My own personal decision was not to have a biopsy. When my GI suggested it after the fibrosure test came back F3, I asked the golden question, "Will this interfere or influence my course of treatment." and the answer was No, I have turned down another test with the same question because of the toxicity of the dye used. That has been my decision thus far and I am currently being treated with Harvoni--half-way though. So I'm not sure why you want the biopsy,, are you in treatment ,, or gearing up for it? If your insurance doesn't require it, I'm not sure why you would need one. I have heard of people experiencing better fibrosure testing after treatment indication that they liver is healing. That is good news indeed ..I guess I would need to know more about why Best

What Samflowers said.
I view a biopsi at this stage, as a way for drug companies etc to continue research, and not much help for the patient, unless they are considering transplant.
Had a doc tell me, We are only interested in getting rid of the virus at this point. We don't need a biopsi for that.

Btw, I want to endorse this AHCC, been on it for a couple weeks; seeing additional improvements. Also promoted for liver cancer.
You might look into baking soda as well, for a tonic/preventive Got mine from Ray Shelihan

To clarify: I got the AHCC from Ray Shehalien. (not baking soda)

I like your thoughts on this matter Samflowers and owquit it. The recommendation for a biopsy was so she would have information on the progression of my liver. I am not in treatment nor am I preparing for treatment. She said I wouldn't qualify for the new medicine because I am not sick enough. Which may or may not be an honest answer. It could be due to the expense of the treatment, my insurance may not be authorizing it for anyone...
I have had HCV for 40 years. Only known about it the last 6 yrs ...post menopause. She thinks that mine is very slow in progression because of the length of time I have had it and my liver seems to be in pretty good shape. 6 yrs ago biopsy was F1. She thinks it maybe a F2 now. Or between F2-F 3.
So given that information does it make sense to push for one of the new Meds which are more successful with Genotype 1. Or do the side effects of the drugs destroy other organs? I do want my kidneys to remain healthy which is a good reason to avoid biopsy and the dye they use.
Suggestions on the new medications and getting insurance to cover it?

I am doing very well on Harvoni. I have energy for the first time in decades. the fibrosure test is not all that accurate in the midrange. Mine was a F3. I wanted to treat so that I can move on with my life. My Doc is Mr Big Wig Hopkins alum. He wanted me to be treated and my insurance was accepted the cost .
I was so afraid to do the meds, I have always been afraid of meds and big pharma I have never really trusted. But i have to say, half-way through that I'm glad I make this decision. My blood work came back undetected. no virus is detected and my enzymes are normal for the first time ever and all my blood work is normal so far. So I would support you in advocating for yourself. I think the F3 was the number that my insurance used to justify paying. However if you think that your liver is in good shape and you are doing well in your life, I would wait and see how this thing plays out... just my 2 cents.. all the best

Oh I would not do a biopsy! No way! I'd do an ultrasound first. I did an ultrasound and it came back saying my liver was in good shape, regardless of the biopsy in Jan 2011 that came back with advanced bridging fibrosis and possible early cirrhosis. Since then I really ramped up on the nutrition, did liver flushes, coffee enemas, lots of fresh organic juices, spirulina, chlorella, and loads of greens, I eat over 9 oz of dark green leafies almost every day. I think that's why my platelets, which were going slowing down in the last 7 years from 109 to 86 just came back up to 141. Retested to make sure. Cassie, you might want to get a different doctor. You're the same age as me, had it as long, and are about as healthy as I am. I'm going to a family doctor who consults with the Hospital Gastro Team. She is treating me and we are using Support Path to pay for it.

Can you get a fibroscan? No dye, not invasive, supposedly as accurate as a biopsy.

Is fibroscan available in the US yet?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3594956/

I;m told it will be next month?

I did get a fibro scan a few months ago. Pretty cool and originally it was invented in France to check density of bread...
It was a Non invasive procedure. It measures liver density which determines the degree of fibrosis. So with the results of that, and a great Nurse Practitioner working on my appeal, I was APPROVED to start Harvoni. I just got that information today. And I am so beyond thrilled. I have been reading your treatment journal MAK1AH and congratulations on your Undectable status. That is fantastic news!
Peace

cassie! That's great news! I am thrilled for you! Harvoni is one fantastic drug, in that it just goes after the replication cycle of the virus and disables it. It's not like the Interferon Bug Spray that killed everything in sight and left so many people behind who are still sick, both those who failed Tx, and those who achieved SVR. McKenzie is still sick from Interferon, 10 years later.