chiari doctors

[beachlover3897]

I have posted earlier about vertigo and some of my symptoms...thanks to all of you who answered!!!  I do want a second opinion because I do not feel comfortable with the "answers" or should I say, lack of answers I am getting here in Virginia...has anyone been to the Chiari Institute in New York?  How expensive is it? and was it worth the time?  

Or, would anyone recommend a doctor on the East Coast that really is experienced with Chiari?  

[ThePeachy1]

There's a thread on here called Chiari specialist I found out even my unreasonable insurance Tricare prime ( for retired military)  is actually considering paying for me to see a civilian doctor ( rarely happens) and an out of network provider ( never happens) because I want to see a chiari specialist instead of the regular ns they wanted to send me to. I dont have approval yet, but I am working on it, they wont pay for my travel or expenses and I dont know about copays but I cant even believe they are considering it, but it is because it is considered so 'rare" in the medical field. so good luck to you ( and to me) ( I am looking to travel to Nashville to use Dr Hampf who was Shane and some other peoples doctor on here.

[beachlover3897]

I am open to seeing anyone who is knowledgeable and will not brush me off...Tennessee is not all that far away...probably closer than NY!!  I would also consider traveling to NC, which is not too far.  I am in Richmond, VA

[Shane99]

When Selma gets back, check with her. I believe that there are ways to get in at The Chiari Institute.

My surgeon is in Nashville Tennessee, is that too far out of the question? I recommend him highly. He's performed the decompression surgery on 3 of us on this forum, and we all are comfortable recommending him. If you're interested, let me know and I can give you contact info. We have our own little support group here in Middle Tennessee :).

[Jamie880]

Hi,

I just had a great experience at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem NC.  I have only had one appointment, but they were great.  I am to be scheduled for a work-up.  And just FYI - Sm and Chiari are rare diseases.  My insurance company told me they will consider any doctor as in -network weather they are or not.  The Doctor does not have to accept assignment, but the insurance company told me they will pay as if they are.  You should ask your insurance company for a list of in-network physicians, give them your dx and ask about out of network benefits.  you can also request for an out of nework physician to be considered as in-network because you have a rare disease.  Don't give up if you get a verbal no.  Start writing letters and keep records.

Are you anywhere near SW VA or NC?

[beachlover3897]

The Chiari Institute is something I have looked into but they don't take insurance!!!  I am a single mom with 3 kids and out of work due to this miserable vertigo!!!!  I can't afford that.  

[Dawn1214]

I know for a fact that everyone on this forum highly recommend The Chiari Institute in NY. SelmaS who is in charge of this forum is there right now and her surgery on Thursday. She can't say enough about them

I am sure there are quite a few dr.s on the East Coast that are Chiari experts. I don't have the list and hopefully somoene else will chime in with some info for you..

Please keep us updated

Dawn