Pulmonary Function Test Cost

A pulmonary function test is a group of tests which will be used to help see how well your lungs work, allowing a doctor to know how well you can breathe and how effective your lungs are able to bring oxygen to the rest of your body.

In most cases, your doctor may order this type of test if he or she sees you’re having symptoms of lung problems, you’re exposed to certain substances or they simply want to monitor the course of a chronic lung disease, such as asthma or COPD.

“Pneumocystis jiroveci infection Case 10” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Pulmonary Pathology

How much does a pulmonary function test cost?

The costs of a pulmonary function test will greatly depend on your insurance policy, your doctor, the number of tests and the facility you use.  If you do not have insurance, the costs, from what we researched, greatly varied across the United States, ranging from as little as $1,400 to more than $3,500 for a complete set of tests inside of a doctor’s office.  This price range will often include more than one test, hence the greater costs.

NOTE:  These prices may greatly increase if the procedure was performed inside a hospital setting.

As for patients who do have health insurance, the costs are often covered as long as medically necessary, with most reporting 75 to 100 percent of the test covered.  Of course, these costs would depend on your insurance coverage, but be prepared to pay your co-pays and the reduced amount after your insurance company discount kicks in until you meet your annual deductible.

The type of pulmonary function tests

Diffusion capacity test – A diffusion capacity test is able to see how well the small air sacks (alveoli) inside of your lungs are working.  During this test, you will breathe in certain gases, such as helium, carbon dioxide, oxygen or a tracer gas.  As you breathe these gases out, the machine will be able to determine how well your lungs are able to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from your bloodstream.

Inhalation challenge test – These challenge tests are performed to help determine how well you respond to substances which are known to cause asthma and/wheezing.  Also referred to as a provocation study, this test requires you to breathe in a set amount of air through a device known as a nebulizer, either by using a face mask or a mouthpiece.  As you inhale the substance, your lungs are monitored before, during and after.

Multiple-breath washout test – This test is done to check people who currently have cystic fibrosis.  During this test, you will first breathe in air which contains a tracer gas, then, following the exhale, you will breathe in the regular air while your exhale is monitored.  The results, reported as your lung clearance rate, will determine how well your lungs are working.

Plethysmography test – A plethysmography test will measure the volume of gas inside your lungs, also referred to as lung volume.  With this test, you will stand in a booth and breathe into a specific mouthpiece.  By doing so, your doctor will be able to determine your lung volume by measuring the pressure inside of the booth.

Spirometry – In some cases, a spirometry may be included, and this is a test designed to help measure the amount of air you’re able to breathe in and out.  With this test, you will sit in front of a machine while wearing a mouthpiece and nose clip on your nose to prevent any air from escaping out of your nostrils.  Once set up, the respiratory technologist or doctor will tell you how you should breathe for the test.

What it can measure

Forced expiratory flow (FEF) – The average rate of flow during the middle half of an FVC test.

Forced expiratory volume (FEV) – The amount of air that has expired during the first, second and third seconds of an FVC test.

Forced vital capacity (FVC) – The air exhaled forcefully and quickly after inhaling as much air as possible.

Functional residual capacity – The air left in the lungs after exhaling naturally.

Minute volume – The total amount of air that’s exhaled each minute.

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) – The fastest rate you’re able to force out of your lungs.

Residual volume – The air left inside of the lungs after exhaling as fast as you can.

Tidal volume – The amount of air either inhaled or exhaled during natural breathing.

Total lung capacity – The total volume of lungs when it is filled with as much air as possible.

Vital capacity – The total volume of air that’s able to be exhaled after inhaling as much air as possible.

source:  University of Rochester Medical Center

Risks of a pulmonary function test

While the test can be safe for most, Healthline.com does note you can feel dizzy or even risk fainting due to the quick breathing exercises.  If you have asthma, then the test, on some rare occasions, can cause an asthma attack or even a collapsed lung.

It can also cause problems for those who have experienced a heart attack, eye surgery, chest surgery, abdominal surgery, heart disease and/or respiratory infection.

PFT can help diagnose…

• asthma
• allergies
• chronic bronchitis
• respiratory infections
• lung fibrosis
• bronchiectasis,
• COPD
• asbestosis
• sarcoidosis
• scleroderma
• pulmonary tumor
• lung cancer
• weaknesses of the chest wall muscles

source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

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How Much Does a Progenity Test Cost?

Progenity provides a variety of specialized testing services for both women and children.

Partnering with healthcare providers, its advanced genetic testing can help families prepare for life.

“Geschenk fig.2” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Torsten Mangner

Progenity test costs

The costs of a Progenity test will greatly depend on your insurance company, and according to the company’s official FAQ in regards to costs, they offer a Peace of Mind program that is designed to help you learn about the costs you may be responsible for.  While the company doesn’t specifically state how much you will be responsible for, they encourage you to call their Financial Services team at 855-293-2639, option 4.

