Hi ladies! I was talking to a friend of mine who has a 3 month old who needs a heart transplant and she strongly encouraged me to have a fetal echocardiogram done despite the fact that I don't have any risk factors that would trigger my doctor to prescribe one. I would normally write this off as someone being overly concerned because of her own experience but she is not the type to be an alarmist. She also cited some troubling stats on congenital heart disease.
After talking it over with my hubbs and doing some research I really want to get one done. To me, the benefits of knowing really justify having the extra test done. My OB has been very obliging and understanding with me thus far and I'm hopeful she will be supportive of me on this one. I have an appointment with her on Friday and I want to ask her for a referral for the fetal echocardiogram. Have any of you asked your OB for an "elective" (for lack of a better term) fetal echocardiogram or other such procedure? I imagine my insurance won't cover it unless there are "risk factors" or it is deemed "medically necessary"-- any idea on what this will cost out of pocket?
Re: Fetal Echocardiogram- How to ask for one?
If it's covered by your insurance and it gives you peace of mind, go for it. But to me it seems like a strange thing to ask for with no risk factors or indications anything could be wrong. I'd just bring up your concerns with your doctor and see what's suggested. That's why she's there.
And don't research too much online about heart defects! You'll go crazy no matter what!
The doctors don't mess around with heart issues before or after baby is born. They take really good looks during the a/s and will call you back if they feel they need to. Plus they will do a thorough once over when baby is born and again before baby leaves the hospital. DS was given an echocardiogram before we left because the OB on call that did his exit checkup wasn't 100% sure about something he may have heard. DS was cleared of any issues and we got to go home.
They will order you one if they deem necessary, don't worry.
Just know that if on doesn't agree all is likely fine!
S14 September Siggy - Show to binge-watch when the baby comes
Oscar born October 2011
Miscarriage at 8 weeks (August 2013)
DD due September 1, 2014
Oh yeah, I know hers is a fetal echo but until you posted I hadn't thought about the request for any elective procedure taking away an appointment for someone who truly needs it. Although I'm sure for emergencies or something serious they reserve spots.
S14 August Siggy Challenge.....ALL OF THE ALCOHOLS
So I assume you're delivering at a top rated hospital with a top level NICU just in case your LO has a heart issue at birth, right?
S14 August Siggy Challenge.....ALL OF THE ALCOHOLS
I agree here, but I also think it is important to remember the echo isn't a pointless test, and I would definitely encourage someone to ask if they have concerns, be it because of family history or a close friend that has caused you alarm as in the OP. She may not have any genetic markers for it, but if it is causing you anxiety then you should ask your doctor. Period. Now, if she tells you that she does not believe it is necessary because XYZ then you need to TRY to take that as it is. But anxiety is a bitch, so I see both sides.
S14 August Siggy Challenge.....ALL OF THE ALCOHOLS
S14 August Siggy Challenge.....ALL OF THE ALCOHOLS
After talking it over with my hubbs and doing some research I really want to get one done. To me, the benefits of knowing really justify having the extra test done. My OB has been very obliging and understanding with me thus far and I'm hopeful she will be supportive of me on this one. I have an appointment with her on Friday and I want to ask her for a referral for the fetal echocardiogram. Have any of you asked your OB for an "elective" (for lack of a better term) fetal echocardiogram or other such procedure? I imagine my insurance won't cover it unless there are "risk factors" or it is deemed "medically necessary"-- any idea on what this will cost out of pocket?
-----ETA Quote fail-----
@carmalarm please see my original quote. This 1 in 7k number wasn't enough to prompt my OB to request additional testing. I really didn't even consider CHD to be an issue for me until I was talking to my friend who urged me to ask for the test- hence the focus on that instead of the 1 in 7k risk.