think the $500 is worth just for the diagnose, however if you are in Brazil then $500 is a complete rip off since an expensive parasite test will cost close to $45!
I am originally from Colombia, perhaps that is the reason why I am makign a big fuss about the $500. Anyway, next time i am Colombia i am going to get tested for sure. Since you have done it in Brazil, can you tell me, how did you ge tested? I mean, did you request testing for a particular pathogen or it was a comprehensive stool test like the ones they do here?