Collagen Cross Links as Markers of Bone Turnover

• By elsiemarie
• Posted October 16, 2008 at 6:26 am
• Report post

Hi!
You really have been through a lot. I believe you mentioned the possibility of a parathyroid tumor at one point.(If I'm wrong, pls disregard...it's 5:30 a.m.)
I had one removed last year but it wasn't the cause of my osteo. You may want to read some info on Dr. Norman's website, www.parathyroid.com He is terrific.
I would like to know more about the bone markers as well. I have osteo in the spine at -4.0 and 3 doctors tell me I must take forteo. I decided to push for actenol. So, they did a bone marker via urine. Called me and said mine was high enough to try the actenol. I'm taking that as good news. I'm so sick not having all the info though and not knowing what is best to really do.
Anyhow, all the best to you! YOu are a strong person.
Joanie

• Reply

• By Tom-WI
• Posted October 16, 2008 at 1:29 pm
• Report post

I'm sorry to hear they are trying to stick you with the cost of this test. Is this the 24-hour urine test I've seen mentioned on this forum?

Is the test very expensive? More than a DEXA scan? Sorry I have more questions than answers.

Tom

• Reply

• By Southernlady
• Posted October 16, 2008 at 2:35 pm
• Report post

Tom that is how we learn, having questions.

• Reply

• By windblown
• Posted October 16, 2008 at 10:05 pm
• Report post

Hi: Did your Dr order the collagen cross link test to justify the *possible* future treatment of bisphosphonates? It's too bad he didn't check with the insurance first on coverage, but since he needed a test to justify treatment at your age beyond a dxa, it seems that the insurance should take that into consideration.

Some insurances pay for this, and I guess some don't. But in any case, they shouldn't make you pay for the entire charge, but what they would be paid if it was covered, which is usually a lot less than the total bill.

I would definitely fight this, since it wasn't your fault the Dr ordered the test without checking coverage first. BTW have you looked into the medical necessity clause on your insurance? If your Dr can say it was a necessity, that gives you a better shot at not having to pay for this.

I'm glad my insurance covers this test, because I have it so often, but the price varies widely by lab, location and test.

Good Luck

• Reply

• By SharonG
• Posted October 17, 2008 at 2:23 pm
• Report post

What insurance companies will pay for this test? Regence won't and neither will Aetna. I am wondering why my doctor ordered the test if at least two insurance companies think that the information is inconclusive.
S.

• Reply

• By windblown
• Posted October 18, 2008 at 4:55 pm
• Report post

Hi Sharon: Medicare pays for this test. They allow 1-2 baseline measurements, with a follow up assay at 3 months.

• Reply

• By windblown
• Posted October 18, 2008 at 5:59 pm
• Report post

Hi again... Just wanted to mention you could probably find out who covers this test by checking coverage details of insurance co's. I know quite a few people who have this test, but I'm not certain about what insurance they have. I think most PPO's cover it, but not positive. Here's one below that I ran across during a search of insurances that cover this, under "collagen cross links" test + coverage detail.

http://www.healthnowny.com/content/hnny_prov_prot_collagenCrossLink.pdf

• Reply

• By SharonG
• Posted November 1, 2008 at 9:37 pm
• Report post

Windblown,
Thanks for the info. I will use it when I appeal my charge with my insurance company along with a note from my doctor.
Sharon

• Reply

Add to the discussion