Decided to pay cash to see neuro I like!

[kerrtelli]

So I got out of the hospital this last Friday and had the great fortune if having the best neuro in the local group there that week.  He's the one who gave me the 95% sure diagnosis and started me in steroids as well as saying I would start copaxone in two weeks.

After I left the hopsital I knew that my dilemma would be getting to see this neuro as the local clinic that his group rotates through.  Now I know that the docs say just call and make an appt and it ain't that easy.

I called the neuro clinic and they said they could see me in march after my gp sent in all the proof that I actually need to see a neuro.  

So, I called the neuros office and said I wanted to pay cash to see him.  I have state insurance and the last time i tried this they said I couldn't pay cash.  This time I said I would sign any form they needed me to sign so that I could just go see the doctor.

They call and said I could sign a self pay waiver and bring a check for $250.00.

That's good enough for me.  I said I am not going to play games with finally having a neuro that believes in me and will listen to what I am saying.  Besides that he looked at my 3T brain MRI and said one scar, two, scar, three scar = MS.

I don't think it was just that but you get my drift.

So, that's my story.  Believe me, I don't have money to throw around but I would rather cut down on crap I don't use and pay the doctor for peace of mind and to make sure I ambeingaken care of properly.

By time I need to see him again, I will have gotten into the clinic and established myself as a patient.  Then I won't have to pay the fee.  This is like a one time thing.  I am taking any chances this time.

[Starryeyes2]

I've had the same type of situation. I ended up switching my insurance to one with a copayment rather than the free military insurance, made an appt with a specialist center that only deals with MS and Parkinsons, and flew to Seattle from Tucson to see him.

It was a gamble, but after being treated like I was crazy by other neurologists, I was diagnosed within 10 minutes. He found lesions that 2 other Drs missed. I was able to start Copaxone and was given other meds to help with nerve pain.

I even kept him as my Neuro Dr even tho I lived in another state. I just don't think it's worth it to mess around with hoping to find a compassionate Dr.

Very glad to hear that you found a Dr you can rely on!!
Kristi

[Lulu54]

I hope this gamble pays off.  If this doctor told you in the hospital that you needed to do a followup with him in a few weeks, there should not be a need for you to pay for the visit.   When you see him, be sure to mention that you had to pay out-of-pocket to make it happen - perhaps he can intercede for you.

good luck,
Lulu