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Sunday, July, 27, 2008

Question
flutters
05/08/08

brca testing and insurance

I'm on the fence to have the testing done. I fit all the criteria, my mom died of bc in the 50's, I am currently undergoing bc (done with lumpectomy and chemo, now starting radiation) and I have 3 daughters to consider plus 2 grand daughters. My doctor ordered the testing, but when I went to lab, they wanted me to sign that if my ins. didn't cover it, I would pay, and it is thousands of dollars. I contacted my bc/bs federal customer person and she said it should be covered but they don't do pre-approvals, it has to go through a board after the fact....hmmmmm.....any experience here? flutters

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PJ Hamel
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Thursday, May 08, 2008

Sounds like a real catch-22, Flutters. Perhaps your best bet is to speak to a patient advocate or social worker where you're getting treated; hopefully someone there will have had some experience with BC/BS and BRCA testing, and can give you some advice. I believe the test costs $3000-$3500. Another possibility would be to Google "clinical trials BRCA," and see if there's anything going on in that arena that would pay for your testing. Good luck-PJH

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