Initial blood tests to ask for ?

Posted by alexxa @alexxa, Sep 16, 2023

Hello...
I just had a dexa indicating osteoporosis, and will discuss soon with my PCP. I had a CBC done earlier this summer. I have seen CTX as an important test. I am wondering if I should ask for that on my discussion visit, or anything else, for that matter. Endo initial visit is not for a few months.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 16 8:56am

@babs10 Since you have Medicare you must be over age 65. Do you know why your cost is so high for Forteo? Do you have Traditional Medicare with a supplemental Medigap policy or Medicare Advantage?

I had blood tests including CTX prior to starting medication (Evenity). The blood tests were ordered by my endocrinologist. I can look up how these were coded for bill if that would help you out. I did have a fracture before seeing the endocrinologist so perhaps this is why Medicare covered the blood tests.

babs10 | @babs10 | Feb 16 9:05am

I am 68 and I have asked about the high cost and was told that is the copay for this "specialty medication." I am just over the income limit for financial assistance so don't qualify for help. I just read that the Forteo pens are sold separately. Are they kidding me? Is this the thought process? "OH! You want to INJECT the medication? That's extra." Can this be true?

I have traditional Medicare and a supplemental with Anthem. If it's easy enough for you to look up the codes, I'm very interested. Who knows why Medicare will support one person one way and another a different way? The inconsistencies within the system and between providers is a troubling mystery. Thanks for your help.

njhornung | @normahorn | Feb 16 9:10am

Evenity falls under Part B while Forteo falls under Part D.

babs10 | @babs10 | Feb 16 9:12am

In reply to @normahorn "Evenity falls under Part B while Forteo falls under Part D." + (show)

I assume that is because Evenity injections are given in a doctor's office. Is that right?

njhornung | @normahorn | Feb 16 9:20am

In reply to @babs10 "I assume that is because Evenity injections are given in a doctor's office. Is that right?" + (show)

Correct.

windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 16 3:16pm

My bone marker blood tests don't match up with expectations (or results) on meds and my baselines were within normal range. I am becoming skeptical of their usefulness but will post more after I meet with my docs next month.

njhornung | @normahorn | Feb 16 3:23pm

Not only were my baseline values within the side-of-the-barn ranges, they were in McCormick's target ranges. Which to believe: DEXA or BTM's.

mayblin | @mayblin | Feb 16 4:44pm

In reply to @normahorn "Not only were my baseline values within the side-of-the-barn ranges, they were in McCormick's target ranges...." + (show)

Mt understanding is dexa

njhornung | @normahorn | Feb 16 4:50pm

In reply to @mayblin "Mt understanding is dexa" + (show)

Of course I was being facetious.

mayblin | @mayblin | Feb 16 4:52pm

In reply to @windyshores "My bone marker blood tests don't match up with expectations (or results) on meds and my..." + (show)

It's interesting that there are certain % of non-responders (in terms of btm) with different bisphosphonate. Dr. P Miller who does a lot of anabolic therapy states that he had a few pateint who were non responders (in terms of P1NP), who ended up with good dexa results after all! Maybe you belong to the latter.

I wish I have a set of baseline markers, too bad too late...