead. But here in NJ with my Horizon healthcare, genetic bloodwork isn't covered at all and runs 3,000-5000$. The nuchal translucency ultrasound IS covered 100%, which amazes me because it took me forever to find a place to do it that took my insurance.
now I'm nervous though. I read there's so many false positives and I KNOW me I'll have a nervous breakdown not knowing.
@maureenbioni NT only gives odds. So if the test ends up with high odds for something you can opt for further testing to know for sure. Even the blood tests aren't 100% accurate.
Me: 30 H: 30 Dx: PCOS Married: June 2013 TTC#1: January 2015 BFP #1 8/24/15 | MC 9/3/15 at 6w2d BFP #2: 12/12/15 | DD born 8/29/16 TTC#2: June 2017 BFP #3: 7/15/17 | DS born 3/20/18
I'm going to get harmony done next week. It's not covered by insurance and when I called harmony they said it would be $195 out of pocket, but when I told my doc he said it's around $350 So now I'm all sorts of confused! I'm scared they will send me a huge bill when im prepared to spend the $200 but have nightmares of them billing me $2k or something crazy. Ugh I hate all this health insurance stuff. My husband and I have great jobs and pay over $850 a month for health insurance and nothing is ever covered! This year alone we are paying 3k in hospital bills for ear tubes for our little guy and my d&c. Sorry, bit of a rant here but just frustrated!
@bravoandprosecco I'm in the same boat. We pay 700$ a month for health insurance and each OB visit is 50$. My D&C last November cost us 5,000$ out of pocket because that was my deductible. Our plan is beter now but every single thing the doctor sends me for I have to call my insurance to check for coverage. Thank god I did because they were sending me for genetic blood tests that aren't covered. Would hve been 4,000$! To test for three diseases that are known to be Northern European (my husbands hispanic!). Maybe I'm irresponsible but I can't afford that.
Its a frustrating world when your doctor practically makes appointments with specialists for you without checking insurance. She was sending me to a place for my nuchal translucency that wasn't covered. If I'd just gone without checking I'd be footing the entire bill. I have to travel an hour away for my nuchal now because no where will cover it.
Meanwhile a girl I know quit her job to get free benefits because she found out she's pregnant. She just had her baby and will go home without a single bill because she quit her job. I will pay 500$ each day I'm hospitalized and each day my infant is hospitalized plus the cost of the anesthesia. And then I'll pay 20% of the physicians fees which will definitely be in the thousands. Because the 700$ I pay a month isn't enough?
AAAAH just got results in and everything is negative, but Panorama also tells you sex. I thought I could hold out on that info, but now I can't! Kudos to the Team Greeners.
Getting a cake tonight from the bakery. Husband, son and I will find out and I can't wait!
I did the Counsyl Prelude Prenatal test and just received my results today (8/14). I had my blood drawn in Boston on 8/7 and the sample was received by Counsyl on 8/8. On Saturday, 8/12, I logged onto the website to see that my sample had advanced into the "Clinical Review" phase. I called Counsyl on Monday morning (8/14) and they said the results were released to my doctor, and that they would be automatically released to me on 8/17. I called my doctor's office and was able to get the good news shortly after (along with the sex!). My doctor then released the report and Counsyl sent me the full report over email a few minutes later. Still waiting on my Counsyl Foresight test! I have been very happy with their customer support. Their tests also cost max $349, which is more affordable than some tests. Good luck to everyone!
@brettanomyces hi I'm Canadian as well. I'm trying to book my NT and then the out of pocket Harmony if recommended but was told I need to wait to see my OB on Sept 5 and then book the tests. I would be 14 weeks pregnant at the appointment... I'm 38, and not understanding if this is normal to wait this long for these tests. By the time they book the tests and get results, I'd be 15 or 16 weeks. Annoyed. Any advice?
@nancysimp I had my blood draw at 10w 4d. I believe you can do the testing as early as 10 weeks. My results took exactly one week, so I had them by 11w 4d. I think you can push your doctor for sooner! It's important information, and a big difference to have it at 11w versus 15w. Good luck!
@aos620 thanks! I ended up calling the clinic and managed to book my NT US and bloodwork for next week when I'm 12w 1d...I do feel better with results at 13w vs 15 or 16w!
That's awesome that you got results at 11w! I wish I complained last week so I would get in sooner. I'm going through a wonderful fertility clinic and always wonder how they manage to stay on top of things when there are so many patients to track. Tough job and I commend them...but I also need to keep abreast of my needs and dates...and follow up sooner as I've learned from this experience. C'est la vie. One step at a time. tks again. All the best with your pregnancy as well!
@nancysimp that's wonderful news. I'm a nervous first time mom, and have advocated for myself a couple times to get appointments pushed up. Good for you!
I just got the confirmation that my insurance doesn't cover the fetal cell-free DNA test. What would y'all recommend to try and negotiate pricing? Should I call my doctor's office and ask or go straight to the various brands? Thanks for any advice y'all can give!
@brettanomyces hi I'm Canadian as well. I'm trying to book my NT and then the out of pocket Harmony if recommended but was told I need to wait to see my OB on Sept 5 and then book the tests. I would be 14 weeks pregnant at the appointment... I'm 38, and not understanding if this is normal to wait this long for these tests. By the time they book the tests and get results, I'd be 15 or 16 weeks. Annoyed. Any advice?
Hmm, it looks like you do need a requisition from a dr for the nipt test. Can you not get your regular dr to fill out the form for you? I was only offered it I guess because I'm still with a fertility clinic, but my RE said I could have the fancy test done as early as 10 weeks. I don't want to pay for it though and it's only one more week to have the (free) NT scan.
NT scan has to be done between 11 and 13 weeks So if you aren't seeing your OB until 14 weeks I'd start harassing them to get your NT scheduled in the proper time.
