Genetic Counselor - XP

Juicy71 · March 2013

XP from PAIF:

Have any of you been to see one? Our appointment is this afternoon, based on our NT blood test results of an elevated risk of Down's. I'm not sure what to expect and am afraid it's just going to be an appointment to freak me out about everything that could be wrong with the baby. Please tell me the appointment isn't like that!!

AmyM72 · March 2013

I talked with one before our NT scan. It was actually pretty helpful in explaining the risks and testing options.I wanted to do the Mat21, but found out my insurance didn't offer it. Going in to it I was sure I'd need to have a CVS or amnio just based on my age, but they did a nice job helping me work through the decision making process. That said, had my NT come back with an elevated risk I would have probably went to the diagnostics. Hoping everything is just fine for you!

danieleandwayne · March 2013

I had to meet with a genetic counselor prior to having the MaterniT21 blood test. They will probably give you a survey to answer about your ethnicity and that of the father's-- I didn't know, for example, that my 3/4 Mediterranean background means that I'm at higher risk for anemia.

Then they review it with you, explain whatever testing is available (both before and after birth, for both you and your fetus), and then you can proceed with whatever testing is done on their site, if any. My genetic counselor was very helpful and I was glad that I was able to have the opportunity to ask questions, get information, and she even went out of her way to explain how the results of the MaterniT21 test are interpreted so I could feel really good about the test's accuracy.

She was also the one who explained that the company who created the MateniT21 test had an incentive to have the test taken even if your insurance didn't cover it (mine didn't)-- because the company wants to prove to insurance companies that it's a valid and smart test, they submit the bill to your insurance and if it gets rejected, they only charge you $235. I had the test run back in November and I have not seen a bill for it yet...

Juicy71 · March 2013

Thank you both!!

hharrrell26 · March 2013

I had the testing done back in Oct and was super nervous. The Genetic Counselor was so nice and calmed my fears before doing the testing. You will be happy that you spoke to them once it all said and done. Same experience as other poster they billed my insurance company like $2700 and I received the bill in the mail Monday and it said I might qualify for patience assistance. So I thought what the heck....called and they reduced it down to the $235, so keep this in mind when you get the bill if you get the testing done.

ocho2002 · March 2013

We met with one before our NT and, due to bad results, for a while after. Ours was wonderful, both before and after diagnosis. I will admit, I barely listened to a word she said before because I never thought anything would be wrong with my baby. When there were problems, she coordinated all of my appointments, checked in with me every day to see how I was and gave me her cell phone number. She ended every conversation by telling me that I could call her anytime for any reason. I never did, but she was awesome.

Juicy71 · March 2013

ocho2002:
We met with one before our NT and, due to bad results, for a while after. Ours was wonderful, both before and after diagnosis. I will admit, I barely listened to a word she said before because I never thought anything would be wrong with my baby. When there were problems, she coordinated all of my appointments, checked in with me every day to see how I was and gave me her cell phone number. She ended every conversation by telling me that I could call her anytime for any reason. I never did, but she was awesome.

That's awesome - thank you!

You all have made me feel much better!!

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