I just went to my physical. I asked my doc to include orders for an antibody test when I get the other blood work done. He was reluctant because he recommended I get the vaccine. I told him the reason I want the test is so I'll know if the vaccine is needed in my case, based on the results of the antibody test.
The woman at the lab (Quest) told me that my insurance did cover the cost of the test if it was ordered by my doctor so no additional cost to me. She also told me that they are approved without doctors orders but that the insurance will not cover the cost in that case - test costs around $90 if I remember correctly. There are also several places online where you can order a home test kit where you collect the sample, send it in, they send YOU the results. I believe CVS offers it by appointment as a paid service at some location too (not shilling for them, just seem to remember reading about it). There is also a T-Cell immunity test available but that one is comparatively expensive and not covered by my insurance - that's the test that shows long term immune response after infection whether you still have antibodies or not.
Side note: You'd think this information would be more available to people and be included in standard blood work during a "pandemic" but oddly (/sarc) they don't seem to be that important to the medical community or our government.
I just went to my physical. I asked my doc to include orders for an antibody test when I get the other blood work done. He was reluctant because he recommended I get the vaccine. I told him the reason I want the test is so I'll know if the vaccine is needed in my case, based on the results of the antibody test.
The woman at the lab (Quest) told me that my insurance did cover the cost of the test if it was ordered by my doctor so no additional cost to me. She also told me that they are approved without doctors orders but that the insurance will not cover the cost in that case - test costs around $90 if I remember correctly. There are also several places online where you can order a home test kit where you collect the sample, send it in, they send YOU the results. I believe CVS offers it by appointment as a paid service at some location too (not shilling for them, just seem to remember reading about it). There is also a T0Cell immunity test available but that one is comparatively expensive and not covered by my insurance - that's the test that shows long term immune response after infection whether you still have antibodies or not.
Side note: You'd think this information would be more available to people and be included in standard blood work during a "pandemic" but oddly (/sarc) they don't seem to be that important to the medical community or our government.
I just went to my physical. I asked my doc to include orders for an antibody test when I get the other blood work done. He was reluctant because he recommended I get the vaccine. I told him the reason I want the test is so I'll know if the vaccine is needed in my case, based on the results of the antibody test.
The woman at the lab (Quest) told me that my insurance did cover the cost of the test if it was ordered by my doctor so no additional cost to me. She also told me that they are approved without doctors orders but that the insurance will not cover the cost in that case - test costs around $90 if I remember correctly. There are also several places online where you can order a home test kit where you collect the sample, send it int, they send YOU the results. I believe CVS offers it by appointment as a paid service at some location too (not shilling for them, just seem to remember reading about it). Side not: You'd think this information would be more available to people and be included in standard blood work during a "pandemic" but oddly (/sarc) they don;t seem to be that important to the medical community or our government.