My doctor's office called me today and said that my insurance company is requiring a H. Pylori lab test. Does anyone know what this is and/or why they need it?

I think that test is pretty common. I know my surgeon requires it of all his patients. H Pylori is a bacteria that can be in the stomach. If you have it, from what I understand, it can be cured with antibiotics. It wasn't bad. Don't worry about it!

It is the bacteria that is the common cause of stomach ulcers. Dr probably wants to make sure you don't have an ulcer or a risk of getting one.

Helicobacter pylori Tests

Let WebMD become a good friend of yours. It has a plethera of medical information that will help you through your journey. Good luck to you!

Jason

My doctor's office called me today and said that my insurance company is requiring a H. Pylori lab test. Does anyone know what this is and/or why they need it?

H Pylori is an antibody that is in the stomach which causes stomach ulcers. It is detected by a simple blood test or they can have you blow into a "balloon"

and test the air from the balloon. Its not a big deal.:smile:

Thank you all..Now I can relax a bit...

Well I tested positive for H. Pylori. Now 2 wks of antibiotics and then test again 30 days after I finish the medication. Ugggh. I was sooo ready to have everything done...:bored::mad:

I had tested positive for it too. I had to take antibiotics for 10 days. 8 pills a day. 4 in the morning and 4 in the evening. I wasn't required to do another test so hopefully it is cured. I am having my surgery next week....