Edit- just saw you're at a fertility clinic? They should be arranging your NT scan then shouldn't they?
So, had my first OB appt today. They gave me procedure codes for Materni21 Plus and for CF and SMA screening to check my insurance. Insurance said they cover at 100% "if medically necessary, no preapproval needed." I asked what determined medical necessity and she said "they'd be testing for genetic concerns with your baby?" and I said yes, thinking she was asking what the tests were for. Then she said, yes 100%. Now I am wondering if she was asking if my doctor has SPECIFIC genetic concerns, which I don't think she does. Hmm. I can call back but I hate the damn phone. Anyone have any insight?
@mintea My insurance said they would only cover IF I was AMA, if the doctor had concerns during my NT scan, or if I had a previous pregnancy/child with a trisomy. I think that was the requirements, I could be missing one.
@mintea my doctor prescribed the same tests. My insurance company told me the same thing about "medical necessity," stating that most times they approve for moms 35+ or with a history of a family condition or pregnancy with an abnormality. I don't fit either of those categories, so I assumed I would not be covered. I called the company that does MaterniT21 and got a quote for $550 if insurance does not cover the test. I called another company who does the same test, Counsyl, and was quoted $349. So I called my doctor back and she let me go through Counsyl. Then, after my tests were sent in, I got a note from Counsyl saying that my insurance company pre-approved me (much to my surprise!). I still have not gotten my final bill.
Re: Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
11/18/16 missed m/c 9w1
08/03/17 no hb 8w
So whatever the Nt scan is now called is what I'll be doing. I'll be 12 weeks exactly at that appointment.
I'm 34 and desperately hoping it's covered. Mobile bumping so having a hard time tagging and remembering who said it's a racket but YES! $200 if we pay out of pocket or $8000 billed to our insurance!! How???
Edited by TB types the most random crap
Married: June 2011
TTC since Feb 2016
BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16
BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP
BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
Ok a couple questions about NIPT
1. Does it tell you any information besides sex and if you flag for a condition? Like any cool information? Otherwise I am leaning toward just doing SneakPeek which is at 9 weeks for sex.
2. Is AMA 35+? And it sounds like it's normally 100% covered AMA and normally not covered if not AMA - is that right?
DD #1: 2012; MMC: 2014; DD #2: 2015; It's a boy! 3/31/2018
AMA is 35+ but depending on the circumstance it might be covered if you're not. I got it was DS (not AMA) because my NT scan came back with a higher likelihood of trisomy 21. NIPT is a more sensitive test so it was recommended to me and covered by my insurance because of the previous result.
Pregnant with #2:
IF my NT scan shows anything then the fancy test is covered. We're team green though so as long as the regular testing comes back clear I don't care about extra testing. We were screened for a number of things when doing IF treatments so neither of us are carriers for anything.
Finding out the sex is the last reason I opted for NIPT. TW I went ahead with it due to PGAL 3x in a row and not knowing what caused those. If you're just doing it to find out the sex, wait until your anatomy scan.
Zane William 9/17/03
Vance Xenophon 5/17/06
Mars Florencio 11/15/16 - 3/6/17
Nova Marsela 3/14/18
DD #1: 2012; MMC: 2014; DD #2: 2015; It's a boy! 3/31/2018
ETA: these are things you would also find out at the anatomy scan, so if early testing isn't something you want to do that's ok too.
@mintea Like @heatherdubrow said, some of the trisomies are not compatible with life. Some it isn't exactly a matter of carrying to term as they likely won't make it to term so it's being prepared for that. Others, they will likely make it to birth but will pass within days or months. For me, I'd rather be prepared for that ahead of time. As far as something like Down's (Trisomy 21), there can be certain health issues like heart defects that they can watch for and be prepared for at birth, if necessary.
Married: June 2011
TTC since Feb 2016
BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16
BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP
BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
now I'm nervous though. I read there's so many false positives and I KNOW me I'll have a nervous breakdown not knowing.
Dx: PCOS
Married: June 2013
TTC#1: January 2015
BFP #1 8/24/15 | MC 9/3/15 at 6w2d
BFP #2: 12/12/15 | DD born 8/29/16
TTC#2: June 2017
BFP #3: 7/15/17 | DS born 3/20/18
Its a frustrating world when your doctor practically makes appointments with specialists for you without checking insurance. She was sending me to a place for my nuchal translucency that wasn't covered. If I'd just gone without checking I'd be footing the entire bill. I have to travel an hour away for my nuchal now because no where will cover it.
Meanwhile a girl I know quit her job to get free benefits because she found out she's pregnant. She just had her baby and will go home without a single bill because she quit her job. I will pay 500$ each day I'm hospitalized and each day my infant is hospitalized plus the cost of the anesthesia. And then I'll pay 20% of the physicians fees which will definitely be in the thousands. Because the 700$ I pay a month isn't enough?
unfair world.
Getting a cake tonight from the bakery. Husband, son and I will find out and I can't wait!
That's awesome that you got results at 11w! I wish I complained last week so I would get in sooner. I'm going through a wonderful fertility clinic and always wonder how they manage to stay on top of things when there are so many patients to track. Tough job and I commend them...but I also need to keep abreast of my needs and dates...and follow up sooner as I've learned from this experience. C'est la vie. One step at a time.
Married: June 2011
TTC since Feb 2016
BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16
BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP
BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
NT scan has to be done between 11 and 13 weeks So if you aren't seeing your OB until 14 weeks I'd start harassing them to get your NT scheduled in the proper time.
Edit- just saw you're at a fertility clinic? They should be arranging your NT scan then shouldn't they?
DD #1: 2012; MMC: 2014; DD #2: 2015; It's a boy! 3/31/2018