Tell me about your NIPT experience (update in replies)

[minionkevin]

I want to make sure I am not nuts.
I will be close to but not yet 35 (about a month away) when I have #3. My doctor referred me for the NIPT vs NT scan. As I want to find out the sex right away I am fine with this.
If anyone read my post on doctor choice a few weeks ago, I stayed with my old group (my former OB passed away) and already had my first appointment. Between meeting with the nurse, my OB (who delivered Kid1, so I was very familiar with prior to the appointment), bloodwork, and a flu shot I was there for over THREE hours. I showed up at work two hours past when I said I would be there, because the building the practice is in has zero cell service and I couldn’t call or text or anything until I left. I was pissed (but my bosses were fine).
Anyway, at the doctor appointment they said call MFM group (where I have had scans for my other 2 before) or the hospital to schedule the NIPT, your pick. MFM group has an office 10 minutes from both my job and home so I called to schedule the appointment. Hospital is ~30 minutes from home and 45 minutes from my office. The choice seemed obvious.
When I called the MFM group I was 100% clear that I wanted the NIPT and did not need the full genetic counseling workup as I have already had Counsyl when TTC Kid1, and they tried to schedule me for the blood test, genetic counseling AND the NT scan. They don’t take the dating u/s I had last week as proof of anything. Scheduling the appointment means signing up for another 2 hours of testing. What is the point of the NT scan if the blood test is highly sensitive for DS and the other trisomies?
I am awaiting a call back from my doctor regarding the procedure at the hospital - if it is the same as what the MFM group is saying - before trying something else.
So, tl;dr, you had the NIPT did you also have the NT scan?

[Susie]

I don't have an answer to your question yet, as I'm still a couple weeks out from doing NIPT (I will be 37 when I'm due), but have you verified insurance coverage for NIPT, since you will be almost-but-not-quite AMA?  Doctor's referral may not be enough to ensure coverage.

I had a bad experience with Counsyl this summer, doing genetic testing for cancer predisposition (BRCA, etc.).  They "verified" insurance coverage and sent me an email specifically indicating they were in-network for my specific carrier, had authorization, and I'd only be responsible for the $20 copay.  Then the bill comes around and is a couple $k because they were not in fact in-network so my provider wasn't contributing anything.  We negotiated it down, but it was insane.

[kellikans]

Just a lurker, but we did all the testing. We did the NIPT, NT scan (they did both of these at the same appointment at 11 weeks) and the second trimester quad screening at 16 weeks. And DH and I had genetic screening done as well. I guess I just wanted as much information as possible.

I was 35 and 3 months when I got pregnant.

[centralsquare]

We got all the tests.

NIPT will give you odds on chromosomal abnormalities, as well as the sex.

NT is an u/s that looks for markers of larger issues, such as fluid on the back of the spine which can be indicative of heart problems—and those aren’t always related to chromosomal issues.

Get em both.

[starburst]

I was 37 when pregnant with DS1 and 40 with DS2. With DS1 I was scheduled to have the NT scan and NIPT, but because of my NT scan results, I ended up skipping the NIPT and doing a CVS test instead. With DS2 my NT scan results were fine, and I also did the NIPT. I don't know if they do both because I was AMA, or if it's just standard procedure for them.

[katespade]

I'm a FTM and going to be 31 when baby is born, so my answer might not mean as much, but I had both done at the same time. The NT scan actually caught a physical issue with me that we were not aware of, so in my case it was very good that we did both. We also had the full genetic counseling workup due to family history, and that workup established the medical necessity needed for my insurance to cover the NIPT.

[minionkevin]

Oct 29, 2018 13:06:40 GMT -5 Susie said:

I don't have an answer to your question yet, as I'm still a couple weeks out from doing NIPT (I will be 37 when I'm due), but have you verified insurance coverage for NIPT, since you will be almost-but-not-quite AMA?  Doctor's referral may not be enough to ensure coverage.

I had a bad experience with Counsyl this summer, doing genetic testing for cancer predisposition (BRCA, etc.).  They "verified" insurance coverage and sent me an email specifically indicating they were in-network for my specific carrier, had authorization, and I'd only be responsible for the $20 copay.  Then the bill comes around and is a couple $k because they were not in fact in-network so my provider wasn't contributing anything.  We negotiated it down, but it was insane.

Yes, it is covered by my insurance for those over 33.

[brooklyn]

I’m a STM with a history of neural tube defects. I got the NIPT, NT scan, and a new SEMA4 genetic blood test. Because of my medical history, insurance covered it all.

[cherryvalance]

I would want both and had both done both times. I opted not to go to a full on genetic counselor after receiving our NIPT results for any further testing.

[greengables]

I am 37 and had both a NT Scan and the NIPT test done the same day (at 12.4 weeks).

