D&C and genetic testing for embryo

[Anonymous]

Has anyone ever had a D&C and then sent the tissue for genetic testing? I'm doing this on Friday to see if there are any abnormalities that may have caused my embryo to fail. How much does it cost? Did your insurance cover it? (I'm with carefirst and MDIPA) I'm not sure I want to drop a few thousand $$$ for this considering what we've spent already on 3 IVF's and FE storage. Advice?

[Anonymous]

First, I'm so sorry for your loss. I had a D&C and the testing was covered by my insurance (it was carefirst as well, but I know they have different plans depending on where you work). I was just past the first trimester, so that might have played into why they paid? If insurance pays for it, I'd do it. We got an answer (random genetic fluke) and that gave me more confidence in trying again. Like I wasn't at any higher risk of miscarriage than anyone else. That really helped emotionally when I did get pregnant again. Best of luck to you.

[Anonymous]

I had a D&C (for my second miscarriage) and was really glad I got the genetic testing. My insurance did not cover it; I think it was around a $200 or so but it was worth it, even it was more than that. It was a chromosomal issue where the dna got mixed up when the cells started to reproduce. I've had 3 miscarriages and it's definitely a piece of the puzzle as I'm trying to figure out what to do next -- try again? IVF? Also, emotionally, it helped me. I understand that I'm not a failure, but sometimes it's hard to shake that feeling and finding out the results helped.

If you DO request it, you may consider asking your physician just to tell you what the problem was as opposed to giving you the diagnostic handout because the handout also has the sex of the baby. For me, I didn't want to picture any more vividly the loss.

I'm sorry, and good luck.

[Anonymous]

Oh thank you ladies! I need to call my insurance comp. tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure we'll do it. Thanks also for letting me know about the sex of the baby....I'm not sure if we want to know that. Good advice. Any others?

[Anonymous]

We had a miscarriage last summer at around 9wks. The doctor automatically sent the remaining tissue for genetic testing, based on my age and health issues. I never saw even a co-pay from my insurance company for the procedure. And yes, think about if you want to know the gender. I appreciate the PP not wanting to know, but I actually had the opposite reaction. I very much was glad to know. It actually helped me in my mind give this little embryo a name and mourn her as a person.

also, fwiw, this was a natural/spontaneous/whatever-the-term is pregnancy as opposed to an assisted reproduction of some sort, so I don't know if that matters to the insurance company. If your insurance isn't covering the IVF, I wouldn't necessarily volunteer that information when you first inquire. Simply mention that you had a m/c, need a D&C and are wondering about the testing. That way they don't lump the testing as part of the overall IVF effort.

I'm so sorry for your loss.