From our research online, however, the initial billing to the insurance company, if insured, is often high, about $10,000+, but do not let this scare you as many people stated they only had to pay $25 to $200 per test out of pocket, regardless of insurance once the insurance denied the claim.  This final price would greatly depend on your household income and we found hundreds of people who had the tests done online confirming this fact.

For instance, on this BabyCenter.com five-page forum thread, multiple members discussed the costs they paid for a Progenity test.  According to most, it appeared to be the same story, with the EOB from the insurance company being charged about $10,000, but in the end, many said they paid anywhere from $25 to $200 depending on your income.  If your responsibility is greater than the range mentioned prior, many members stated that it is best to call the company directly to discuss your costs.

On this WhattoExpect.com forum thread, a member said Progenity charged her insurance $10,000, even though her doctor said they wouldn’t pay more than $99.  According to the responses, multiple members shared the same experience and noted it was best to call the company after the insurance company denies your claim to have your bill lowered.  Another said she was quoted $650 out of pocket, but the prices could be $200 or less based on her income.

A member on this Reddit thread posted a screenshot of her insurance bill, which claimed she was responsible for $11,097.  A member, who had a Progenity test, said her doctor warned her the initial bill would be quite high, but in the end, most people would pay between $20 to $200 since the company adjusts the pay based on your income when you call.

The testing options

Preparent carrier screen

This genetic carrier test, either performed before conception or during pregnancy, will check for any serious disorders that a parent can pass onto their children.  The test family, as per the company, includes the following:

• Standard Panel – Tests for the carrier status of 29 hereditary disorders with ACOG/ACMG guidelines.
• Global Panel – Tests for carrier status of 200+ hereditary disorders which commonly affect health during infancy or childhood.
• Trio Panel – Tests for the three most common hereditary disorders:  fragile X syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy and cystic fibrosis.
• CF – Tests for cystic fibrosis.
• SMA – Tests for the carrier status of spinal muscular atrophy, one of the most common inherited causes at birth.
• FX – Tests for fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities.
• XY – An optional fetal sex reporting for testing panels.

Innatal™ Prenatal Screen

This screening test checks for some of the most common chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome and Turner syndrome, to name a few, only requiring only a simple blood draw.

Riscover™ Hereditary Cancer Test

This test helps you understand the risks for certain types of cancers and ensuring you’re taking the right steps to a healthy lifestyle.  Since cancer runs in a family and 10% of it is hereditary, this means the genes you inherit could make you more likely to get certain types of cancers.  Knowing your risk from the test results can help change your future with preventative medication or risk-reducing surgery depending on your results.

IdentifySGD

This pre-implantation test benefits parents who may be at risk of conceiving a child with a single-gene disorder.  Created by the Foundation for Embryonic Competence, this screening test will consist of two phases:  the Validation Phase, which is a prep process used to create a custom test for your family, and the Biopsy Phase, a process where the embryos are testing before implantation.

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How Much Does GeneSight® Testing Cost?

The GeneSight® test will analyze your DNA, helping your doctor better understand which medication may work based on your genetic makeup.

Using a detailed test report, your doctor will be able to personalize your treatment plan, find the right medication and help avoid any medication which may cause unwanted side effects.

If you’re suffering from a condition such as depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD or chronic pain, then this test, analyzing your unique set of genes will ultimately determine how your body responds to medications.

The reported GeneSight® testing costs

As per the official website, they claim 95% of their patients will pay less than $330 per GeneSight® test.  If you have traditional Medicare or Medicaid, the cost is $0, but if you have Medicare Advantage, employer or any other insurance, then you may need to be prepared to cover a portion of the cost, often being $330 or less.  As for those who are uninsured, the company recommends you contact them directly for more help.

Even if you’re not able to afford the costs up front, the company did create a Financial Assistance Program — a program designed to reduce the costs even further based on your household income and number of people living with you.  According to this PDF, if you make less than $50,000, the patient’s responsibility is $20, while those making $50,001 to $75,000 will be responsible for $150 or $12.50 per month.  Households making more than $75,001 or more will not be eligible for this program.

On PsychCentral.com, members talked about the costs of this test, and while some said their insurance covered the entire test, a representative from Assurex Health, the company which markets GeneSight, confirmed the costs mentioned above, stating the maximum out of pocket costs are typically less than $330.  She also noted they did offer a 12 month, interest-free payment plan as well.

The type of GeneSight® tests

GeneSight® ADHD – The GeneSight® ADHD test is able to help doctors identify and void certain ADHD medications which are likely to cause side effects based on your genetic makeup.  You can see a sample report via the official website here.

GeneSight® Analgesic – The GeneSight® Analgesic test analyzes how your body reacts to the FDA-approved opioids and muscle relaxants on the market, allowing your doctor to determine which medications you should use based on the results.

GeneSight® MTHFR – This genetic test analyzes an important gene within your system that is able to predict your body’s ability to convert folic acid into its active form of L-methylfolate.  Folic acid must be in its active form in order for your body to use it as it helps produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.  With this test results, your doctor may be able to determine if you could benefit from folic acid or  L-methylfolate supplements.

