12W / NT Scan

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I was wondering what people's thoughts are with the 12W / NT scan and blood tests....

My GP has given me a referral and it has all been booked, but I was informed, that even whilst receiving a pension (and having a pension card) these scans are not bulk billed and have a cost of $200+ (with minimal refunded through medicare) - all because its not classed as a necessary scan (they said 1 scan per pregnancy at 20W is the norm)

With DD I had it through the hospital not a private ultrasound place, so wondering whether its worth going to see my doctor and seeing if she knows of anywhere I can get referred to that does bulk bill (being a casual at work and not knowing hours etc I can't afford $200+ for a scan)

Any ideas?

Congrats on your pregnancy.

There are still some places that bulk bill NT scans but only under certain circumstances... advanced maternal age, history of miscarriage, uncertain dates, history of ectopic pregnancy, obesity in the mother, pregnancy following assisted reproduction, etc.

If you meet one of these requirements then you will be bulk billed IF you can find a place that does it. I found a place in Caloundra that bulk bills NT scans for eligible people and I'm going there. The BT is free.

Hope that helps.

Not sure where you are but I have never paid for a Nuchal translucency scan or blood work. Why are they saying it is not necessary?

Thanks Maruschke - I have had 2 m/c this year so might ask my GP (she has also given me a referral for the in between should anything concern me)

Mummame - when I rang they said that its not an essential scan and is optional so therefore they charge (she was very rude saying I was young and why do I even need one). They also cant confirm I will be able to get it done due to lack of technicians - even though I have booked in for the middle of January!

Will see what my GP says - she is great and has put my mind at ease with a lot lately. Also have the number for the early pregnancy team at the local hospital should I need to contact them.

I would have thought you'd be able to get it bulk billed through a different scanning centre...? I've never had that one, though, so can't say from personal experience. You might at least get a cheaper scan somewhere?

Even if you get your US referral to say 'history of miscarriage' you are still likely to have a gap fee, sorry to say. It is very rare to find a bulk billing US for NT.

By the way, if you get that phrase on your referral, you can shop around, as other US places will accept referrals regardless of who they are written to.

HTH
M

Thanks ladies - looks like some homework for me before seeing GP again! I have enough time anyway so not in a major hurry

GRRRRRRR It makes me so angry when people dismiss you because you are young. What the hell would a receptionist know anyway. I was barely 28 when I lost my baby at 18 weeks to triploidy, not exactly young but not advanced maternal age either.

Here is my view...if you would consider termination if the baby had a chromosomal abnormality, including downs, trisomy 13/18 etc then pay for the NT scan. If you wouldn't terminate, don't get it done and wait for your 20 weeks scan where they will look for soft markers.

Good luck with it all

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GRRRRRRR It makes me so angry when people dismiss you because you are young. What the hell would a receptionist know anyway. I was barely 28 when I lost my baby at 18 weeks to triploidy, not exactly young but not advanced maternal age either.

Here is my view...if you would consider termination if the baby had a chromosomal abnormality, including downs, trisomy 13/18 etc then pay for the NT scan. If you wouldn't terminate, don't get it done and wait for your 20 weeks scan where they will look for soft markers.

Good luck with it all

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That was my thoughts! I do need to discuss some things with my GP anyway so might see her thoughts on it all :)

thanks again