running tests and insurance

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi Everyone,

Bender has an appointment for vaccinations and a physical next month in which I have asked the vet to run some tests.  I asked for a full blood panel, check his vision, hips, and want to ask for a full thyroid panel.  I want a full blood panel because he's never had one (went to a different vet for his neuter).  And I want to cross off anything that might be possibly wrong with him because I have reason to believe that one of the above might be bothering him.  

Wondering if insurance will cover all the tests especially since I am requesting them and not the vet suggesting them.

We have PetPlan.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

Several things come to mind. Hips should just be part of a regular physical if you ask the vet to check. But if you want a real check it requires X-rays and anesthesia. And how to vets check vision? They certainly can check eyes as part of a routine exam too.Pet pan may or may not pay for the blood tests, depending on whether they think they are justified. The tests can get expensive too.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

thanks F.  I will see what he says about his eyes and hips when he checks it at his physical.

[Teresa]

Joanna, I am in Canada (not sure where you are) and I get Wellness testing done on my dogs annually. There are different levels of Wellness testing, depending on the age of the dog. Wellness testing includes all of these test, other than hips. It's a full blood panel and urinalysis. I know some of my friends that have insurance do get wellness testing covered.

What symptoms does Bender have that are concerning you.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi Teresa, I'm in Los Angeles, Ca.

I should probably call the vet and see if these are included thank you :).  I will list the symptoms that concern me...

eyes:  

-he has a third eyelid that is very prominent

-he has a lot of build up or gunk in his eyes (i clean his eyes about 3 times a day).  If I do not clean them then it just builds and builds inside his eye

-he loves balls and fetch but can't see far distances

-he walks with a sway left to right left to right until i tighten/shorten his leash

-he gets really aggressive to dogs that approach his behind (most dogs do this so they can smell him!)

hips:

-his gait is off

-he sways

-hes slow to get up from laying down

-from observation his back legs just do not look as comfortable as my other dogs

I feel like it's a mothers intuition or something.  I hope I am wrong tho

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

This is what PetPlan says...

"The actual cost of any exam conducted by a licensed veterinarian to treat or diagnose an ill or injured pet. Coverage for exam fees as a result of routine or elective procedures are not covered. Reimbursement subject to policy limits."

So I'm assuming these tests will not be covered since I am going in for a routine visit and there is nothing about him that is "ill" that the vet feels the need to run the tests himself. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

But the vet could decide during a routine visit and after taking a history that some of these tests are indicated. For instance, I did have some concerns about Calla's gait at one point. The vet shared the concern and Pet Plan covered her hip x-rays and a orthopedic consultation. Luckily the consultant said all was well.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Oh that's good that Calla was ok!  I guess it's just a try it and see :)

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I think PetPlan will only cover the tests that are run as part of the process of identifying an illness or injury.  If you are just looking for baseline type numbers I doubt they will cover them.