Is there federal funding involved?
In my case and the cases of friends/family that I know, it was private insurance. I think in all cases it was to rule out meningitis. I believe instead of watching the child in the E.R. for several hours to see if the condition worsens, it was a quick-answer to rule out a severe condition. The procedure is not without risk and my niece was put to sleep since she was an infant. You are suppose to stay very, very still. My neighbor’s eight year old had it done and the parents said it was obviously very painful. This case later proved to be strep throat. However, the child had pain at the sight and a headache for several days. Thanks.