The end of the routine CD4 Cell Count

[buginme2]

Here is something that could reduce medical costs.  CD4 cell count monitoring more than once a year is unnecessary for people doing well on HIV therapy, investigators from the United States report in the online edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Paul Sax, who wrote an editorial that accompanied the study called the current frequency of CD4 cell monitoring in people undergoing successful HIV therapy a “wasteful addiction”.

The study also states that by reducing the frequency of the test it should reduce anxiety among patients. 

http://www.aidsmap.com/Six-monthly-CD4-cell-monitoring-unnecessary-for-people-doing-well-on-HIV-therapy/page/2564237/

[WillyWump]

I would be fine with that. If I recall correctly my CD4 test is somewhere in the neighborhood of $700, of course insurance covers most of that, but not all.

[Tonny2]

Hi, same here, I hate "vampires" (lab=tech)

[Rev. Moon]

Pochas, you'd still have to visit the "vampires" at least twice a year to make sure that your viral load remains undetectable (and, more than likely, your ID doctor would request other items such as liver enzymes to be checked). 

Nonetheless, if this is to be approved, it would be beneficial from a "cost" standpoint.

[thunter34]

I currently get sucked dry (in the arm) three times a year.

I would be totally willing to surrender one of those blood draws.

I have never gotten cozy with needles.  It just is not my thing.  I don't freak all out, but I sure don't look forward to it either.

[tednlou2]

I saw this gaget on the news today.  I've had bad vampires blame me for them not being able to get the vein.  A light that shows your veins.  Witchcraft!  Are these in wide use yet? 

http://www.accuvein.com/

[newt]

I agree. If you are well and your CD4 over 300 to 350 once a year is enough. You can always get an extra one if ill etc.

- matt

[Miss Philicia]

Whenever I go to a specialist they seem to want to know what my current cd4 count is. And they want proof.

[phildinftlaudy]

Each time I have been to a different doctor (specialist) - and there have been plenty in the past 6 months, plus both times I was at the ER and subsequently admitted to the hospital - both in the past 3 months - I have been asked what my most recent CD4 count was. The paramedics even ask once they are informed I'm HIV+. 

Fortunately, my doc does these every 3 months - so, I know that my most recent count is never any older than 3 months.

[OneTampa]

I am just happy to go twice a year now instead of four times as I did for over twenty years.

My insurance pays full for the blood draws even though I am between permanent jobs it is covered with my extended HMO medical coverage for the next six months and that under COBRA with me paying the monthly premium out of pocket if I don't get another job before then.

[Miss Philicia]

I've had insurance pay for them to be done monthly back when my viral load wasn't suppressed. They never questioned it.