RPL testing

fragglethepoet

Is it covered by insurance?

I've looked it up... and I'm confused. What all does it entail? 

My doctor is very conservative when it comes to testing (betas, progesterone,  etc.) I have two miscarriages on record with them (and one term pregnancy). The other two weren't confirmed at the doctor's office... but I'm absolutely positive they were miscarriages.

I'm concerned that my doctor won't entertain this testing because 1) she's conservative 2) I've been able to have a baby 3) they only have two miscarriages on record.

I don't undersant what RPL testing does. It gives you answers, but it doesn't change your odds of having a miscarriage, right?

I've posted on the M/PL board, but it's slower over there. Many of you have suggested this to me, so you may know something about it....

Lisa10e

Hi, I am so sorry for your losses. I've had a few myself. The RPL panel is a lists of tests your doctor can do after you've had 3 or more m/c's. Your insurance may cover it, it all depends on if you have infertility coverage. I dont so we had to pay out of pocket for a couple things but there are tests your doc can run and use different procedure codes like testing your thyriod, std testing, and maybe some other lab tests. My doc tested my thyriod and put down she was testing it because I was "tired" all the time, also she tested for any underlying infections by putting down I was complaining of discharge.

RPL panel may give you some answers, but it depends on what answers you find whether it will change your odds for another m/c. If you find your have a thyriod problem you can be put on meds for it, but something like a genetic defect cant be changed.

You can try the TTCAL or the SAL board, those girls are pretty helpful. GL and hope you dont need any testing and your pg is a sticky one!

 Oh I almost forgot, heres a website that has all the tests on the panel, you can google each one if you dont know what it is. GL!

Lisa10e

I hit the reply button before I could put the link in,

https://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/miscarriage/rpl.html

There you go.

Carmela752

Unless you love your OB, if your OB doesn't support you in this you might consider finding a new one.

I think insurance will cover RPL testing with 3 m/c's, or if otherwise medically indicated...which would probably depend on the OB and how she orders it.

It can improve your odds of a successful pregnancy, depending on what answers are found. For example, a lot of women have clotting issues that are diagnosed, and the treatment can be as simple as taking baby aspirin throughout the pregnancy. I know 2 people IRL with multiple losses who had successful pregnancies on baby aspirin, and I think one moved on to blood thinner injections at some point.

It also tests for various autoimmune disorders, I think.

You could also possibly ask for a referral (if you even need a referral) to a reproductive endocrinologist. They are more accustomed to following women more closely in the TTC and 1st trimester.

Here's a link with some of the info:

https://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/miscarriage/rpl.html

Carmela752

Oops, looks like pp and I had the same link!

Erica Ciaccio

Yes Repeated Pregnancy Loss testing should be covered by your insurance. I have Military Insurance and it covered mine. Basically what they do is test for all the conditions that could possibly cause your 4 m/c's. They do bloodwork, and also do a pelvic exam to make sure you dont have anything wrong with your uterus. In my case, I had a Septate Uterus which caused be to lose all 3 of my last pregnancies at around 5/6 weeks. You can google it to learn more about it but I had an easy surgery to fix it and I'm on my way in my 4th pregnancy. Before you try to concieve again, I would absolutely have the RPL workup. Even though you already have one child, there could be something that you recently developed or you may have just gotten really lucky with your first. If you have any questions feel free to email me at ciaccioe@gmail.com. GL!

Erica Ciaccio

Also, it doesnt matter how many MCs they have on record, tell them you have had 3. They will believe you!

Carmela752

ciaccioe:

Also, it doesnt matter how many MCs they have on record, tell them you have had 3. They will believe you!

Yes...and if your OB doesn't believe you and won't order the tests, run away and find someone with a heart.

Mrs.Meyer

I was able to get a thrombophilia panel after my 2nd miscarriage because they confirmed that both of my losses had heartbeats. Evidently that was more significant to them.

Fortunately through my testing I did find out that I have Factor II, but the amazing thing is, it causes losses most commonly AFTER 20 weeks, and was not the cause of either of my losses. So I just thank God that I caught it without learning about it the hard way!

There are MANY practitioners who won't entertain the idea of RPL/thrombophilia testing after 2 losses. Especially in the insurance world, they can make trouble for you if you haven't had 3 losses. Fortunately for me, I had a d&c with my second loss and they determined baby was 45,X (Turner Syndrome) which gives me a little looser reins on some testing too. We have BCBS, and all was covered.

Good luck!

mlf625

My old OB basically told my (during m/c #2) that I needed to have a 3rd m/c before testing was possible. ?Um, no- I wasn't waiting around to see if I lost another before pursuing testing. ?I left her office, went home, and got an appointment with a well known OB who I knew dealt with fertility issues. ?He immediately handled the situation and ordered the RPL testing for me. ?

?Actually, the test results can change your odds for another m/c IF they discover a cause. ?My testing showed that the losses were likely chromosomal (we know for sure #2 was because they tested the baby, but don't know about #1) but that I needed to take baby aspirin for another issue. ?Whether the baby aspirin made a difference or not with my 3rd (successful) pregnancy, I'm not sure, but I'm on it again this time around.?

Mine was covered by insurance.?

Take care.?