Anyone planning on getting this done? It screens for genetic abnormalities and can (if you choose the option) to tell you the gender via placental DNA, can be done as early as 9 weeks, but with my 1st pregnancy my OB recommended at 12 weeks. Just wondering if anyone is going to do this? I plan to again, will discuss with my OB at 10 weeks.
Re: Natera Panorama testing
I did the NIPT in my last pregnancy, but much later, around 20 weeks after some potentially concerning things popped up on our anatomy scan. None of them turned out to be related to a chromosomal issue, but this time I'd like to do the NIPT early all the same.
*TW*
For me personally, I didn't do it last time and I regretted it. I lost my baby at 15 weeks and all I wanted to know was whether my baby was a boy or girl. I wanted to give her a name. Plus, I didn't know whether she died from a chromosomal abnormality or from the massive SCH I had. That knowledge helps when you're moving forward with another pregnancy.
End TW
Both my pregnancies have been AMA, so I do get it covered. But I'd do it even if it wasn't.
You can then use that information to decide whether you want the invasive tests.
The NIPT tests are very accurate at predicting a high risk for Downs but less accurate for the other things they test for. But from everything I've read, they are more accurate in general than the alternative screening procedures.
Personally, I treat it as a first screen. I'll still be getting the nuchal translucency and other later screens. And if something shows up on this one, I'll be doing invasive testing to confirm.
Separately, I am having the hardest time figuring out insurance costs in general. I just got a bill for my ultra sound, which was only partially covered. I’m glad I did it, but didn’t like the surprise element.
I need to call and see if the NT scan is covered because I have that scheduled for beginning of May. If it’s not covered, I wonder how much out-of-pocket it would be. And if I’m doing NIPT, depending on the cost of the NT, then I don’t know if it’s worth doing both out-of-pocket. Ughhhhhh!!! It’s such a puzzle.
NIPT is only an assessment of RISK of 4 major chromosomal abnormalities - it only takes in to consideration fetal fraction DNA & your age, no U/S findings etc.
The only tests that can give you 100% yes or no on any abnormality is a CVS with microarray or an amniocentesis which is usually only offered when you get a high risk result from the NIPT or have major U/S findings at the NT Scan. Edit for clarity - also offered if you are high risk for other reasons such as family history or age
My personal experience - I had a very high nuchal fold measurement found on the NT scan, which was later confirmed to be a chromosomal abnormality through other testing.
Hope this helps explain it! Feel free to PM me for further questions (this goes for anyone)
married 11.1.14
ttc #1 since 5.18
bfp 12.22.18 letrozole + progesterone
d&e due to trisomy 13/hydrops at 15wks
bfp 7.21.19 letrozole + IUI
little girl A born 3.26.20
So yesterday 4/16, I got an email that said it was adressed from "Support" with the subject line "Your Insurance Estimate." It turns out that email was from Natera, letting me know that my estimated cost, if I chose to go through insurance, would be over $1,500. Or I had the option of paying Natera directly and getting the lower rate of $500 ($250 per test). I had to pay that by April 19, or else they'd just bill insurance. That gave me three days. So I called my insurance company and confirmed that the Horizon test would not be covered, and the Panorama test is technically covered, but since we haven't hit our deductible yet, we'd be paying for it. So obviously, I'm going to pay Natera directly to get the better price, but it sucks that it won't count towards our deductible.
I just thought it was so sleazy that a) they only reach out via email and not with a call or paper bill, b) the email was so nondescript, being from "support" regarding "insurance estimate." I almost didn't open it because I thought it was spam trying to sell me auto or life insurance and c) worst of all, they give you three days in which to decide and pay them, otherwise you're on the hook for the full amount. It's like a shakedown. And what if this had ended up in my spam filter? Or what if I'd been on vacation or something when this email came in? I'm definitely going to complain to my OB's practice about Natera. Not everyone is able to pay a $500 bill out of the blue on such short notice. Not everyone has the time to call their insurance company and sort out what the cost would be through insurance. Hell, a lot of people don't even check their email that often. Anyway, I just wanted to pass this on, and warn everyone to keep a close eye on your email inbox if you had Natera tests! Otherwise you could be liable for a huge chunk of change.
ETA it doesn't look like my whole post is showing up...this is supposed to be what it says before the tag: I think I'll be doing this. My doctor said it would be the Progenity test. I know my insurance is not going to cover it, but she recommended just going through the insurance and having it denied and then I'd get the max out of pocket bill directly from Progenity.