GeneSight® Psychotropic – This test will analyze how your genes affect your response to psychotropic medications which are commonly prescribed to treat PTSD, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia or other related behavioral health conditions.  As there are a variety of medications available on the market that is able to treat these conditions, the GeneSight® Psychotropic testing is able to allow your doctor to identify and avoid any anxiety, depression and/or medication which may cause side effects and/or will be considered unlikely to work.

The process – how does it work?

As per RauhPsychiatry.com, the process is relatively simple.  A cheek swab is used to collect the DNA, and the samples are then overnighted to the Assurex labs.  Typically, the results are available within 36 hours, and once received by your doctor, he or she will have access to report classifying a list of 38 psychiatric drugs into three possible categories: green bin (“use as directed”), yellow bin (“use with caution”) and red bin (“use with caution and with more frequent monitoring”).

Clinical studies

As per the official website, the test is supported by multiple peer-reviewed clinic studies, and according to the company, it’s the leading neuropsychiatric pharmacogenomic technology backed by research.  You can view the five clinical studies here, here, here, here and here.

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Planned Parenthood STD Test Cost

Aside from your local doctor’s office or health clinic, STD tests are available at your local Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organization that provides a host of sexual health and family planning services.

“Planned Parenthood in St. Paul” (CC BY 2.0) by Fibonacci Blue

How much does an STD test cost at Planned Parenthood?

The costs of an STD test at your local Planned Parenthood will all depend on your income, if you have health insurance and which STDs you want to be tested for, according to PlannedParenthood.org.

Because of the Affordable Care Act, most insurance companies today will cover this sort of testing, meaning, most of the time, the costs will be free as long as you meet the insurance company guidelines.  Those on Medicaid, for example, are often covered at no cost.  Even if you do not have a health insurance policy, all Planned Parenthood locations work on a sliding income scale, which means you can either get the test for free or for as little as $50 per individual test to as much as $225 for a comprehensive test out of pocket, again, based on your choice.

For a complete package, which includes testing for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Rapid HIV and Herpes Type II, the total costs, including the office visit are said to be $225 from our research, but again, depending on your income and/or insurance policy, the costs could be much lower, sometimes $0.  But to budget, the entire package should not cost more than this if you fail to meet their income requirements and don’t have a health insurance policy.

An office visit to test one specific STD is often $50 to $70 per test, but if you purchase a comprehensive package like the one mentioned above, the costs will drastically decrease.

According to one member on Reddit.com, the rates will differ from one region to region, with a lot of locations offering low-cost or even free testing due to the local government funding which subsidizes the test rate.

Fox News, in its Planned Parenthood rolls out STD testing apps article, stated the company, even though limited in availability, released an app which allows residents to request an at-home lab kit that tested for the two most common sexually transmitted diseases.  The kit is said to cost $149, about 20 times the actual cost when compared to a federal clinic. Once ordered, it will arrive in a discreet packaging and will include easy-to-read instructions using a urine sample.  Once the kit is mailed to the lab, users will receive their results, either positive or negative, through their phone app and are able to take advantage of a prescription within the app by sending a selfie video if the results did come back positive.

In one interview on ClearHealthCosts.com, a man was tested for both chlamydia and gonorrhea for $175 at his local Planned Parenthood.

How does the test work?

In order to receive an STD test from a local Planned Parenthood, you must visit the location and request a test.  As noted, these tests are either offered individually or you can purchase a comprehensive package.  From our research, a variety of STDs, including chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, trichomoniasis and syphilis, are available upon request.

Inside of any Planned Parenthood, the procedure will be no different than a local doctor’s office.  They will ask you to fill out a comprehensive health history questionnaire, and from there, the samples are collected, either via blood, urine and/or a swab, depending on the STD tested, and will be sent off to the lab.  With a urine test, you simple pee in a cup, while a cheek swab will require a simple swipe of the inside of your cheek with a soft swab.  Other tests include a blood test, physical exam, testing your sores or using a swab to test a discharge or cells from the affected area.

According to the organization, they will test for gonorrhea and chlamydia using a urine sample, and if your results are positive, then they will provide you with a treatment plan.  Many of their STD tests will require a genital exam.

As for HIV testing, this is done via a blood draw and can take up to 21 days for your results to come in, while rapid HIV testing can be done via a finger stick, with results in as little as 10 minutes.

Tests should take no longer than 15 minutes.

Which STD test will you need?

The type of STD they will want to test for will all depend upon the symptoms you’re experiencing, if your partner has an STD, the number of people you had intercourse with, the kind of intercourse you experienced and/or how often you use protection.  With this information, the doctor or nurse on staff will be able to determine which STD tests will work best for your situation.

