<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

The summary:  Thanks to all who replied, expressing various attitudes about
consumer activism, patient assertiveness, control of at least part of the
process, as well as dealing with health insurance companies.  Replies also
reflect differing attitudes about the necessity of an "official" diagnosis.

The post:  "Situation:  A college student, not eligible for family policy,
has a student health insurance policy with a major company, which covers
only accident, hospitalization, and catastrophic illness.  If that student
tests positive for celiac disease will there be difficulty in qualifying
for health insurance when she/he enters the work-place?  In other words,
should tests be paid without submission of claims to insurance company so
no diagnosis is logged into that person's magic number?"

Quotes:
"This usually depends on the insurer, as there are differing levels of
coverage and different interpretations of preexisting conditions, etc. You
won't know which insurer until the student graduates and gets a job."

"...when I went to my allergist last week, I asked her about getting a
diagnosis of celiac.  She had suspected the celiac and suggested that I try
the diet.  We never did a challenge.  She asked why did I want a diagnosis?
We know I am celiac, but there is nothing to be done for it, no meds, etc.
She said just to wear a medi=alert bracelet and make sure my dr and
pharmacist know.  What else is there to do?"

"I...started a new job 1 1/2 years ago...diagnosed almost two years
ago...informed the insurance company that Celiac Sprue was completely
contained and treated through foods and I was accepted into the ... program
that we have at work. "

"no-one I know has ever been tested for celiac disease when applying for
insurance of any kind.  Don't ask, don't tell is my motto when it comes to a
correctible condition."

"I recently changed policies...not biopsy diagnosed...have recently seen GI
specialists. I have been given no formal diagnosis. My new policy will not
cover any GI related troubles. I would...get him his own policy before any
diagnosis."

"Get the tests done and have the Ins. Co. pay!  Don't fear reprisal.  If it
comes up down the road (magic number?), DENY, DENY, DENY!!!"

"...  I would pay the doctor, labs etc.  with cash and not sumit the bills.
I might even...open a post office box address in another state and use that
as the address with the present doctors...Social Security numbers can be
used to trace people, too.  ...GROUP plans from large companies will cover
everything after a waiting period.  They are effectively spreading the
costs among a large population (and, they want happy and healthy
employees).  But just about anything goes with individual plans or small
groups.  So, I would play it safe."

"Good Idea!"

A 30-yr personnel/insurance plan manager:  "...things have changed so
much...but for many years...a new employee would be covered, most often
within thirty days.  Any pre existing condition was excluded for some
period of time, e.g., 90 days in one case and one year in another case...CD
has basically so little need for a doctor after going on the diet I would
not think your son would have any problem with employment.  CD is not a
costly problem for an insurance company.....cancer is.  My wife has been
diagnosed CD for thirty years...changed employers two times and there was
no problem with getting on the insurance."

"...most employers are under group plans which have no pre existing clauses
and will cover celiac.  IF you need ...your own individual policy - well,
many are not having problems getting celiac covered but for some reason we
are. We are fighting it and hopefully it will soon be covered.  If you are
diagnosed a celiac, and you don't tell an insurance company they can boot
you out once they find out..."

"...my son had celiac symptoms at six months but the doctors said only
starch intolerance or wheat allergy.  He is 23 now and does not show
symptoms.  At that age I did not.  I was diagnosed 2 years ago through a
saliva test.  When I learned about celiac disease I knew that is what he
had.   I know the damage is being done but he is too close to being a
teenager to listen to mother yet.  He needs a test that would convince him
to stay on the diet but I don't want it to "mess up" his health insurance."