Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
555 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/25/2011 | Is it possible to get a BCRA test anonymously? I know the GINA law is supposed to avoid health insurance problems, but I am self employed and am not confident that the health rules in this country will remain stable.. My mom was diagnosed stage 4 triple negative in her 60s. There is also other breast cancer in the family. My mom was diagnosed after a "clear" mammogram 1 year prior. I am large breasted and would like to understand if I carry the gene so I can make informed decisions. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 1/25/2011 | For women wanting to be tested but also not wanting insurance company to know, they can pay out of pocket so that the test isn't billed to insurance. If negative, then they can consider submitting it. if positive they can opt to continue to keep the information private. if they decide to be proactive however and have bilateral prophylatic mastectomies done and oopherectomies done as well, then they will more than likely need to tell their insurance company in order to get this type of preventative surgery covered by their insurance. hope that helps. also very important to get counseling before testing. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.