We are looking forward to meeting you soon!
Genetic screening is very important, but also very expensive. In order to avoid receiving a very large bill for the screening, we suggest you call your insurance company before your visit to verify your coverage and deductibles. (Most insurance companies cover the cost of the genetic consultation session).
Here is some information that may be useful when contacting your insurance company:
If not yet pregnant, please request preapproval for:
“Preconception Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Screening”
If you are pregnant, please request preapproval for:
“Prenatal Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Screening”
We recommend the following screening panel of 11 tests:
Tay Sachs enzyme and DNA
Gaucher disease
Canavan disease
Glycogen Storage disease type 1a
Cystic fibrosis mutation analysis
Maple Syrup urine disease
Familial Dysautonomia
Mucolipidosis Type IV
Bloom Syndrome
Niemann-Pick Type A
Fanconi Anemia Type C
CPT codes (lab testing ) include: 83891, 83893, 83894, 83896, 83898, 83900, 83901, 83909, 83912, 83914.
ICD-9 codes (office visit) used are V26.31 (for females), V26.34 (for males), V77.6, V77.7.
If preapproval is available, please have written documentation faxed to 617-636-0745, Attn.: Victor Program, before your visit.
If your insurance does not approve your testing immediately, we can provide a written letter of medical necessity (LMN) if needed. Please obtain your insurance company’s “Clinical Review” fax number for us and call us before your visit.
If you are still not covered after we send a LMN (or your deductible is high), we can provide testing for 9 of the 11 diseases (excludes Glycogen Storage disease Ia and Maple Syrup Urine disease) through a non-profit laboratory for $325. Checks can be made out to Tufts Medical Center Dept. of Pathology (please put Victor Program in the note section). The remaining two tests can be sent to Genzyme for $304 if desired.
Speaking to your insurance company is sometimes a frustrating experience, but we hope the information provided makes it a little easier.
Please call us with questions at 617-636-7721. To schedule an appointment for counseling and screening, please call 617-636-5462. For further information about our program, please visit our website at www.JewishGeneticScreening.org.
Thank you.
Jodi D. Hoffman, MD, Victor Program Director