[pooh8402]

I just had NIPT (am 34, my 35th birthday is a month after my due date), no NT scan. DH and I had genetic workups already thanks to infertility.

My NIPT experience was pretty easy. My RE gave me the lab slip. I went to the lab. Results were sent to my RE. They called me when they had results and put them in an envelope per my request so DH and I could find out sex together.

Insurance sent me a thing in the mail a few days ago saying it's not covered. So now I'm awaiting a bill from someone. *shrugs*

I did have an ultrasound with MFM at 15ish weeks which I thought was unnecessary. They didn't look at NT then. It was more looking at size, making sure size = dates. Even though I told them that I did IVF so my dates are exact, and I had 3 ultrasounds already by that point. Oh well.

[cactuscookie]

I've been over 35 for both pregnancies. I did the genetic counseling, the NT scan, and the NIPT bloodwork the same day last time. This time, I did the genetic counseling first (this doesn't change between pregnancies, but I'm working with a new provider), the NIPT bloodwork a couple weeks later, and the NT scan a couple weeks after that. I declined the testing for non-chromosomal genetic issues both times.

I asked at my NT scan if it was worth doing it since I already had NIPT results, and the tech did say that there are other issues they can find during the ultrasound, so it sounds like it's worth doing if it's covered. Plus it's nice to see the baby at the stage.

[minionkevin]

Oct 29, 2018 16:25:30 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

I just had NIPT (am 34, my 35th birthday is a month after my due date), no NT scan. DH and I had genetic workups already thanks to infertility.

My NIPT experience was pretty easy. My RE gave me the lab slip. I went to the lab. Results were sent to my RE.

Replace RE with OB and this is exactly how the process was described to me. I am new-ish at my job, have not told anyone, and have limited PTO to use for these appointments until the new year. I already made my next 2 appointments on BF and the day after Christmas bc my office is closed, and wouldn’t require me to use PTO. It truly sounded like a 15-30 minute thing I could squeeze in after dropping Kid1 off at preschool or on my lunch hour. Not TWO mother freaking hours “any time” between 10:30 and 2:30.
ETA: never mind that DH can also not go at those times, due to his own work schedule.

[noodleoo]

Oct 29, 2018 15:51:53 GMT -5 greengables said:

I am 37 and had both a NT Scan and the NIPT test done the same day (at 12.4 weeks).

Ditto, my OB did both plus genetic counseling even though I also had it with DD1. I think it depends on the practice. My friend did the NIPT but they didn’t do the NT scam, it was either/or at her OB.

[somersault72]

I'm 37 and work in OB and opted for the NIPT. I only did the NT scan because my NIPT came back abnormal (increased risk for monosomy x/Turners). My NT and amnio came back normal, thank goodness as did the placenta biopsy they did at my c section. So the NIPT caused a lot of unnecessary worry and stress for me, but I don't think I'm the norm.

[grover]

For both pregnancies, I only had NIPT done, never had NT. I was 31 and 33. I also had the second trimester blood test done during first pregnancy but that came back as a false positive for DS. As such, I (along with my OB) decided we would not do the second tri blood test this time.

[UMaineTeach]

Mine blood draw for the NIPT was done the same time at the other blood draw, in my OBs office. They just had me fill out another form, promising to pay if insurance rejected it and the dr had to sign off. They took like 7 viles of blood.

The OB office called with the results, but I had to specifically ask to be sent a copy of the report. That’s one thing this practice is lacking. Results communication and what they are testing. My PCP always sends a letter with lab results.

Insurance has paid all but about $200 of a $1800 bill. insurance paid on one $700 bill to the actual Maternity21 company in CA, but another bill just came from another lab in CA saying it was for maternity chromosome testing that insurance paid 1,000 and I owe 100. Not sure how a second company is involved.

[Susie]

I just had my 9w appointment today and got the Rx for MaterniT21.  My OB's office is having me do both that and the NT scan, because they can use the NT scan to check for other things besides markers for trisomy 21.  I am an all-the-information kind of person, so am just fine with doing both.

I don't think it'll be a huge time suck though.  I have to go to Labcorp to do it, but it should be quick since it's just a blood draw.  I need to be past 10w for it to be covered, so planning to do it late next week.  Hopefully that will mean results before Thanksgiving (2 weeks later).  I don't need to deal with another doctor's office or anything to do it.

[scm1011]

Oct 31, 2018 10:40:17 GMT -5 Susie said:

I just had my 9w appointment today and got the Rx for MaterniT21.  My OB's office is having me do both that and the NT scan, because they can use the NT scan to check for other things besides markers for trisomy 21.  I am an all-the-information kind of person, so am just fine with doing both.