Other options

Online STD testing – Reputable online STD services, such as STDCheck.com, allow you to purchase an FDA-approved STD test kit from the comfort of your own home.  From there, you will visit the lab they partner with, often LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics, and will either have your blood drawn and/or a urine sample taken.  Results, often sent via email, are available within 72 hours, and in the case of positive results, many online STD testing companies can connect you with a physician who’s able to prescribe a prescription.

At-home kits – At this time, there are only two FDA-approved at-home kits:  the OraQuick® In-Home HIV Test, being the most common.  This rapid HIV test uses an oral swab to test the fluid sample from the upper and lower gums and is able to produce a result in as little as one hour.  While the test is safe, it’s highly recommended you still talk with a professional as false positives are a possibility.

Doctor’s office – Your local doctor’s office will always have STD tests available, and most of the time, before offering it, they will want to discuss your health history and perform a physical exam, often including a pelvic exam for females.  However, this isn’t always the case as all doctors vary with their requirements and it will depend on your history with your doctor and circumstances.  Depending on the type of STD sample taken, the results can be read almost immediately in the case of a urine sample, but for bloodwork, it could take a few days, depending on the lab your doctor’s office works with.  While this is another option, this can be one of the costliest options due to the examination fees, the treatment options and additional tests if your doctor requires it.  Even if you think your insurance company may cover it, there are times when your claims are denied if no symptoms were present prior to the test.

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Panorama Blood Test Cost

The Panorama prenatal screen is designed for women of any age and ethnicity who are at least nine weeks pregnant.

This simple blood draw is able to detect if your baby is at a higher risk for having Down syndrome or other commonly found genetic conditions, as well the gender of your baby.

Being non-invasive and highly accurate, the test is able to detect more than 99% of pregnancies affected with Down syndrome and has one of the lowest false positive rates of any prenatal test.

“Geschenk fig.1” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Torsten Mangner

How much does a Panorama prenatal test cost?

The cost of a Panorama prenatal screen, as per the official website, will vary depending on the panel you select and your insurance coverage.  If you do have health insurance, the company notes it will be contingent upon your coverage benefits and your specific plan.  Browsing at their list of their official approved health insurance carriers, it does appear they work with most major carriers such as Blue Cross and UnitedHealthcare.  From our research, as long as you meet the insurance company’s requirement, such as age and health history, it should be covered.

From our research from multiple people online, the costs appear to greatly range anywhere from $2,500 to $5,500 if billed to your insurance, but if your insurance does deny your claim, many people reported you will only pay about $200 to $500 max out of pocket.  Do not be surprised if you receive an EOB with a high five-figure as many people reported it dropped drastically if you called Panorama directly.

All of this information came from third-party resources and cannot be guaranteed nor confirmed, so it’s best to talk with your doctor, your insurance company and the company directly for more information in regards to the costs.

On this BabyCenter.com forum thread, for example, had multiple people claiming they received bills ranging anywhere from $2,500 to more than $10,000, but with more than six pages of replies, we did read a lot of people were able to call Panorama directly and pay about $200 to $500 out of pocket without insurance, but it did appear your results would greatly vary.

At What To Expect, someone asked about this test, stating her doctor recommended the test since she was 37 years old.  Curious about the costs, most of the replies said you should be prepared to pay less than $200 out of pocket if insurance didn’t cover it.

How dos the Panorama blood test work?

This simple blood draw, often done inside of your doctor’s office or an approved lab, will determine the likelihood your baby could be affected by a chromosome abnormality such as  Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, trisomy 13, monosomy X and triploid.  In some cases, your doctor, depending on your situation, may recommend other tests, offered by the same company, which is able to screen for more conditions, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, 1p36 deletion, Cri-du-chat syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome.

After the draw, the results are often available within the week and depending on your doctor’s discretion, they may interpret the results of the phone or ask you to come into the office to go over the results.

On the results, it may state the following:  low risk, indicating it’s unlikely your baby is affected by one of the conditions presented on the panel or high risk, meaning there’s a higher than average chance your baby could have a chromosome abnormality.  In this case, your doctor will recommend you talk with a genetic counselor or specialist to take advantage of invasive tests such as a CVS or amniocentesis.  The company clearly states you should not make a sole decision based on the results of this test.  In rare cases, a “no result” may appear, meaning the lab was not able to obtain enough information in your blood sample to determine an accurate result.  If this were the case, a second blood test would be recommended.

Tips to know

The company, according to its FAQ offers payment plans for as little as $25 per month.  The fine print, however, states not everyone may qualify.

If you want to learn more information about this screening test, they do offer free 15-minute consultations over the phone with board-certified genetic counselors.  You can call 844-707-4621 or visit the official website’s portal to set up your information session.

The test cannot be used for women carrying more than three or more babies, women who used an egg donor or a surrogate carrying more than one baby.

The gender accuracy rate has a greater than 99% sensitivity rate with a 0% false positive rate.

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Insulated Vinyl Siding Cost per Square Foot

Insulated siding, one of the many siding options available to homeowners, is often considered to be a great alternative to many of the other costly siding options.

