Genetic testing scheduled!

I got through to Dr. Shoffner's office today and was able to get our appointments scheduled. Unfortunately, they are after the 1st of the year, but I kind of expected that to happen. Apparently, there were some scheduling issues that just popped up and prevented more appointments in December. No big deal - We would have met the out of network deductible at some point, and these appts will take us WAY WAY over that amount.

So, on January 8th, we have the 2 hour consult with Dr. Shoffner in Atlanta. The following morning we go back to Atlanta for the muscle biopsy (outpatient surgery that should last 45-60 minutes). Apparently we will get a 75 page report, and the Dr is ridiculously thorough. Other geneticists do not test for the amount of things that Shoffner will, nor give such a lengthy and detailed report. Hey, if she's going to get a chunk of her thigh taken out, let's make it count!

I asked how much the biopsy would cost. Are you sitting down? Seriously, are you sitting down? 15-20K. Yes, that's $15,000-$20,000. Wowee. But I don't think it's as bad as that makes it seem. Shoffner is out of network. So, after deductible, insurance pays 60%. Shoffner's office has contacted insurance and is asking them to pay 80% (in network rate) and citing medical necessity, etc. They are waiting on decision about that. So that brings it down to 4-8K out of pocket. Then I checked again to be sure they don't take a second insurance (because we do have medicaid now because of the Katie Beckett waiver). The office manager said they don't do secondary insurance, but they will give me all of the information to file it myself. Sooooo....that could mean I would pay much much much less. It's possible I would pay nothing. Possible. But I am not getting my hopes up. I refuse to put a price on my child's health/diagnosis.

Anyhow, that's the latest. I don't know how long it takes to get the results of the biopsy, but at least we know our next step is less than a month away. Plus, we still have CHOP coming up. Oh, and the new camera came!!! I feel so kick-ass using it. I'll have to have a shootout with the old and new camera and post the results.