TCI patients and insurance

[alexiwildchild]

hey everyone!! well, i was curious for those that have been or had surgery at TCI if your insurance covered all, if any portion of the charges for the visit/surgery.  I have my appts scheduled for Dec 15 and 16th for the testing/initial visit, but I spoke with the appointment coordinator again to check up on everything--and she said she has to wait for 30 days before my appt for them to contact my insurance company--which this is definitely out of network.  It took me like a week to hear back from her, which was kind of irritating, has anyone else had this issue (i know it's not related lol, but still).  But anyway, I'm just worried that my insurance company won't pay for anything....if this happens, what options does TCI offer, if any??

Thanks everyone, hope all is okay :)

[SaratogaNurse]

Did you contact your insurance company?   My insurance requires a letter from my primary doctor explaining why I am seeking treatment out of network.  In my case, there are no Chiari specialists in my area that I want my second opinion from.  It can take a couple of weeks for the insurance company to decide if they'll cover it or not - if they say no, you have the right to fight it.    As the insured, you have the right to be cared for - you just might have to fight for it.

I haven't even started the process yet.   I saw the first NS and he was afraid of Chiari.  TCI is my next step.   I'll watch this post to see what you find out with this.  

Good luck!

[selmaS]

HI...I had my surgery there and I did have insurance issues...and a few bills not covered.

For the inital visit I was only coverd for the NL visit and had to pay my co-pay...but the NS gets $550 and that had to be cash or cashiers check.

I am not seeing my NS as a result of the cost for my 6 month post op visit...I am sending via e-mail a pic of my scar and going to see the NL...if there r issues or problems then I will see the NS again.

Calling ur insurance co is the best bet...I did and they were able to tell me what and how much they would cover.

If u r going to have surgery...then u have to ask about everyone that will be in the OR....as it is all separate.

Good luck
"selma"

[alexiwildchild]

hey everyone--well, i guess i'll have to call my insurance company then.  the reason i haven't is because the lady at TCI handling my appt said that she will contact them (only within the 30 days of my appt), and then go from there.  do you guys suggest i go ahead and call them now??  i don't know what the best route would be to go--let her do it, or try to find out what they would cover on my own first heheh. the NS i went to here was confused and said that i should send my MRI's etc to others for review...and that's what i did since he was obviously not a specialist.  and my primary doc would be very willing to help--she's been the best so far before i had any clue what could possibly be wrong with me...and from what i'm guessing...i won't be having any surgery...the lady at TCI (i think i told you this selma?) said i was scheduled with a NL not a NS there...which is why i'm like wtf?! so confusing. but they want to do some testing of course and go from there and try to give me a diagnosis at least.  which i will be hopeful for that after 2 1/2 years now.

thanks again ya'll!---you're the best :D

[selmaS]

Yeah ...they called for me too it is to get authorization....but u can call in advance and find out what u r in store for.

U r only getting info for u , not the approval which is y she calls.

Yeah I remember that now about the NL appointment only and no NS...but the NL's do the dx...the NS do the surgery...so at least find out what the deal is.

Hopefully u will have a better understanding as to what is going on inside u and the best way to treat it.And if the NL does see something u r at a good place they have plenty there : )

Good luck
"selma"

[alexiwildchild]

thanks selma! i will try to give them a call monday or tuesday i guess, just to get some more info for myself, and like you said--see what may be in store.  well that is comforting about the NL...as long as i can get a concrete answer this time---i will be happy--if i get to go lol!!

[selmaS]

Good luck and do keep us posted on what u find out.

I am pulling for u : )

"selma"