Chest X-Ray for TB

[ghaleon128]

Hope this doesn't qualify as asking for medical advice because I know it's a no-no. Here's the deal, I'm taking a CNA class and before we do clinicals we need to do a two step Mantoux. Problem is, the whole class ended up missing the time when we were supposed to get the test due to a miscommunication from our instructor. This is a summer course so the whole class lasts less than a month, including clinicals. Since the two step Mantoux test takes about 15 days to complete from my understanding, a chest x-ray would save a whole lotta time and allow for me and others to do clinicals on time. As it stands, most of us will have to wait about two months to complete clinicals without the x-ray.

Here's my main question. Can I get a chest x-ray under those conditions (and have it be covered by insurance)? I'm not sure how strict the health insurance companies are but I'm sure they would not exactly appreciate my circumstances, as a two step Mantoux would probably be a lot cheaper than an x-ray. Trying to figure out how best to do this. Thanks for any help that anyone can offer.

[dolphn545]

I doubt insurance would cover a chest x-ray since it's not necessary unless you test positive. If you're able to get at least one of the steps of the Mantoux test, can't you explain that to the school?? The school should be willing to work with you (and everyone else in the class). Just keep in constant communication with the school, get the first test done ASAP, and give the school the date for the second one.

For a recent job, I had to have a 2 step. They did the first one, read it two days later, and one week later did the second one.

[jmgrn65, RN]

no insurance wont cover for that reason, but sometimes your doctor might put a reason in your chart that will require a cxr, like you have a cough or idk. (I know this could be fraud) maybe i should not even have said it but i did.

[core0]

no insurance wont cover for that reason, but sometimes your doctor might put a reason in your chart that will require a cxr, like you have a cough or idk. (I know this could be fraud) maybe i should not even have said it but i did.

You don't usually have to precert a CXR so I doubt that an insurance company would notice. You could just put down R/O TB as the reason. The concern here is that this only looks for active pulmonary TB. If you have miliary TB you will miss it. Depends on your travel pattern and exposure status to how important this is. I have a reaction to the mantoux after getting BCG vaccine so I just do a CXR every five years or so (assuming no symptoms).

David Carpenter, PA-C