Breast Cancer Index Test

mom2bunky

Thank you ladies.

april1964

is it experimental or fda approved? Maybe that’s why some insurance companies don’t want to cover it..?

Peregrinelady

April, I don't know the answers to your questions, but I am surprised more people here haven't had the test to decide whether to continue on the drugs. My second, older oncologist seemed to know nothing about it.

SpecialK

The BCI test is not currently FDA approved, and some commercial insurance companies use that to deny coverage, although it is currently covered by Medicare -often the benchmark for other insurance to follow. Genomic testing has followed a pattern of needing to be in use for a while, and more ongoing confirmatory studies, prior to more insurance companies approving use. Mammaprint was denied by my insurance company in 2010 for being “experimental" despite FDA approval three years earlier, but most companies cover it now. I suspect that Biotheranostics writes off the test cost for those whose insurance continues to deny coverage through the appeal process in an effort to build its database with an eye on future FDA approval, and/or broader coverage by more insurance providers.

april1964

thank you specialK!

edj3

Marking my calendar then for five years from now to see about getting this test done (assuming nothing happens between now and then).

So appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge and experiences, very helpful!

Puffin2014

Herb, I'm curious, what is your oncologist recommending about staying on the AI if the test shows it won't change your reoccurence rate? I'm meeting my oncologist later this month. My score was 5.2, she says 5 is the beginning of High Reoccurence, but that my second score shows that staying on the AI will not significantly change my reoccurence rate. I've now moved from osteopenia to osteoporosis; my thinking is Why stay on something that's hurting me if it isn't going to help me. Just wondering what your Dr recommended.