What do you pay for an ACTH stimulation test? U.S. Dollars

[Roxee's Dad]

This is a poll to help new members get an idea of what the cost are involved with the diagnosis and on going monitoring of K9cushings via the ACTH Stimulation test.

Information on this test can be found in our Resources Forum:
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=217

Choice 1 – Choose the price range you have paid
Choice 2 – Choose whether the test was performed by a IMS (Internal Medicine Specialist) or a GP (General Practitioner Vet)


Please also feel free to post any comments. :)

[Harley PoMMom]

I just wanted to add that Harley's stim agent was the gel and the cost was $125.50 by his GP, she also let me take him home after the first draw and bring him back for the second draw, I wanted to let the new members know that this is an option but you must ask your GP/IMS to do this (take your pup home and then bring them back.)

Harley's GP now uses Cortrosyn as their stim agent and the cost was $158.35.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[littleone1]

Corky didn't have the ACTH Stim test this month. He had the LDDS test done in the beginning of this month by his IMS. The cost for that was $203.25. This was done with Cortrosyn.

Terri.

[sunimist]

I would also like to add that our vet charged $72.00 (several years ago) when using the Acthar Gel. That eventually increased to $95.00.
She also used Cortrosyn for testing, and I think she quit using the Acthar Gel altogether at some point. Those stims (Cortrosyn) were anywhere from $110.00 to $150.00.

[recruiter]

$110 in Kansas.

[marie adams]

$158 GP Vet Southern Cal - Orange County

[KjobakerOhio]

$212.00 Columbus, Ohio.
$95.00 is for sitting in their waiting room for 2 hours and 5 minutes with the IMS.

[HarrysMom]

The test was $140, but the price of Cortrosyn was $230. It seems really high.

[frijole]

$125 - done at 4 different vets in Columbus and Lincoln NE. All were the exact same price.

[Rebelsmom]

$275 for Rebel's stim, which seems really high to me.

[Roxy]

$115 at my general vet's. I took Roxy home between draws because she gets really stressed if I have to leave her there.

[foxandhound]

$300 for a basic ACTH and also $300 for an ACTH U of Tenn Full Adrenal Panel. Clearly, some vet offices dont know how to charge for this or what the difference is. This value is for a one-time test, no examination, no IMS. The office staff/vet techs would administer and prepare samples, not the Vet. And, they didnt even know how to prepare the sample, when to take blood draws, and where to send it. It was just plain sad.

The vet office "accidently" submitted our test Antech and maybe thought I wouldnt catch on. A vet got on the phone and told me "your dog has Cushings"...you know, instead of "your dog tested positive for Cushings, but further testing should follow to confirm or rule out this diagnosis." I asked her about the intermediate sex hormones and she told me "they're good", then I asked for values and I was put on hold. A manager came on the phone and after I drilled him, he admitted they sent it to Antch and obviously, there were no reported intermediate values.

They also told me my dog's $150 UP:Cr ratio was missing, then they said they found it and it was normal. When the IMS called them for it, they had no record of it being taken. They tried to say that we didnt purchase it, but I have an invoice and receipt. Be careful with these expensive tests. Make sure you speak to the acual vet tech who will conduct the test, make sure they know how to do this and at what time intervals they should do so. Then, ask for actual print-outs from the labs that complete the testing. Phone in results and vet notes are not sufficient for these tests. Some places are not trustworthy at all.

[MBK]

Hi, Roxee's Dad. You need to add a higher amount category for me. Seems I am paying a record high amount in Pittsburgh, PA. :mad: I just paid $322 for the ACTH test and $88 dollars for .2 ml injection of Cortrosyn, for a grand total of $410 for one test! That is with no examination whatsoever. I never even saw Alivia's IMS. The tech took her back and brought her back out to me! I think I need to start asking around to see if everyone charges such a high amount around here.

[liz]

280.95 in Topeka, Kansas--Liz

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

mine was $99.32 for 2 ACTH tests
$73.14 for the office visit
$ 8.41 for the Cortrosyn Gel

Grand Total $180.87

Fargo, ND

GP

[addy]

We just paid $128 for Cortrosyn .25mg per vial

$73 for ACTH Stim test
$50 for IMS recheck
$43 for renal panel
$29.00 for blood collection

Grand total $323 OUCH:eek::eek::eek:

[Steinwaywolf88]

$250.00, and I we have done this 3 times this year.

[buffy]

$42.28 for the ACTH injection plus 127.85 for the ACTH Stim test.

Buffy

[newman]

Well... I just paid 273.20 for ACTH stimualation test #119 but total visit was $470.00

[ThreeJacksMom]

Paid $185 last week, just for the test.

[Palmer's Mom]

ACTH $125.37; exam $62; Cortrosyn injection-follow up (this was every time we had the ACTH)$114.50; IDEXXNSAID panel $64.38. That comes to $366. Test was run every 4 weeks for sure and not infrequently at two weeks as well.

[tobybarnum]

$209 at a GP. New York City- not surprising that it's cheaper esewhere, I guess!

[LacubriousDogs]

$315 in total, includes office visit plus test...St. Louis, MO.

[Cyn719]

$198.00 for ATCH and $35 for the 2 hr stay and disposal of needles