Hi Everyone,

I asked my endocrinologist to please order the CTX and P1NP blood tests to get a baseline before starting Forteo (which he did). Soon thereafter, I read on this site (love this site) that the tests aren't always covered by Medicare. I called Medicare and they said they will be covered if the MD considers them "medically necessary."

I followed up and he wrote back:
"I generally don't order these tests because I don't think they generally change how I am treating you. I do think they are reasonable to do however and likely would be covered by insurance. The question is, will the results change our management? I don't think so, which is why I don't usually order them." (Isn't the whole point of the tests to be able to gauge the success and make changes if the meds aren't working, but I digress).

I followed up with: "Thank you. Especially for the first year of treatment I want to have a baseline and then a follow up to see how I am doing on the meds. Would you be willing to deem them medically necessary under these circumstances?"

He wrote back: "I can and have ordered these tests but it's not up to me if they are covered by your insurance."

Anyway, would you take your chances? I don't know how much the tests cost but I'm already going to be paying $1920 per month for the Forteo so anything sounds hard, but I do want the baseline. All input and suggestions welcome.