Although many contractors still prefer the traditional vinyl siding, insulated siding can offer a competitive edge as it has a polystyrene foam backing which adds an insulating layer, allowing it to resist dents, cracks and increase its soundproofing qualities.

“Shed as of 9-1-2009” (CC BY 2.0) by davef3138

How much does insulated vinyl siding cost?

The costs of insulated vinyl siding greatly depends on the manufacturer, the color and the profile being used.  For just the materials alone, be prepared to spend $2 to $5 per square foot, but if you want to hire a professional contractor to install it, then the total costs can range from $5 to $10 per square foot, all depending on the size of the home, the home’s layout and the geographical location.  Keep in mind this price range could increase by about 20% if you need your existing siding removed.

As all jobs are so unique, we highly recommend you check out HomeAdvisor.  With this website, you can simply describe your job and licensed contractors will email/contact you with free quotes, saving you the headache of contacting and researching multiple contractors in your area.

A member on this Hearth.com forum thread stated he received three quotes for his 2,400 square foot home to replace the existing wood siding.  According to this thread, he was quoted anywhere from $13,000 to $24,000 for vinyl siding, but if he wanted to upgraded to insulated vinyl siding, it would increase the costs by as much as $4,000, bringing the square foot average to about $10 per square foot if he were to choose the insulated option.  Granted, the contractor would have to remove the existing siding which would affect the cost.

What exactly is insulated vinyl siding?

Insulated vinyl siding, from afar, will look no different than the traditional vinyl siding as of today.  The only key difference here is the layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation which is adhered to the backing and will be derived from a PVC or polyvinyl chloride resin-based material.

Because of this foam, manufacturers will charge up to 40 percent more, but do not let this sway you as many homeowners claim they are able to recoup the extra costs since the foam backing helps reduce their energy bills.  How long this takes to recover will greatly depend on your climate, how much you spent, the brand and how well it was installed.  Experts, from what we read, said homeowners in either an extreme cold or hot climate will benefit the most and will see a payback period in as little as four to six years.  If you live in a moderate climate, however, it could take up to 10 to 15 years to see your investment pay off.

The R-value

When shopping for insulated vinyl siding, you will notice a term referred to as the “R-value.”  This term simply means its resistance to the heat passing through it, either when it leaves your home or when it enters during the warmer months.

With insulated vinyl siding available in various thicknesses, just like other types of siding, the R-value will greatly vary; however, most insulated siding will produce an R-2.0 or greater.  To meet the government Energy Star requirements in order to qualify for tax credits, however, the siding must have an R-value of R-3 or greater in climate zones 1-4 or an R-5 or greater in climate zones 5-8.

Pros of insulated vinyl siding

Increases the R-value as all brands are an R-2 or higher.

Its impact resistance is much higher when compared to a traditional vinyl siding.

Some brands have a unique vapor permeability, which allows the siding to breathe between the siding and the house.  This, in turn, can prevent seam problems and gaps due to the shrinkage over time.

In some cases, depending on the brand, it can be installed over existing siding, making the install job cheaper in some cases.

For an irregular wall or setup, this type of siding can create a solid finished-looking wall.

Some sizes can be much larger than what traditional vinyl siding can offer.

Many brands have created specifically designed pieces which can fit corners and windows with ease.

The sound control is much better in comparison to traditional siding.

It’s known to perform better in extreme weather.

As compared to most vinyl-based siding, it will require much less maintenance and repairs if it were to become damaged.

The insulation foaming will not absorb moisture, preventing mildew and mold.

Energy credits are available for homeowners as it can reduce your energy bills by up to 10%.

Cons of insulated vinyl siding

Failing to install the siding properly can lead to warping and/or buckling problems in the future.  Pieces can also blow away if it’s not attached securely.

A waterproof barrier installed on the exterior of the home is necessary, and failing to install it can lead to water entering home.  However, if a waterproof barrier is used, this can create the moisture-free environment mentioned in the pros above.

The installation costs, when compared to traditional vinyl siding, is about 40% more on average.  If the siding needs to be custom made to match a color and/or design, then the costs can increase even more.

Since this type of siding needs to be professionally installed, it can be hard to find a qualified contractor in your area who is able to successfully install it.  When choosing one, always make sure the contractor has experience and is licensed and insured.

Top brands on the market

Alside Prodigy®

CertainTeed

Gentek

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How Much Does an HSG Test Cost?

An HSG test, commonly referred to as a hysterosalpingogram test, will look inside of the uterus, fallopian tubes and surrounding area after a contrast dye was injected through the cervix.

This important test for fertility potential will show whether or not the fallopian tubes are opened or obstructed and if there is a blockage at the intersection of the tube and uterus or at the opposite end of the tubes.

