DAN/EM doctor total costs for board

[Claire]

I finally went through and billed insurance and organized my costs. I know some have asked about this. I don't have time for all details of all tests, but here it is.

 

-3 DAN/EM doctor (MD) visits (Initial consult, 1st test review, 2nd test review)

-Great Smokies CDSA stool test (yeast parasites intensional inflammation, intenstinal probiotic levels, etc..)

-Great Plains urine test (for yeast/casein/gluten issues...)

-Great Smokies blood test for Fatty acids (Omegas, etc...)

-Spectracell blood test for vitamin deficiencies [i think no doctor signature needed. They give recommended supplementation.]

-Great Smokies blood test elemental analysis (mercury, cadmium, etcc..)

-Immunolab blood tests for delayed food allergies (IgG). Elisa/ACT does one for all sorts of chemicals,preservatives, and molds, in addition to food.

 

Each test uncovered something unusual, except that he was technically still in the green on the Omega 3's--just at the low end.

 

Most labs, but not all, billed insurance for me. We now presumably have the key issues identified, with 'treatment' underway, so I consider the first phase complete.

 

COST

The total cost for the above, here in California, was $3,000. Insurance covered half or $1500, so my net cost was

***$1500****

 

Time passage 3.5 months. Improvement so far: Wonderful--enough to be convinced this is the right path.

 

This does not include costs of supplements, though I consider them minor. A far bigger expense than supplements, as others have commented, was stocking/restocking the kitchen for food sensitivities. Based on this board, I suspect that others would have the same issues with some food intolerances.

 

So there you have it. A naturopath may be cheaper than an MD, but my understanding is that some of the labs required an MD diagnosis for insurance purposes. You would have to do your own verification on that one. In any case, the lab costs are unchanged, unless you run fewer tests, or say, do a hair analysis vs a blood test.

 

Phase 2 will mean a repeat of many of the tests at the 6 month mark, i.e. June.

So that should mean somewhat less than $3000 (fewer doctor's visits though), so net cost to us, less than $1500 more. 'Total' program cost of $3000 (=1500+ 1500) for the year. Others may have other issues and more elevated readings requiring more tests/expenses.

 

This isn't cheap. Someday the world will catch up with these and insurance coverage will be better. Normally, I get 90% coverage on lab tests, but maybe it is because these labs are 'out of network'.

 

Again, the DAN protocol is to run tests for immune issues underlying Tics/TS/OCD/ADHD/Autism/Aspergers. This happened to be my son's doctor's first round of tests. It turned out it was the right starting point for my son, and the doctor says that if he responds well, this may well be sufficient for him. It is about a 6 month window to retesting to see what impact the supplements have.

 

Claire

 

ps Don't forget the 'free' saliva test for yeast--not to replace more thorough testing or professional guidance of course...

 

http://www.rainbowminerals.net/candidda_test.htm

[walklite]

hi, I am new to this forum and I am trying to get info about TS because I believe my husband has it. I am very confused as he doesn't believe it for himself and I would like to know how to get diagnose for it and who to go to... no insurance.

[Chemar]

Hi Walklite and welcome

 

the best way to get a clear TS diagnosis is thru a neurologist.

 

If you have no insurance, I would recommend seeing a neurologist associated with any teaching hospital near you...the cost is usually lower that way, especially if you are need based. If no such hospital is available, your general hospital or county health is the least expensive route to follow.

 

Do be advised tho that many neurologists do try to prescribe drugs for TS and this is often not the best treatment as these drugs carry many side effects.

 

Best to just get your diagnosis and then start exploring the many alternative treatments that are available. Your husband may also be eligible for disability insurance etc.

 

In the meantime you could try to encourage him to adopt as healthy a diet as possible, and especially eliminate as much junk food and artificial food stuff.

Also taking a good balanced multivitamin/mineral supplement is very useful.

 

If you search the threads here, you will find a ton of info to show you the kinds of supplements, and eliminations that have helped many of us. I dont want to overwhelm you with too much info here right now

 

Please feel free to contact me if you want more details.

 

all the best

[Claire]

bumping for Kimwal for her to compare with her procedures.