Learn about the average cost of a perimenopause test, the factors that affect the price, and the insurance coverage and reimbursement options for this blood test.
Perimenopause is the stage before menopause, when your ovaries start to produce less estrogen and your periods become irregular. Perimenopause can last for several years and cause various symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and reduced libido.
A perimenopause test is a blood test that can help you confirm if you are in perimenopause and measure your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol, a form of estrogen. FSH levels tend to rise and estradiol levels tend to drop as you approach menopause. A perimenopause test can also help you plan your treatment options and lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms and prevent potential health risks.
But how much does a perimenopause test cost, and is it covered by insurance? In this article, you’ll find out the average cost of a perimenopause test, the factors that influence the price, and the insurance coverage and reimbursement options for this blood test.
Table of Contents
Average Cost of a Perimenopause Test
The average cost of a perimenopause test in the US is around $100, but it can vary depending on where you get the test done, what type of test you choose, and whether you have insurance or not. Here are some examples of perimenopause test costs from different sources:
- Quest Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic testing services, offers a perimenopause panel that measures FSH and estradiol levels for $129, plus a $6 physician service fee. You can order the test online and visit a nearby patient service center to get your blood drawn. You’ll receive your results by email within 5 to 7 business days.
- Everlywell, an online company that sells at-home health tests, offers a perimenopause test that measures FSH, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels for $99. You can order the test online and collect your blood sample at home using a finger prick kit. You’ll mail your sample to a certified lab and get your results by email within 5 business days.
- DXSaver, a website that compares prices of medical tests from different labs, shows that the average cost of a perimenopause test that measures FSH and estradiol levels is $99, with prices ranging from $49 to $149. You can choose a lab near you and book an appointment online. You’ll pay at the time of service and get your results by email within 2 to 3 business days.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Perimenopause Test
The cost of a perimenopause test can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- The type of test: Some tests measure only FSH and estradiol levels, while others may include additional hormones, such as LH, progesterone, or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The more hormones you test, the higher the cost may be.
- The method of testing: Some tests require you to visit a lab or a clinic to get your blood drawn, while others allow you to collect your blood sample at home using a finger prick kit. The convenience and privacy of at-home testing may come at a higher price than lab testing.
- The location of testing: The cost of a perimenopause test may vary by region, state, or city, depending on the availability and demand of testing services. The cost may also differ by lab, clinic, or provider, depending on their fees and quality standards.
- The insurance coverage: The cost of a perimenopause test may be covered by your insurance plan, partially or fully, depending on your policy and eligibility. However, some insurance plans may not cover perimenopause testing, as they may consider it unnecessary or elective. You may need to check with your insurance company before ordering a test to find out if you qualify for coverage and reimbursement.
Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement Options for a Perimenopause Test
The insurance coverage and reimbursement options for a perimenopause test depend on your insurance plan and provider. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of a perimenopause test, partially or fully, if you meet certain criteria, such as:
- You have symptoms of perimenopause that interfere with your quality of life or health.
- You have a medical condition or a family history that puts you at risk of early menopause or complications from menopause.
- You have a prescription or a referral from your doctor for a perimenopause test.
However, some insurance plans may not cover the cost of a perimenopause test, as they may consider it unnecessary or elective. They may argue that a perimenopause test is not essential for diagnosing or treating perimenopause, as the diagnosis can be based on your symptoms and menstrual history, and the treatment can be tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
If your insurance plan does not cover the cost of a perimenopause test, you may have to pay out of pocket or look for other reimbursement options, such as:
- Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs): These are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to set aside money for qualified medical expenses, such as perimenopause testing. You can use your FSA or HSA funds to pay for the test or get reimbursed for the cost. However, you may need to provide a receipt or a letter of medical necessity from your doctor to prove that the test is medically necessary.
- Health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs): These are employer-funded accounts that reimburse you for qualified medical expenses, such as perimenopause testing. You can submit a claim to your employer or HRA administrator to get reimbursed for the cost of the test. However, you may need to follow the rules and guidelines of your HRA plan to qualify for reimbursement.
- Discount programs or coupons: Some labs, clinics, or online companies may offer discounts or coupons for perimenopause testing, either directly or through third-party websites or apps. You can search for these offers online or ask your provider if they have any promotions or deals for perimenopause testing. However, you may need to check the terms and conditions of these offers to make sure they are valid and applicable.
Summary
A perimenopause test is a blood test that can help you confirm if you are in perimenopause and measure your levels of FSH and estradiol, two hormones that change as you approach menopause. A perimenopause test can also help you plan your treatment options and lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms and prevent potential health risks.
The average cost of a perimenopause test in the US is around $100, but it can vary depending on where you get the test done, what type of test you choose, and whether you have insurance or not. The cost of a perimenopause test may be covered by your insurance plan, partially or fully, if you meet certain criteria. However, some insurance plans may not cover the cost of a perimenopause test, as they may consider it unnecessary or elective. In that case, you may have to pay out of pocket or look for other reimbursement options, such as FSAs, HSAs, HRAs, or discount programs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. You should consult your doctor before ordering a perimenopause test or making any decisions about your health or treatment.