“Have a seat” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by chris_harber

The cost of an HSG test

The costs of an HSG will depend on your geographical location, the facility, the doctor and anesthesiologist performing the procedure.  From our research, the costs of an HSG test, including the facility fee, doctor’s fee and anesthesiologist fees, without any insurance coverage, will range anywhere from $550 to $1,750. 

As for health insurance, most health insurance companies will not cover the procedure as it tends to fall into the “infertility” category, and unless it’s medically necessary, which is highly uncommon, you will need to be prepared to pay the costs out of pocket.  In some cases, a hospital will offer a cash discount to those who pay their costs up front.  On this blog post at WhattoExpect.com, for example, a woman who had her HSG test thought her insurance policy would cover her procedure since the hospital she went to said it was submitted to insurance as it was deemed a necessary procedure.  In the end, the insurance claim was denied and she was responsible for the $900 bill.

The Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago posted the national averages for fertility treatments, with the cost for a hysterosalpingogram ranging anywhere from $800 to $3,000.

At MDSave.com, they listed more than 70+ providers, who posted prices ranging anywhere from $200 to $800.

One member on this Babycenter.com forum thread stated she was charged $800 for the facility fee, $240 the doctor and another $140 for the anesthesiologist, while another said she paid about $170 after her insurance paid its share.  Via another thread, one member in Michigan said she paid about $700 after the insurance covered its portion.

How does the test work?

The entire test takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete and is commonly done inside of either the radiology department at a hospital or at third-party outpatient radiology facility.  Before the procedure, WebMD.com notes your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication or an antibiotic.

Inside the exam room, you will lie on the exam table, usually with stirrups, positioning into a “frog leg” position, where you bring your feet up.

When in position, and after performing a pelvic exam, the gynecologist, nurse or a technician will insert a speculum to visualize the cervix.

Then, either a smooth, slim catheter is inserted via the cervical opening into the uterine cavity or an instrument, known as a tenaculum, is put on the cervix, followed by inserting a thin metal cannula through the cervical opening.

Next, a contrast is injected, using one of these two instruments, slowly into the uterine cavity, and as this is being performed, an x-ray will take pictures as the uterine cavity is being filled.  As the uterine cavity begins to fill, it will eventually empty into the abdominal cavity, where more x-rays are taken.

When both of the tubes eventually spill the dye, you will then be asked to rotate to your side in order to take more x-rays while in this position.

After this final x-ray, the devices are withdrawn and the doctor will allow you to rest for the next several minutes to allow the cramping to subside due to the injection.

Results of the tests are available immediately, and the x-rays will be reviewed after the entire procedure is performed.

Risks/complications of an HSG test

Complications, as per AdvancedFertility.com, can include the chance of an allergic response to the dye, rashes, a pelvic infection and/or uterine perforations.  While these are considered complications, they are considered to be very rare and quite uncommon.

HSG Pain – should I worry?

With most women, the dye painlessly passes through the uterus, through the fallopian tubes and eventually out of the abdominal cavity, according to VeryWell.com.  But, if your tubes are blocked, then this could cause pressure, leading to mild pain or some sort of discomfort.  If you do feel pain, your doctor will want to know immediately as this isn’t normal.  In this case, he or she will release the catheter right away to help relieve the pressure.

To help reduce your pain, your doctor may recommend taking an ibuprofen about 90 minutes before your HSG.  Doing so can help reduce the cramping during the test.

The Shady Grove Fertility states most of its patients say “that really wasn’t so bad” after the procedure was done, however, according to many commenters via that link, some did note it was quite painful, with some noting it was more uncomfortable than a PAP.

In conclusion, it appears the reports will vary and it will greatly depend on your pain tolerance and circumstances.

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Feline Leukemia Test Cost

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), a serious viral disease which only affects cats, can be diagnosed via a simple blood test, also referred to as a “snap” test or with an at-home lab test.

This blood test is able to detect exposure to this virus.  Often called the “Feleuk” test, abbreviated as FeLV, this virus test is commonly taken concurrently with an FIV (aids) test as well.

“Kitten” (CC BY 2.0) by Fuzzy Gerdes

How much does a feline leukemia test cost?

The costs of a feline leukemia test will depend on which method you prefer as there are two popular methods:  an at-home test, which uses a saliva/tear sample or via your vet, where he or she will take a simple blood test in order to gather the results.  At-home tests, which use a saliva sample, are available for $30 to $45, but the results are controversial because you will still need an IFA test to confirm the results if the saliva test was positive.  For example, this highly rated test on Amazon.com retails for about $40 to $50, while this Petco brand from Perfect Pet retails for about $30.

Aside from the at-home test, if you were to go to a local vet, then you will need to factor in the examination fees, which, depending on your location, can cost $50 to $75, plus another $15 to $25 just for the test, bringing the grand total to about $65 to $100 for the test and results.

If the test results were positive, then an IFA test will need to be performed, which can cost another $20.

NeighborhoodCats.org, referencing the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association stated the average cost of an FIV/FeLV snap test is $15.

