Alternatives and lab test results

[zero]

Good call Helen,be sure to ask ... viral load is not normally part of the LFP. Because it's a relatively expensive test  (probably because someone's got a patent on it)  the docs are reluctant to ask for it. Good luck      ~*~

[alley-oops]

Hi Helen,
In Canada, (where the gov't pays for tests...) they were happy to do a virul load test when they thought I was going to do interferon, then 8 months later, my family Dr. and I wanted to see if my alternatives were making a difference we ordered another one.  Well my Dr. got in royal s**t from the billing people and it took months to get the results. She was warned not to order another one...
It seems that it is used to measure the results of the interferon treatments.

On a positive note my test showed that my virul load went down.  From 3.5 million down to 2.6 million, for what it's worth.....

I'm not sure what it's going to cost you in the states, it'll be interesting to see how it goes for you.
alley

[Helen]

Thanks Alley,
I'll ask my Dr. about it, if its gonna cost me an arm and a leg, maybe I'll try to get it done just once a year, Insurance might only cover it once a year anyway, I just dont know.

   Helen

[countrygirl]

Helen,
I believe mine (VL) ran about $350.00. I'll have to look back on old receipts to make sure, but that number sticks in my head.  I pay cash so it may be less with insurance discounts, professional courtesy deals. And I thought I was being very courteous paying my bills on time. Hmmmm.......