<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
 
Unfortunately, insurance trends in capitation and global contracting in
the health care industry have been working against smaller, specialized
laboratories in favor of mega labs such as Metpath, Smith-Kline Beecham,
and Roche to the detriment of individual patients.
 
In order to receive the most reliable testing, patients should request
that their tests be referred to a specialized lab, in this case, one
well-versed in autoimmune diagnostics. Many insurance companies will allow
this, but some do not, failing to realize that cost-effective testing is
available from specialized labs. Make your insurer aware of your situation
if it denies referrals to such labs. The trend toward mega labs will
continue and compromise patient care unless insurers take the needs of
their constituents to heart.
 
Previous postings has identified several labatories with detailed
knowledge of serologic blood testing for the detection of celiac disease
and dermatitis herpetiformis.  It is a pleasure to announce another
labatory qualified to perform autoimmune tests and properly interpret the
results. Far too many patients are misdiagnosed or otherwise lost in the
insurance shuffle.  IMMCO is also an active member of our List.
 
IMMCO Diagnostics,
 
IMMCO serves the entire US and is located in Buffalo, NY.  Their phone
number is 800-537-TEST.
 
IMMCO sends specimen collection kits free of charge to doctors, clinics,
etc. nationwide. When the sample is taken, the doctor places it in the
appropriate tube, seals it, and returns it either by business reply
mail or FedEx. Results are generated within 24 hours of receipt. Each
collection kit includes a Test Request Form which lists the entire catalog
of tests and a Fee Schedule.
 
IMMCO was established in 1971. The staff prides itself on depth of
knowledge and expertise in this field. Most of the tests have been
established on the basis of original research, and IMMCO continues to
invest a great deal of its resources in R&D. President, Dr. Vijay Kumar,
is one of the foremost experts in autoimmunity.
 
Kevin Lawson can supply more information about the company. They have
newsletters and technical information available for interested parties,
and, of course, are eager to supply interested doctors with collection
kits.
 
Kevin Lawson ([log in to unmask])
IMMCO Diagnostics, Inc.
Specializing in Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis
 
Which one of the specialize labatories is best for each patient is beyond
my qualifcations. I personally believe that experience in performing
multiple tests is a strong reason for requesting that samples be sent to
one of the four labatories referenced in this and previous messages.
 
Regards,
 
Michael Jones, [log in to unmask]
Living a wonderful, GF life in Orlando, FL USA