Just learned something infuriating.
I'm getting bloodwork done soon and I said I want both thyroid tests. My aunt who had an under active thyroid (before needing it removed) told me that there are two tests a doctor can run, and she suggested that I get both done because the standard test doesn't always show when something is wrong. So I told my doctor that I want both of those tests. My doctor told me she will order the standard thyroid test but my insurance has to authorize the second test and they won't do that unless the standard test shows something wrong.
I have a family history (one aunt and one great-aunt) of under active thyroids. I have multiple symptoms of an under active thyroid. But my doctor can't run a test for a very serious medical condition unless we convince my insurance company that I really need it? That's bullshit!
The standard test always comes back fine, but my aunt knows from experience that there can be something wrong even if the standard test doesn't show anything. The bottom line is I have concerns and I want this test. There's no good reason why my doctor can't make the decision to run that test.