How a feline leukemia test works

A feline leukemia test is a simple in-house blood test that is taken inside of your vet’s office.  If the results come back positive, then it could be mean the cat has FeLV or it could indicate the test could go wrong.  In the case of a positive test, a vet will always perform another test, known as an IFA test, to confirm the results as snap tests, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, have a high rate of error.  If this IFA test is negative, then it could mean two things:  either the cat is not affected with FeLV and/or the cat was recently infected, about a month ago, but the results are not positive just yet.  If this is suspected, then your vet will want to take another IFA test four weeks later to confirm the results.

After drawing the blood sample, the blood is immediately placed inside of a glass container with a substance which prevents clotting.  Combining this blood with a chemical, the sample is spread over a filter paper which is impregnated with specific antibodies and antigens.  If the color changes a certain color or a line develops past a set point on the paper, it will indicate a positive result, similar to what you would see with an at-home pregnancy kit for women.

Most vets will take the test directly in house while some, depending on their preference, may outsource to an outside lab.

The entire test takes about 15 minutes to perform and the results, if sent to an outside lab, will take up to two days to receive the results.

How does a cat get FeLV?

The most common way a cat gets FeLV is via saliva or casual contact with another infected cat.  This can include sharing a food bowl, touching noses and/or grooming one another.  As this disease is highly contagious, cat owners are highly advised they keep their cats away from strange cats, and owners should always wash their hands thoroughly in between handling cats.  While adults cats are susceptible to this disease, kittens are at the highest risk.

Protecting your cat from FeLV

According to FixNation.org, it’s always best to keep your cat indoors, away from feral/stray cats.

You should always follow the recommended vaccination schedule, especially at a young age and if your cat is allowed to go outdoors.  Vaccinations will not interfere with testing this disease

Always isolate and test a new incoming cat/kitten before it’s allowed to interact with other household pets.

Keep in mind, most of the time, you will not be able to tell if a cat has FeLV just by looking at it as cats with FeLV can look perfectly healthy.  For this reason, even if you know the “strange” cat and it appears healthy, it’s always best to avoid exposure.

Tips to know

If adopting from a local shelter, do keep in mind that most will not test for FeLV or FIV.  Most shelters will only test if the cat is showing active signs which may indicate signs of the illness.

Recent estimates, according to Cornell University, indicate about 4% of the 83 million cats have either FIV or FeLV.

Kittens from the same litter, according to the ASPCA, may have different results for a number of reasons and one kitten test should be a representative for the entire litter.

85 percent of cats diagnosed with this disease will die within three years of diagnosis.  However, if the cat obtained the virus via blood or sexual contact, the chances of them living a longer life is much greater.

At this time, there is no cure for FeLV, but attempts, according to the Cat Doctor, have been made, including AZT, ImmunoRegulin, Interferon and Acemannan.

There is no evidence which indicates FeLV can be transmitted to people, but it’s recommended cats with FeLV stay away from pregnant women, babies, the elderly and those with a weakened immune system.

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How Much Does an EEG Test Cost?

An EEG test, also referred to as an electroencephalography, will measure the electrical activity inside the brain and is often used as part of a diagnosis to help treat sleep disorders, head injuries, tumors, epilepsy and sleep disorders, to name a few.

During this test, small metal discs with thin wires are pasted to your scalp and are designed to detect electrical charges that come from your brain cells.  These charges, once received, are amplified and will appear as a graph on the computer screen.

“”Volunteer Duty” Psychology Testing” (CC BY 2.0) by Tim Sheerman-Chase

The cost of an EEG test

The cost of an EEG test will depend on your geographical location, where the test is performed and if you’re using your health insurance policy.  If you’re covered by health insurance, then the typical out-of-pocket costs will depend on your health insurance plans.

For those who do not have a health insurance policy and plan on paying out of pocket, then the costs can range anywhere from $250 to $950, but the costs can greatly increase if you needed extended monitoring.  If the test is performed at a hospital, for instance, be prepared to pay much more in comparison to having it done inside the doctor’s office or a third-party laboratory.

MDSave.com, for instance, had a few providers in its system offering the test for about $450.

What is an EEG test?

Short for electroencephalography, this non-invasive, pain-free test is used to detect your brain activity.  Since your brain cells communicate with each other in the form of an impulse, this test will record these waves and display the results on the computer in the form of wavy lines, similar to that of a heartbeat pattern.  During the test, your physician will pay close attention to the brain activity results on the computer, and if any abnormalities are noticed, it could help rule out a condition and/or help the physician understand how the brain is functioning.

With the results, your doctor can diagnose epilepsy, types of seizures, internal head injuries, dementia, strokes, inflammation (Encephalitis), sleep disorders and also find out if a person is in a coma.  In some cases, this test can also be used to check on the brain activity during a surgical procedure.

Preparing for the test

According to KidsHealth.org, the preparation is minimal, but the hair should be clear of any oils, sprays and/or conditioners to help the electrodes stick to the scalp.  In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you refrain from taking certain medications.  It’s also recommended you avoid caffeine for up to eight hours before the test time.

