Has anyone had a skin punch biopsy for diagnosis of Parkinson’s disea?

I am going to have the PD SKIN PUNCH TEST NEXT WEEK AT University of Chicago. The lab that the biopsy goes to Arizona. My insurance will not cover the lab because they say they are out of network. BTW MY DEDUCTIBLE IS PAID IP FOR THE YEAR. I will have this test but am disappointed in AETNA INSURANCE

I'm sorry. That's so frustrating! Did Aetna tell you there is an in-network lab that processes PD skin punch tests? I'm wondering if they're being straight with you (sorry, I'm always suspicious of medical insurance company denials). I did a search and found some information on Aetna coverage policies of skin biopsies. This link is to a document that says they don't cover skin biopsies for PD diagnosis (see II.3) https://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/300_399/0307.html#:~:text=Experimental%2C%20Investigational%2C%20or%20Unproven,following%20genetic%20testing%20of%20PD:

I found another Aetna document that says they're going to review their policy for this test 10/24/24. I don't know how long it takes for the policy to change after review, but since Harvard's study on the accuracy of the test for diagnosing PD came out in March of this year, it's rapidly being touted as a bonafide, reliable PD test. Maybe Aetna will start covering it. https://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/300_399/0307.html

Is there anyone at University of Chicago who can help get it covered? Or you might try talking to someone else at Aetna about the upcoming review.

It's so unfair to have to worry about coverage when you're trying to find out what's going on with your body. Good luck. Update us on how you're doing.