New INRatio Finally

[Amy]

Hi all,

Finally got Pat's new machine last week end. Only took a year and a half and two different insurance companies, well one really, first was BCBS of LA who denied the claim and then we ended up with BCBS of IL. and they came through.

We did find out something interesting though concerning the reading variances when the lady was here to demo the unit. She stated and it is stated in the booklet that it is only designed to use capillary whole blood and not blood from a lab draw. At any rate, we tested at the same lab we've been using since surgery and approx. two hrs. later tested with the INRatio. Lab was 2.5, INRatio 2.7, well within limits for me. We will continue to check both at the same time for the next couple months and record the readings so we can get comfortable with it. I'll report on the readings as we get them.

It is sooo good to finally have our own machine and won't have to depend on being close the the hospital for testing.

Dave, the husband
Amy (Pat) the patient

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Congratulations Amy! I too recently tried to claim a unit under my IL BCBS. Was denied based on the fact that my last three INR's were not within range. They had five years of records to base a decision and only looked at the last three months.

Can you tell me how quickly BCBS of IL approved your claim? Did they look at the last three months of INR's? I plan to purchase a unit outright and deal with the ins later.

Thanks!

 

[Karlynn]

Great news! Enjoy the freedom that home testing gives!

 

[Ross]

At any rate, we tested at the same lab we've been using since surgery and approx. two hrs. later tested with the INRatio. Amy (Pat) the patient

Not that it makes any difference here, but if your going to test against the lab, take the machine with you and do the test as soon as the vial leaves for the lab. Run the test as close together as possible. I think you did, but just so you know. Sometimes the time difference means everything in the world.

 

[Amy]

Congratulations Amy! I too recently tried to claim a unit under my IL BCBS. Was denied based on the fact that my last three INR's were not within range. They had five years of records to base a decision and only looked at the last three months.

Can you tell me how quickly BCBS of IL approved your claim? Did they look at the last three months of INR's? I plan to purchase a unit outright and deal with the ins later.

Thanks!

It took about 3 months from when I first contacted Katherine Anderson [[email protected]] to work with BCBS. For some reason they were able to get it done. I'm not sure if they contated our cardioligst or not but no one asked me about being out or in range.

It would seem to me that if you were out of range this would get them to approve for sure. It would be to there advantage.

Anyway, contact Katherine and see if they can help.

Thanks,
Amy

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Amy,

Thank you very much for the info. Yes, one would think....if I were out of range...it would work advantages. My cardio was shocked when I informed him of the "loop hole".

TY again!

 

[Karlynn]

Hi Amy,

Thank you very much for the info. Yes, one would think....if I were out of range...it would work advantages. My cardio was shocked when I informed him of the "loop hole".

TY again!

I think the truth is that the BCBS person representing you for their Paper Scissors Rock decision making procedure lost the best 2 out of 3.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Karlynn...you are not kidding! I finally do have three months of consistent INR's. Theoretically.... they should not turn me down now. This entire thing is really stressing me out! Then we learn one can purchase in other countries for a fraction of the cost. Makes one wonder Still not sure what direction I will head in? If I purchase elsewhere.....may be taking a chance on the warranty. On the upswing. I will keep my old unit and hope that strips will be available one day!
Saga continues.....

 

[Amy]

2nd. Test Today

2nd. Test Today

Just tested again to day. Great news. Lab draw was 2.5 and INRatio was 2.6, we tested with the INRatio with 10 minutes of Lab draw this time. It is just not my luck but it appears I may have received a more accurate machine. Only tested and compared twice now but starting out with a good track record. I'll keep everyone informed because it looks as though most of the monitors have been running at least .6 to .8 on the high side.

 

[Karlynn]

This has to make you feel very good.

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Amy

We should receive our INRatio today in the mail....can't wait to check it. Tyce has appt with cardio clinic today, but we haven't received the machine yet, so we'll wait till next week to check with the cardio's machine......so glad you like home testing. we've done it for about 4 years until coaguchek decided to pull strips off the market. can't wait to get the INRatio......thank you QAS and our insurances..


ev