What is MicroGenDX?
MicroGenDX provides qPCR+NGS sequencing for the detection of infectious diseases. The American Medical Association (AMA) and Medicare have issued a billing code to MicroGenDX to provide this testing service, recognizing this technology as medically necessary. MicroGenDX is trusted by over 39,000 physicians worldwide and has helped over 900,000 patients with diagnostic testing for their chronic and life-threatening infections.
MicroGenDX is the only provider of this test with an approved billing code. As such MicroGenDX testing may be considered out of network to patients whose providers have utilized our technology. This test is not obtainable in any in-network lab (such as LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics) and your insurance provider may not yet be contracted with MicroGenDX.
Whether MicroGenDX testing is covered by insurance may also depend on the specific insurance plan and the reason for the testing. Patients can contact their insurance company directly to determine if MicroGenDX testing is covered under their plan, and if so, what the patient's financial responsibility would be. It's important to note that even if a patient's insurance does not cover MicroGenDX testing or only covers a portion of the cost, there are options for financial assistance through payment plans offered by MicroGenDX.
If your provider prescribed you MicroGenDX testing it is because they believed it was necessary to solve your chronic, recurring, or life-threating infection. You have a right to this testing and your insurance company should be obligated to cover it. You are your own best advocate for coverage. MicroGenDX suggests that you reach out to your insurance provider to demand coverage for your testing. Instructions on how to do that are below.
What should I do if my insurance does not cover my MicroGenDX test?
Exercise your right to advocate for yourself and take a stance on the medical care you deserve by filing an “Appeal of Coverage” with your insurance company. MicroGenDX stands ready as a reliable partner in this process, helping ensure that you can receive quality healthcare without delay or obstruction. Sample letter templates for you to use are below:
Private Insurance Appeal Letter Template
Medicare Appeal Letter Template
Word Doc Version
PDF Version
Printable Version
Alternatively, kindly adhere to the following guidance:
- On a web browser search “(Insurance Company Name) appeal insurance coverage.” Most companies will have a page detailing what steps you should take to ask for coverage. If you need assistance, please search for your insurance company below.
- Follow the instructions on that website on how to file an appeal. We recommend you include the following information:
- Patient Name
- Insurance Carrier
- Member ID
- Group Number
- Original Physical Issue/Complaint/Symptoms
- Physician Specialty visited i.e., Urology, PCP, Ortho etc.
- Name of Provider/Practice and location
- Diagnostic Method utilized/ordered by provider. i.e., culture, PCR.
- The MicroGenDX test is covered by Medicare through the PLA code 0112U. The PLA code has the following description: “Infectious agent detection and identification, targeted sequence analysis (16s and 18s rRNA genes) with drug-resistance gene.” Even if you have non-Medicare insurance it can be helpful to share this with your provider.
- If you write a letter, it may also be helpful to include the following elements in your response:
- What are/were your symptoms? For how long did you have them?
- What was the diagnosis?
- If you had previous treatments that failed. If so, how many?
- Have you had testing prior to MicroGenDX? If so, what was it? Did it find anything?
- How did the successful diagnosis and treatment affect your life? Confidence in your provider? Emotional well-being? Etc.
- If you have already had a culture test and it wasn’t successful.
- That you have already had a round of antibiotic treatment and it was not successful.
- If you send your insurance company a letter, we also suggest that you call them as a follow-up.
Is the MicroGenDX Test Covered by Medicare and Medicare advantage?
Medicare, America’s largest health insurance provider, recognizes the importance of MicroGenDX testing and offers coverage under its PLA code. While most Advantage plans honor this provision, it is possible that some of the available Medicare Advantage plans might not follow this guidance.
What should I do if my insurance does not respond a request for coverage for the MicroGenDX test?
If your insurance provider doesn't accept your request for coverage, MicroGenDX is here to help. We offer discounted tests at just $249 and are more than happy to reimburse you, as appropriate, if successful upon submission of an appeal!
List of Insurance Contacts
Don’t see your insurance provider?
On a web browser search “[Insurance Company Name] appeal insurance coverage” Most companies will have a page detailing what steps you should take to ask for coverage.
If you would like additional contacts for these providers please reach out to us at: (855) 208-0019, extension 2002 Hours: M-F 8am–8pm EST, Saturday 9am–6pm EST
What is MicroGenDX and how does it help you? Watch this video.
