Just a follow up - PSA tests can vary over time my first PSA test was in January 2024 and it came back at 10.9 . I had a follow up test 6 weeks later and it came back at 11.0 . I had another test done in August 2024 and it came back at 8.6 . The urologist checked and after a 3T MRI they concluded that I don't have BPH . I am trying to avoid a biopsy as long as possible ( for several reasons ) I would prefer to get a PSE test instead at this time but I don't think my Health insurance company ( Kaiser - California ) will approve - I had to fight tooth and nail to even get an MRI . Biopsy's are more profitable for health care providers than MRI's ( or should I say much less costly ) . It's the same story with PSE tests - I know they are expensive and I'm sure that the doctors with lower or mid tier providers are under strict guidelines to follow the corporate mandates to avoid the more expensive procedures .
Top tier providers ( such as the Mayo clinic ) seem to be willing to approve tests and procedures that are the most logical and beneficial for the patient - regardless of the costs . Too bad the general public don't all have access to the top facilities - the current system is set up so even if a patient pays out of pocket they are not able to access certain procedures without being approved by their provider .