Enterolab Tests

kimtg68 · Post by **kimtg68** » Sun May 23, 2010 8:20 pm

How do you know which test to order through Enterolab? Do you self test a little to get an idea? I sure would like to find out what exactly I'm reacting to. I had a cup of coffee (unfortunitely caffinated) this morning with GF, LF flavored cream that I found and the only thing I had to eat was tuna (GF) and mayo (GF) and was TORE UP! I'm wondering if I'm actually gluten intollerant or not. Any suggestions?

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Sun May 23, 2010 8:26 pm

Ditto. I was wondering that as well. If I present this information can my doctor order these tests; has anyone been able to have these covered by insurance?

--Joe

harma · Post by **harma** » Mon May 24, 2010 1:24 am

Hi Kim, mine was not covered by insurance (but I live outside the US so that's not a surprise). To order which test, also depend on how much money you want/can to spend. Concerning MC gluten is the most important one, followed by milk (casein) and than soy. Than also yeast and egg are possible. I don't know if you also want to do the gene testing. If you want to do the gene testing too, enterolab has a package in which gene testing is combined with gluten and casein (it was a temporary offer, don't know if that is still the case). Also they have a package for soy, yeast and egg, that's like 3 tested for the price of two.

For me it was cheaper to do all the testing together, because I also had to pay shipping fee to send it back. But if you live in the US you don't pay a penny for this.

Another reason I did all the testing in one time is, because if I had to go on a diet, I wanted to know what I should avoid or not.

Jan · Post by **Jan** » Mon May 24, 2010 5:27 am

Joe, my Dr. ordered the tests after I was diagnosed in '05. Because the lab was not considered a preferred provider the amount my insurance paid was a pittance. I've already destroyed those records (I only keep them for 2 years) but I seem to remember they paid 25% of the cost. If you are curious about what they would cover, talk to your insurance co. before you order the tests.

Jan

kimtg68 · Post by **kimtg68** » Mon May 24, 2010 7:20 am

Thanks Harma

rbks321 · Post by **rbks321** » Mon May 24, 2010 8:49 am

Kim-

You also have to convince your Dr. that they are legitimate tests. My GI doc told me that they are not reliable (SURPRISE!!).

-Rebecca

Post by **tex** » Mon May 24, 2010 9:03 am

Rebecca wrote:You also have to convince your Dr. that they are legitimate tests. My GI doc told me that they are not reliable (SURPRISE!!).

A lot of GI docs have been "burned" by stool tests in the past, because until the Enterolab tests became available, there were no stool tests of this type that had any validity. Consequently, most GI docs equate stool tests with snake oil treatments. A few doctors are slowly beginning to realize that the Enterolab tests are reliable, however, but it's tough to overcome decades of bad experiences.

You can obtain the insurance numbers for the various tests from Enterolab, if you wish to run them by your insurance company first, to see if they are covered by your policy. Normally, the tests have to be ordered by a doctor, in order to qualify for insurance, but there may be exceptions to this rule, with some insurance companies.

Tex

kimtg68 · Post by **kimtg68** » Mon May 24, 2010 10:23 am

Very helpful info. Not sure which side of the fense my GI will be on but I'm pretty sure I could get my family doc to order it once I find out if my insurance covers it.

Thanks all!

Stanz · Post by **Stanz** » Mon May 24, 2010 3:03 pm

My ins. wouldn't cover it, I don't have "alternative care" ins., and my ND doesn't accept ins. What's interesting is that it's all covered under our MRP plan, so it's obviously considered a legitimate medical expense, I just have to pay for it up front.

I ordered the whole shebang test from Enterolab, because I wanted the genetic results, as well as wanted to know what I was reacting to - 4 months after going GF. Drinking coffee and creamer isn't going to skew a test result, and going GF isn't either. The Enterolab tests show what your body condition/reaction is on the date you take the sample. I was still highly reactive to G after 4 mos. GF.

I'm as suspicious as anyone else re: the Enterolabe route, I trust no one. But I have to say, at this point, at the very least you need to know your genetics. and if you can get this test done anywhere else then go for it. Reality is that your MD isn't going to have options.

kimtg68 · Post by **kimtg68** » Mon May 24, 2010 7:29 pm

What exactly is this genetic test? I'm assuming it to see if I have MC? If that's the case, my GI did a colonoscopy and biopsy results were positive. May this genetic test isn't what I thought. Any input?

I just went to the web site and read what the gene test it for. No need to explain. I should have done that first before asking

Post by **tex** » Mon May 24, 2010 9:46 pm

Kim,

Have you seen the list of results for some of the members who have had these tests? Here's the list of gene test results:

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10084

And here's the list of food intolerance test results, (which also includes the gene test results, without comments):

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10089

Tex

kimtg68 · Post by **kimtg68** » Tue May 25, 2010 6:44 am

Wow. Thank you for sharing that. Seems that these tests are very thorough! I'm trying to get caught up at work and home from being gone for a week and about to leave again for 9 days. Once everything calms down I want to contact my insurance to question coverage. Even if they don't cover the tests, I'm prepared to pay out of pocket. The trial and error in attempting to find what my intollerances are is driving me crazy!!!!! It seems it would be more productive to have the tests and then learn how to adjust my diet from there. Thanks again Tex for your information and wonderful words of advice. Have a wonderful day!

Post by **tex** » Tue May 25, 2010 8:39 am

You're most welcome, and I hope your day is way above par, too.

Tex