MDA payment for DNA testing

[Guest guest]

(Below is a letter I received recently after I wrote to MDA headquarters

regarding whether or not MDA pays for genetic testing. I have

transcribed the letter verbatim below. Since we have had some discussion

from time to time on this issue, I was looking for some clarification -

Gretchen)

****************

This is in response to your August 14 letter seeking clarification about

guidelines that govern MDA's support of neuromuscular clinics with

relationship to genetic diagnostic tests.

Support of MDA's clinic program is designed to augment the costs of

initial diagnostic and follow-up care on an outpatient basis. We

certainly do not question a physician's judgement when recommending

certain diagnostic tests; however the MDA program is predicated on the

availability of the Association's finite resources. At the present time,

MDA includes among the diagnostic tests it authorizes for payment

through the clinic those that are most frequently and universally

recommended at MDA clinics nationwide. MDA's clinic grant does not

preclude the ordering and payment for genetic testing; however, since

physician's fees for initial and follow-up consultation/visits must be

deducted froom the MDA grant, discretion may be used in determining

which other services are charged to the grant.

At the time of the clinic visit, families must be fully informed about

which prescribed clinic services they will be expected to pay for

through health insurance or personal resources.

We hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Romero

Research and Program Services

National Headquarters

3300 East Sunrise Drive

Tucson, Arizona 85718-3208

[Guest guest]

Gretchen

Lamar here,

In other words, they can, but they probably won't.

----- Original Message -----

From: Gretchen Glick

Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2000 12:21 PM

Subject: [] MDA payment for DNA testing

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(Below is a letter I received recently after I wrote to MDA headquarters

regarding whether or not MDA pays for genetic testing. I have

transcribed the letter verbatim below. Since we have had some discussion

from time to time on this issue, I was looking for some clarification -

Gretchen)

****************

This is in response to your August 14 letter seeking clarification about

guidelines that govern MDA's support of neuromuscular clinics with

relationship to genetic diagnostic tests.

Support of MDA's clinic program is designed to augment the costs of

initial diagnostic and follow-up care on an outpatient basis. We

certainly do not question a physician's judgement when recommending

certain diagnostic tests; however the MDA program is predicated on the

availability of the Association's finite resources. At the present time,

MDA includes among the diagnostic tests it authorizes for payment

through the clinic those that are most frequently and universally

recommended at MDA clinics nationwide. MDA's clinic grant does not

preclude the ordering and payment for genetic testing; however, since

physician's fees for initial and follow-up consultation/visits must be

deducted froom the MDA grant, discretion may be used in determining

which other services are charged to the grant.

At the time of the clinic visit, families must be fully informed about

which prescribed clinic services they will be expected to pay for

through health insurance or personal resources.

We hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Romero

Research and Program Services

National Headquarters

3300 East Sunrise Drive

Tucson, Arizona 85718-3208

[Guest guest]

Gretchen, we were told the same thing when I went in to see them at their

clinic. They told us not all testing would be covered as they only allotted

so much $ for each type of testing. Guess I got lucky. Sorry all, I did not

intend to cause such a fuss. God Bless each of you! My tremors are getting

worse, I may have to sign off and see if I can catch up later. :)jr