Do you always have the test your doctor recommends

[Tink3815]

I have recently had to change my health insurance to a high deductible. My dr wants me to repeat my potassium blood test because it was a few points high after I changed my blood pressure meds. This will not be covered and although I have a HAS with funds to cover, I’m trying to save that for more important tests coming in July. He recently changed my blood pressure meds, which is working fine for me. He said it was just a few points high and try to cut down on potassium rich foods, which I am. Everytime he does anything which your meds he requires blood tests. I’m thinking of skipping this one. I see him in July again. What do you think?

 

[clarabelle]

I would explain your situation to him -tell him you can't really afford it right now- see what he says

 

[Just Jan]

I would explain your situation to him -tell him you can't really afford it right now- see what he says

I agree. but if your potassium levels were really high make sure you have the labs done.

 

[mickeymedic]

I have recently had to change my health insurance to a high deductible. My dr wants me to repeat my potassium blood test because it was a few points high after I changed my blood pressure meds. This will not be covered and although I have a HAS with funds to cover, I’m trying to save that for more important tests coming in July. He recently changed my blood pressure meds, which is working fine for me. He said it was just a few points high and try to cut down on potassium rich foods, which I am. Everytime he does anything which your meds he requires blood tests. I’m thinking of skipping this one. I see him in July again. What do you think?

Have you discussed your insurance issue with your doctor? If the answer is yes, and he still wants you to get the test, then it is probably pretty important to get the test. If the answer is no, then I don't know what to tell you.

I can understand not wanting to spend money if you really don't have to. Many insurances cover lab work with a minimal or zero co-pay. So, if your doctor is just trying to be thorough, he wouldn't think twice about sending you for miscellaneous lab work to check things everytime a med is changed.

In either case, make sure your doctor knows your concerns and try to make an informed decision together.

 

[Christine]

I would discuss with the doctor as others have said. I think it's really important to check your potassium levels. Having said that, I think it's a pretty cheap blood test. Maybe $30...

 

[disfan07]

Answer to the original question...no i do not always have the tests my doctor recommends. BUT...those are usually chest x-rays that I say no too. Its standard protocol pretty much to have achest x-ray with asthma flares, bronchitis, pneumonia, but I have had so many that I refuse most of the time becasue I already KNOW whats going on.

Now, in your case, I would NOT refuse this test. If your potassium stays high it can do some damage to your heart.

I hate it but I have to get my blood drawn every month to monitor my liver function becasue of meds. Even though my levels havent gone up after a year on teh meds, i would never skip an appointemnt. JMO

 

[Tink3815]

My doctor knows all about the insurance situation. He actually got me in by the end of the year before my insurance changed (so it would be covered) for a check as I was due in January. The test was just a point or 2 high and this was really a retest. My new insurance does not pay anything until I have reached a 1200. deductible. I think I will call the lab and ask exactly how it will be.
Thanks for the input..

 

[Pea-n-Me]

it was a few points high after I changed my blood pressure meds.

It is important to have this test done (and I'd be surprised if insurance wouldn't cover it as it is a critical lab value). If the medication change causes your potassium to go up above normal (known as hyperkalemia), he needs to know that. It's not *just* for what that value is today, but to see what the trend is (so there may be another later on). If it continues to trend up, this may not be the right medication for you; the dose may need to be adjusted, etc. As mentioned in the link, hyperkalemia can cause problems to the heart's rythm and cardiac arrest. Not something you want to mess with.

 

[minkydog]

It is important to have this test done (and I'd be surprised if insurance wouldn't cover it as it is a critical lab value). If the medication change causes your potassium to go up above normal (known as hyperkalemia), he needs to know that. It's not *just* for what that value is today, but to see what the trend is (so there may be another later on). If it continues to trend up, this may not be the right medication for you; the dose may need to be adjusted, etc. As mentioned in the link, hyperkalemia can cause problems to the heart's rythm and cardiac arrest. Not something you want to mess with.

Agreed. High potassium can kill you.

I usually get the tests my doctor orders. She is pretty judicious when it comes to spending money. I'm on meds for diabetes, depression, and high triglycerides that need fine tuning from time to time. I'm an old nurse, so I understand what she's looking for and I nearly always agree with her assessment.

 

[clh2]

I would find out from your doc or the clinic what the cost of the test is in advance. Also - try to find out what your insurance company would be reimbursing for the test - (i.e. if you already had met your deductible.)

The cost of the test to people paying out of pocket is usually MUCH higher than what insurance companies pay. See if they would accept the lower amount.

Now - on the other hand...what are the chances that you would be getting to your $1200 deductible anyway? If so, you might as well go for it now, while your Dr is recommending it.

 

[Sleepy]

Agreed. High potassium can kill you.

Low is dangerous too.

I am taking 3 different meds that mess with potassium. I don't take the suggestions to do labs lightly. I would pay out of pocket if necessary. I would cut back somewhere else if I had to.

If the doc says check the levels, this is definitely one you don't want to skip.

 

[Nette]

My understanding is that even if you haven't met your deductible, the rate you pay is still the insurance negotiated rate. So whatever the insurance would pay to the doctor is the amount you would have to pay, NOT the fully billed amount.

In your case, I'd probably have that test... but no, I don't ALWAYS do tests that my doctor suggests.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

No - last year my total cholesterol was a touch higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered "high" (I think it was 189, but I has fried shrimp for dinner the night before).

Well, he wanted me to retest in 3 months. Every other test came back in the "ideal" range, and I am 42. No one in my family has high cholesterol. I told him that I didn't think that it was necessary...

 

[Disney Doll]

Pretty much. My doctor usually explains the rationale behind my needing the test. Also, he doesn't do tests without having a pretty good rationale for why I need them.

BTW, OP, as a nurse, I'd say pay for the blood test. You have several good reasons to check your potassium level.

 

[kaligal]

Only if you think you need your heart.

 

[laurie31]

If it were something with a large range, like cholesterol, then "one or two points" wouldn't be a big deal, but potassium has a very narrow range of normal; 4 is considered "normal" with 3.5-5.0 or (3.7-5.5 depending on which reference you use) being an acceptable range.

Anything over 5.5 is abnormal and unsafe, and anything over 6.0 can be dangerous. Anything over 7 can put you in ICU.

Potassium levels can be affected by how the blood is drawn and how long it sits prior to testing, so you can get falsely high levels.

I would not wait until July to have it rechecked.