nt scan?

SarahTx5701

I don't think I got this with ds. I had an u/s at 12 weeks but it was with the doc and she just wanted to show me everything was good. It wasn't very long.

Do you usually go to radiology for this?

I have my first official appt tomorrow. Its too early for the nt scan I think.  Do I need to specifically ask for it?

bootsie08

If you are being seen at an MTF, they probably do not have the staff trained do do an NT scan unless they have a high risk unit.  NT scans are usually done between 11-14 weeks.  

Most people I know who have gone through MTF's have not been able to get a referral for the NT Scan unless they were over 35 or had a documented history of chromosomal or congenital heart problems.  

On the other hand, it doesn't seem to be a problem on Standard regardless of age.  The doctor just has to code it as medically necessary.   

leslie13510

If you have Tricare Prime, be careful if you do get the NT scan because it has to be medically necessary for them to pay for it.  My BFF is pregnant now, and had one because her last baby was born with spina bifida.  Even after her OB had deemed it medically necessary because of her history, Tricare still tried to make BFF pay for it because it's not a test they normally cover.  Her OB had to resend the information before they agreed to pay for it.  I got my prenatal care at Darnall at Fort Hood, and they won't do NT scans there (or at least they wouldn't when I was pregnant).  If it had been necessary for me to have one I think they would have had to refer me out to a civilian OB.  It may be different now, I don't know, but basically talk to your doctor AND Tricare BEFORE having one done. 

SarahTx5701

well that explains why I never had it!!

 haha no worries, I just wondered if it was a base thing or no. I guess it's tricare!

 

NavyPilotWife

With DD I was on prime, but being seen by a civilian doctor because the base only had a clinic, no hospital.  I had the NT Scan done mainly because I wanted another u/s (I had a missed m/c before DD, so I was a nervous wreck my entire first tri and then some).  I never saw a bill, so my doc must have coded it right.

I'm being seen at a MTF this time around and didn't even ask about it, since they were already doing an u/s at my 12 week appt.  I think they usually do the NT scan between 10-13 weeks.