I don't think it'll be a huge time suck though.  I have to go to Labcorp to do it, but it should be quick since it's just a blood draw.  I need to be past 10w for it to be covered, so planning to do it late next week.  Hopefully that will mean results before Thanksgiving (2 weeks later).  I don't need to deal with another doctor's office or anything to do it.

I scheduled my MaterniT21 + NT scan today (for 11/27, sigh) and they said it should take 2.5 hours today. Ugh. 

[scm1011]

Nov 1, 2018 15:29:54 GMT -5 melmaria said:

Nov 1, 2018 15:27:14 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

I scheduled my MaterniT21 + NT scan today (for 11/27, sigh) and they said it should take 2.5 hours today. Ugh. 

That seems really long.  My NIPT and NT were on different days, but the NIPT testing was a 10 minute blood draw, and the NT ultrasound combined with another general prenatal appointment took less than an hour. 

Mine includes mandatory genetic counseling as well. Hopefully that is a very liberal estimate. It's going to be hard to explain away 2.5 hours to my boss. 

[Susie]

Nov 1, 2018 15:27:14 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Oct 31, 2018 10:40:17 GMT -5 Susie said:

I just had my 9w appointment today and got the Rx for MaterniT21.  My OB's office is having me do both that and the NT scan, because they can use the NT scan to check for other things besides markers for trisomy 21.  I am an all-the-information kind of person, so am just fine with doing both.

I don't think it'll be a huge time suck though.  I have to go to Labcorp to do it, but it should be quick since it's just a blood draw.  I need to be past 10w for it to be covered, so planning to do it late next week.  Hopefully that will mean results before Thanksgiving (2 weeks later).  I don't need to deal with another doctor's office or anything to do it.

I scheduled my MaterniT21 + NT scan today (for 11/27, sigh) and they said it should take 2.5 hours today. Ugh. 

2.5 hours!  That is bananas!

I have a Rx for a 1 hour GTT that I have to take before my next (12w) appointment because I have a history of GD.  I am trying to find a lab where I can get the MaterniT21 done while sitting there for my mandatory hour after drinking the drink to save some time.  So far I've found 2 labs that share a parking lot, one that offers each test, but I can't leave the actual test site during the GTT because walking lowers blood sugar.  Ugh.  This crap is so much harder than it has to be!

I am also mildly annoyed that I had a pre-conception HbA1C done in July (5.4 - perfectly normal), and one done yesterday at 9w, and I also have to take a GTT before 12w, only to add to the usual GD testing routine that I'll do later on.  Can we just do some spot check finger sticks and call it a day?  This feels like the seriously scenic route to GD testing.

[tiki]

Nov 1, 2018 15:31:54 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Nov 1, 2018 15:29:54 GMT -5 melmaria said:

That seems really long.  My NIPT and NT were on different days, but the NIPT testing was a 10 minute blood draw, and the NT ultrasound combined with another general prenatal appointment took less than an hour. 

Mine includes mandatory genetic counseling as well. Hopefully that is a very liberal estimate. It's going to be hard to explain away 2.5 hours to my boss. 

That is super annoying! How are they going to do genetic counseling before the NIPT results are back anyway (usually takes about a week)? 

[cactuscookie]

Nov 2, 2018 12:33:24 GMT -5 tiki said:

Nov 1, 2018 15:31:54 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Mine includes mandatory genetic counseling as well. Hopefully that is a very liberal estimate. It's going to be hard to explain away 2.5 hours to my boss. 

That is super annoying! How are they going to do genetic counseling before the NIPT results are back anyway (usually takes about a week)? 

This is how it was done for my first pregnancy. First, the genetic counseling meeting, in which we discussed whether to do NIPT and genetics tests. Then, the NT scan, and, after that, blood drawn for the NIPT. It took forever.

This time, I did it all separately, which did seem easier, especially because I could just drop by the lab whenever I wanted for the NIPT draw, which took no time at all.

[minionkevin]

Update: I made an appointment with the other MFM group (10 minutes from my office but has an office @ the hospital where I’m delivering, thus my OB’s “[other practice] or go to the hospital” blah blah) thank goodness I double checked it wasn’t “the hospital” and called their other office. Next Tuesday 8:30 AM, no genetic counseling bc I already had Counsyl, the NIPT blood test, and a cursory u/s to check the neck measurements. Done and done.
If it is as easy as it sounds, I will repeat for the a/s at 20w.

[minionkevin]

Final update: had the test today and was in and out of the bloodwork and u/s in 53 minutes. The MFM has already called to say the measurements were great, and he’ll call me with results for the NIPT next week.
This far surpasses the experience I had at the other MFM group with my first 2 kids. My 12w scan with Kid1, I was in the waiting room for an HOUR past my appointment time.