Thursday, August 13, 2009

No ultrasound? are you kidding me? edited again

So, I think I've been very very patient. I went in to the OB at 10w2d and had my first non-RE ultrasound. At that appointment, I did try to request an NT scan (detailed ultrasound at about 12 weeks that measures fetal neck and head for markers for down's syndrome) but the OB said I didn't need it b/c I did genetic testing. I told him I'd still kind of like to have it (not forceful enough, I know) but he said it was not recommended and not needed and then asked me why I wanted it. I said I wanted another u/s in 2 weeks that is covered by insurance and this one is supposed to be very detailed, which sounded great to me. He said no. Then he said that we will have to wait until the next appt at 14 weeks. I made a joke about waiting 4 weeks for an ultrasound when we are used to having them every week, but I said okay and I made the "I am a trooper" face. The OB was nice, I've heard great things, but I didn't have many questions and the appointment was very short.

Today I decided I should call them before my Tuesday appt to make sure that I am scheduled for the u/s. I am not. They do not do another u/s until about 20 weeks. The receptionist said that they usually do about 3...one at the first appt, one about mid-way and one towards the end, unless there are problems. My jaw dropped. She suggested I call my insurance and see how many are covered and then see if I want to add one in on Tuesday if it is covered. My insurance says that an unlimited number are covered if there are medical reasons to support the u/s. Now, from the tone of the office, I am guessing that they won't say there are medical reasons unless I am bleeding uncontrollably or have cramps. However, I do have a call in to the nurse to ask if massive IF treatments and recurrent miscarriage and serious emotional instability of the patient can be considered a valid medical reason. Here I thought I was being great while all my other IF friends who are pregnant still go in for u/s's every 2 weeks or even weekly, and I am patiently waiting 4 weeks! Am I totally overreacting or would you expect more u/s's in my circumstances? Any of the women who read my blog and had normal pregnancies recently - how frequently did you get u/s? should I just try to relax and assume all is alright in there? I feel like I've been so good without seeing her for 4 weeks....that maybe a monthly u/s was almost standard...little did I know!

Okay, take that back. They called as I was writing this. No ultrasound. They will not allow me to have one in the next few weeks. They say it just isn't justified. What the hell?

Edited to add - I just got a call a few minutes ago from the nurse. She talked to my doctor and they arranged to get me a free practice NT scan on Tuesday. Basically, the u/s tech is trying to get certified for NT scans so we will be one of practice subjects...I think it is weird b/c we will be past the 14 week mark so the measurements they are hoping to take won't make much sense probably (I've read they have to be done before 14 weeks) but I am thankful that they are willing to help me out and give me some reassurance. I kind of gave up on this and resigned myself to less scans but I am nicely surprised that they were willing to do this for me:-)

12 comments:

Jill M. said...

You have got to be kidding me! That sucks! I think you should demand the NT scan since there is an error rate in CGH. Tell them how hard CCRM pushes CVS/Amnios.

So yeah, I agree that all you listed should definitely qualify you for an u/s! If that doesn't work, hmmmm, is that a little cramping you have there Sue? Maybe a little spotting? Wink wink!

I'd be going nuts, I hope they work with you on this.

Anonymous said...

I am currently pregnant as well (almost 19 weeks). My doctor performed an ultrasound every two weeks until I was fourteen weeks. Although he did not recommend the NT scan, I requested one, and he allowed me to have one. After 14 weeks, he does not do another ultrasound until 20 weeks. I think they should let you have an ultrasound if you are requesting it. I personally haven't asked for one, but I would be very upset if I did and the doctor turned me down.

Kris said...

Are they crazy? Is "peace of mind" not a good enough medical reason?? Especially for all of us IF girls who have been thorugh HELL to get these babies in our bellies?

My OB has given me 2 u/s and she called one of them a "viability" u/s because I was weaning off of heparin and I was truly upset about whether or not they would still have beating hearts after going off of it. My point being, OBs can make up stuff to help you get an u/s covered. I think if that were me, I might think about switching OBs to one that was more sensitive to my situation and history. Not saying your OB isn't good, but you definetely want to be ont he same page as them.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like your OB has little to no compassion for all that you've been through. I am 12w4d along on my 5th pregnancy (with no living children to show for them yet) and my RE/OB have been wonderful. My RE offered ultrasound anytime I wanted it. My OB has let me come in every 2/3 weeks instead of the usual 4 and has offered to let me "take a quick peek" every time, even though she says this pregnancy is in no way high risk. I also had the detailed NT scan. Might be time to find another OB! Good ones who care about and understand your emotional needs are out there!

Me said...

My insurance covers 2 - one to confirm heartbeat and the anatomy scan. That's it unless there's a medical reason for more. I think that's pretty standard. :(

Phoebe said...

Can you call CCRM and get your doc's take on this? As Jill said, if they know the error rates and recommend an u/s, then you have a case. Is your OB saying no or insurance, or both? I can't imagine your insurance saying no. If you OB is saying no, perhaps you should find another. Do you want to be wondering what else your OB is going to be saying no to later on in your pregnancy or during delivery?!

JJ said...

Glad you got the call that you can go in and see the bab next week. I get ultrasounds every 4 weeks as well, even though I'm having twins and am nearly 42. I hate it and start going nuts at the two week mark. My next one is next week at 20 weeks. I asked to have a cervical measurement check every two weeks b/c that it what I'm most worried about but the nurse told me this cd do more harm than good and cd cause contractions so I quickly backed off that request.... I'm not sure if they will start seeing me more often soon. I see an OB and a peri, but they both fall in the same week as it's every four weeks from week 12. Some of my friends who are younger and pregnant with one baby didn't have anything from 12 weeks to 20 weeks. It sucks. I hope you manage to find a way to sneak in more.....

kayjay said...

You know, I have found the same thing trying to find an OB up here to take me on as a patient - they just don't get how different a pregnancy is for someone who has been through IF HELL and back. If an u/s will make you feel better, than why the heck won't he allow you to do one if there is no danger??? Sheesh. I would go as far as to say that if he has kids, he obviously had no trouble conceiving and had uncomplicated pregnancies afterwards. Maybe you should investigate another OB! If not, I would do what Jill said and make up some cramping that instantaneously stops once you get up on that u/s tech's table!!!

Deanna said...

1st child ONE u/s @ ~ 18 1/2 weeks.

2nd child ONE u/s @ ~ 19 weeks, and again at 38 weeks to determine if she was still breech.

Mind you... this is Canada, and we don't have to check insurance or anything... if the Doc wants one, we just go get it.

I guess we get so caught up in the wonders of science, and when we are denied it... it's WTF!!

To put your mind at ease hopefully they will relent.

Lost in Space said...

As good has he might be, I really think I would want to find someone who understands the added stresses and worries that come with your history and method to reach pregnancy.

If you are requesting an NT scan and it is covered by your insurance I see no reason that your doc should not want to do this...

Hugs for the frustration.

Anonymous said...

That does stink - I am a nervous wreck thinking about waiting for two weeks...

My first OB appt is Wednesday - and if they cannot deal with high maintenance, recurrent miscarriage fear out the ass, need an u/s pretty regularly, then I will probably look for someone else.

That was nice of them to get you in to see the baby soon - maybe a deeper heart to heart with the ob would help?

Amber said...

Awesome update! You get to see her after all! woo hoo! Tell the u/s tech she can practice all she wants. lol