AHealthyMe.com states your doctor will answer any questions you may have and will ask you to sign a form which gives you permission in order to do the procedure.

How is it performed?

Unlike other tests which may take samples of your blood, an EEG test involves placing electrodes on the scalp, each of which will have its own individual wires.  Before the electrodes are placed, however, the scalp is first prepared by removing any dead skin cells and applying a gel in the areas where the electrodes will be used.  During this time, the patient will experience no pain.

Before the electrodes are placed, you will lie down on an exam table or bed.

Next, once the electrodes are placed in the determined area, about 20 or so, they will be connected to a recording machine to pick up the electrical impulses and display your brainwave activity.  This process, depending on your diagnosis, can take up to an hour or even more if a sleeping analysis is required.  In this case, a doctor may be prescribed a sedative to help you relax/fall asleep during the test.  You may also be asked to perform various tasks, such as staring at a picture or light, to help look at a certain stimulus.

After the test completes, the electrodes will be removed and your results, which can often be up to 100+ pages, may be discussed immediately or you may have to wait for the results to be interpreted by a neurologist.  Unless your doctor notices you’re having a seizure, you should be able to drive home after the test as long as you didn’t take a sedative.

The entire test can either be done inside a hospital, lab or your doctor’s office as an outpatient procedure.

The risks of an EEG

Considered to be a very safe procedure, there are rare instances of some complications as this can be said with any procedure technically.  In rare circumstances, a seizure may be caused by an EEG if a person has a seizure disorder.  This is often due to the flashing lights and/or the deep breathing that is required for the tests.  Other complications, again, while rare, can be based on your medical condition.

Tips to know

Certain factors can throw off an EEG test, including low blood sugar, body/eye movements during the test, bright/flashing lights, certain medicines or consuming caffeinated drinks before the test.

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4KScore Prostate Test Cost

Each year, more than 3 million men are living with prostate cancer.

To prevent this, early detection is key, which begins with the screening of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), the most commonly used blood test, which is designed to assess the health of the prostate.

During this screening, if the PSA results are too high, then a doctor may recommend a biopsy; however, according to 4KScore, because a PSA test cannot tell the difference between an aggressive prostate cancer and a less serious scenario, many men may receive a biopsy when they didn’t need one in the first place.

The 4KScore prostate test, developed by OPKO Health, INC., is a commercial blood test which uses a special algorithm to determine how aggressive your prostate cancer may be.

“Lab” (CC BY 2.0) by eelke dekker

How much does it cost for a 4KScore test?

The costs of the 4KScore test, as per this official press release, was dropped from $1,900 to $595.  With the company’s Patient Health Advocacy Program, they state they are committed to helping patients who do not have any sort of health insurance policy, offering payment plans and self-pay options.  Patients are advised to call the billing hotline at 855-4KBILLING for more information.

From our research, your health insurance policy may cover the lab work, but it will all depend on your policy and plan, because, in some cases, the insurance company may view this test as being “investigational” or it may not be covered at all.  The 4Kscore test did receive a Category Level 1 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code from the American Medical Association, according to this press release.

What is the 4KScore test?

The test was named “4KScore” for the four prostate-specific kallikrein assay results:  total PSA; free PSA; intact PSA; and Human Kallikrein-2 or hK2.

According to Daniel Lin, MD in this Medscape.com article, he notes the blood test is an assay panel that is able to combine three PSA measures — total, free, and intact — with another prostate-specific measure — human kallikrein 2 (hK2).  Using an algorithm combining the patient’s age, previous biopsy status and digital rectal exam result, a spectrum of risk can be assessed, from 1% to 95%.

According to the company, the test is a simplistic blood test which is intended to help reduce the needs for unnecessary biopsies in the future.  If the test determines the risk factor is low, for example, then the physician, depending on his or her recommendation, may avoid a biopsy.  In the end, the test was designed to help avoid costly biopsies and reduce any associated side effects/complications which comes with these tests.

Santis Health notes the test is very new and has emerged within the last decade, only available in the United States.  As of 2017, UK insurance corporations will not pay for the test, but in the doctor’s mind, it is expensive, but it is a test worth doing to determine whether to have ongoing monitoring or to have radiotherapy after an operation if the biopsy of the prostate after the surgery shows a great risk.

The test is said to have a 94% accuracy rate when detecting aggressive cancer.

Tips to know

At this time, the testing is rather limited, but the official website offers an easy-to-use search tool to determine which lab in your area offers this kind of testing if your physician does not have the ability to draw a blood sample.

In the same Medscape.com article mentioned prior, the 4KScore, when compared to an online PCTP online calculator was ” incrementally better” at predicting a prebiopsy.

A medical study, “Finding the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: The 4Kscore Is a Novel Blood Test That Can Accurately Identify the Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer.” was published on the NCBI.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, in 2015, added the test to its recommended test when detecting prostate cancer.

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