PEX Question

[1tiredmama]

Dr. L wants ds17 to have PEX over three days at Georgetown as an inpatient. My insurance (so far) has approved outpatient PEX. I think we will get the inpatient approval, but I am wondering what is the reason for inpatient, especially for a child who will be 18 next month. Does anyone know?

Edited August 2, 2012 by 1tiredmama

[tpotter]

Dr. L wants ds17 to have PEX over three days at GWU as an inpatient. My insurance (so far) has approved outpatient PEX. I think we will get the inpatient approval, but I am wondering what is the reason for inpatient, especially for a child who will be 18 next month. Does anyone know?

 

 

As far as I know you aren't going to find anyone who does it outpatient.

[PowPow]

at g'town they use a central line (femoral or in the neck) they are not going to send him home like that! I think it seems almost a typical process - approve otpt, then they approve inpatient, after the hospital requests it.

 

There is a different technique for plasmapheresis- dome through a peripheral line (like the arm and only a little is exchanged over several times over a few weeks- it is done (or at least was done) like that at another facility that treats PANDAS. or sort of treats PANDAS...

I do not think it was very successful. But maybe it was for some folks.

 

PEX as done at Georgetown had great effects for my kids. the older, sicker one took longer to respond but we saw definite improvements.

best of luck to you.

[T_Mom]

Dr. L wants ds17 to have PEX over three days at Georgetown as an inpatient. My insurance (so far) has approved outpatient PEX. I think we will get the inpatient approval, but I am wondering what is the reason for inpatient, especially for a child who will be 18 next month. Does anyone know?

 

 

I agree with the others--I have not heard of PEX as an outpatient. The PEX done at Georgetown could only be done as inpatient as it requires constant blood level monitoring, etc.

Best to clarify the procedure coding with the doctors at Georgetown and be certain that your insurance understands the coding is inpatient(?) just a thought--

You may want to ask the doctor's office to contact your insurance re: this issue directly for the most direct clarification.

[1tiredmama]

Thank you. The request was resubmitted and now we wait for approval from their "medical review committee." I'm so frustrated I feel like giving up. We are heading into another year of school with a child who is too sick to attend, despite the fact that he really wants to do it. School starts on August 20th, and PEX, which should have happened a month ago, is still out of reach!