The Cost Of Gene Testing In Australia

[Meggie]

Hi

I'm guessing there aren't that many Aussies here, but I know of at least one, and I tried to PM, her but it's not working for me, maybe I'm too new here or something....

Anyway, I'm still waiting for my initial appointment with the gastro which will be in about 5 weeks, but in the meantime I was considering having the genetic testing.

Can anyone tell me if this is expensive here in Australia, or is it just like any blood test? Also does anyone know how long it takes to come back? I know one member on here was waiting at least two weeks, not sure how long it took in the end.

Thanks very much for your help.

Meg

[Omitch]

Hi meggie, not sure if you are around anymore but I was wondering if you found out the cost in Australia? I'd like to have the test done as both my children have celiac disease and I tried calling Medicare but didn't get straight answers. Would love to know how much it costs! Thanks

[Mack the Knife]

It shouldn't cost you anything if your GP or specialist orders it. That's how it worked for me when I got tested a few months back. I think Medicare covered it. I never got a bill anyway.

[Omitch]

It shouldn't cost you anything if your GP or specialist orders it. That's how it worked for me when I got tested a few months back. I think Medicare covered it. I never got a bill anyway.

When I asked my GP for the test, she said I'd have to pay for it myself as it is something that I asked for, not her. But then she didn't think much about celiac disease anyway.....disappointing that there seem to be so many GP's who don't believe that celiac disease causes such a problem. Maybe I'll try another GP.....

[Kim69]

I am in Australia. It's free and takes about a week.

[Omitch]

Kim69, do you mean the celiac screen test or the gene test? I had the screen test done for free and back in a week but the gene test takes about 10 working days to come back. My mums GP had that one bulk billed for her but my GP wanted me to pay for it.

[Mack the Knife]

I don't know. My gastroenterologist ordered the genetic testing along with a whole lot of other blood tests, but I'd already been diagnosed with Coeliac disease by blood test and biospy.

It is worthwhile getting your genes tested. A negative gene test means that you almost certainly don't have or won't get Coeliac disease. But there are some rare exceptions... eg my gene test came back negative for the Coeliac genes despite having been officially diagnosed - but that is really unusual.

Why don't you contact the Coeliac society and get them to recommend a GP in you local area who knows about Coeliac disease. I've done that in the past and they were able to give me a fee good recommendations.

[gf-soph]

I don't know. My gastroenterologist ordered it along with a whole lot of other blood tests, but I'd already been diagnosed with Coeliac disease by blood test came back negative despite this btw. So they are not absolutely 100% in accurate in proving that someone doesn't have Coeliac disease.

Why don't you contact the Coeliac society and get them to recommend a GP in you local area who knows about Coeliac disease. I've done that in the past and they were able to give me a fee good recommendations.

My sister recently had the gene testing done by my GP and it didn't cost her anything. I think the issue is that your GP doesn't believe it is warranted. I agree with the suggestion that you should find a more supportive GP. Do you have a family history of celiac or gluten sensitivity, or any other particular reasons for suspecting celiac? Have you had the regular antigliadin antibody testing done yet? You shouldn't have a problem getting medicare to cover the gene studies if you have a particular reason for suspecting celiac.

There are a few Aussies here, so if you are happy to why not post the general area you live in and someone might be able to recommend a GP they are happy with. I'm in Sydney if it's any use.

Good luck