Is maternit21, harmony, etc standard testing now?

lemonlimes · July 2013

I was last pregnant in 2010 and was not offered these tests. I was only offered cvs and amino. I want to avoid invasive testing at all costs as I have a medical condition that will make those very difficult. I have been reading up on these tests and they seem the answer to my questions. I am only 5 weeks pregnant and have not seen my doctor. I wonder if I will be freed these tests or will I have to hunt down the lab myself. I live in the Chicago area and at least on the Internet I wasn't able to find a lab that does this. Thanks

Geeps2 · July 2013

I was pregnant in 2011/2012 and these tests weren't around only NT scan and quad screen. If you wanted testing beyond that it was CVS or amnio. This time around I was offered the Harmony screening since it was covered by my insurance due to my age. I would say talk to your Drs office then if they don't have answers your insurance company to see if they cover it. I paid nothing for my testing. I think Doctors are strongly suggesting the blood work before any invasive testing.

Good Luck and congrats on your pregnancy

EmR22 · July 2013

For me I had an early ultrasound and blood test at around 12 weeks. This gave me a percentage of risk of having abnormalities. This initial testing came back with a lower than normal risk for my age. So I did not pursue further. If it had been a higher risk my dr would have suggested the mat21/harmony test. They take the blood there and send it out for testing. Some insurance's do not cover the test but my hospital was willing to work with people and said it would be around $250 out of my pocket if it wasn't covered. From reading on here it seems to be offered to most high risk patients but like in my case they may do initial testing to see if you actually have a raised risk.

cookingardener · July 2013

It was offered to me and I took it. I'm 35, so my insurance covered it. Another girl pregnant at the same time at work is under 30 and they didn't cover all of it for her. It gave me some peace of mind and then there was no discussion of an amino, which I'm not sure if I would have done or not.

StephanieLove10 · July 2013

I was told about it at my first appointment and told that it was standard procedure for women my age (40+).

fairy_diva · July 2013

I skipped all the testing the first time. I was 37 when i got pregnant and 38 when I delivered. My OB was wonderful when I was unsure, my insurance didn't cover NT or amnio testing, and she asked it it would make a difference and if we would terminate, when I said no, she said then we won't do it. My first was born healthy and wonderful. I'm praying this baby is just as healthy as DS, and I'm not sure if I would take the maternit21 now either.

playball13 · July 2013

I took the Harmony test and my insurance covered it because of my age and because I screened positive during my first tri screening. Luckily my results were low risk and I found out that we are having another boy

MrsClaus8 · July 2013

I was offered the MaterniT21 at my 10 + week appointment. My insurance covered it and it was just a simple blood draw done in the office then sent to California (I'm in MI) for the actual test. Ask your doc and/or insurance. Good luck!

BootsOrHearts · July 2013

They are very common now, but if your doctor is not familiar, ask them to research it for you. Insurance typically covers the cost. They are much more accurate (and easier) than the 1st tri 'screening' tests and obviously not invasive like amnio and CVS. They are *almost* as accurate as those tests, but if (heaven forbid) you got a positive on Mat21, you would want to confirm with CVS/Amnio and/or a level 2 ultrasound before making any decisions.

Good luck!

mandateach517 · July 2013

My first is 13 months old. Did not have any of the testing done with him. Had the Harmony with this pregnancy, and all is fine. It definitely set our minds at ease, especially after we saw a calcium deposit on the baby's heart, which is a soft marker for Down's. However, since we had the Harmony test done first, and it was negative, we were told not to worry about the calcium deposit at all!

We have come to the conclusion that, while helpful to know, a lot of the tests and possible problem detection, is all CYA (cover your ass) for the doctors and insurance companies...

psychgalbride · July 2013

My first pregnancy was in 2010 too. I had the NT Scan done at 12 weeks. After the repeat miscarriages and my age, I specifically asked to have the Verifi testing done. I was referred to the genetics department and my options were discussed. Since you are essentially testing for the same things you have to pick either the NT Scan/bloodwork or the new non invasive maternal blood testing (MaternTi/Verifi/Harmony). I chose to the blood testing because it is done earlier- 10 weeks and on and it is more accurate.

Even if our insurance does not cover this testing, the company will only charge you a little over $230. It was worth it for us.

bikramgirl · July 2013

It wasn't available for my November baby but noticed that it was standard at my postpartum checkup.

hammysmommy · August 2013

I just had an appointment with the RN at the OB office yesterday (paperwork/bloodwork) and this office doesn't do/use the Harmony/MaterniT21/fetal dna based tests yet... I'll be doing the integrated screen with NT scan.

RNmommyof2 · August 2013

I had the Harmony test done. I'm 36 and this is baby #3 for us. My doctor's office had never heard of it, but the genetic counselor at the MFM office had and was the one who suggested it. I had to educate the prenatal nurse at my OB's office and I needed prior authorization in order for it to be covered, but it was.

LucyRicardo3 · August 2013

The nurse practitioner at my dr's office was unfamiliar with it, but she spoke with the high risk doc there and it's somewhat new to them. I go back today for a u/s follow up for an existing previa/subchorionic bleed and will be meeting the high risk ob in my u/s review. I've already had the NT scan and first blood draw of the sequential screening done last week, but I really hope to be able to get the Harmony test.
So far the calls I've made to my insurance (BCBS PPO) have been unsuccessful in finding out if they cover it.

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