seeing a LLMD soon- what tests should Ihave done beforehand??

sleeperwoken

Hi Nancy, I would definitely have those other two co-infections done at some point. If you can get them done before your appointment then that's probably only going to streamline your treatment. I think Igenex is the better lab, and I know there are other people here who also feel that way. There are a few people here who have used quest for testing and had the test come back negative only to do the same test through Igenex with a positive reading.

I hope your insurance covers all that you need. Have you had any trouble with your insurance company?

Lesley1954

The other lab frequently recommended for co-infections is MDL in New Jersey. I guess that stands for Medical Diagnostic Lab.
Lesley

sickandconfused

oh, my insurance companyis the pits!! They won't cover Igenex and they actually have a company wide "corporate policy" on the treatment of Lyme Disease. So, I know Igenex has so many tests they are confusing. I was thinking of getting the PCR (which I need a positive result for my insurance to cover anything) and the co-infections, Babesia, Ehrlichiosis, and Bartonella (but not sure which specific since there are several different ones. I already got a mycoplasma test from Quest and it showed very elevated IGG.

This is from Igenex:

"The usual first tests to order for the co-infections are IFA antibody tests: # 200 Babesia microti; # 203 or 206 Ehrlichia; and # 285 Bartonella"

Also, there is PCR on whole blood, PCR on serum, and now Multiplex PCR. which one should I do??

I figured if I came to the dr with as much info as possible, it would be best. Hopefully my current CFS dr, who is treating me will allow these tests. Thanks. BTW- any idea of the costs,

Thanks so much,
Nancy

sleeperwoken

When I had the tests done last year through Igenex, the cost was $89 for each co-infection test.

sickandconfused

thanks! so, those are the right tests, then?

-Nancy

sickandconfused

I just posted a new thread about the co-infections test cause I wanted to target those people who specifically had them done. But, I called Igenex and they recommended the PCR and the north east regional panel for co-infections which is very comprehensive- this is going to cost almost 700 dollars. Do you think they are trying to make money off me or is this the test I need?? They said they would be more expensive to order them separately. (They have gone quite higher than $89 per test unfortunately, but I do want the best and more accurate test result!!