Finding a Specialist!

[tattie197635]

I am on the search of finding a specialist....I have been having symptoms that seem to be resurfacing
even after my decompression which was three years ago......the only thing is that I can't find a specialist that
would take my insurance.....

Everyone I call say that they don't take the type of insurance that I have....What am I to Do? does anyone have any
suggestions...Please Help!.....I stay dizzy now mostly all day.....I get vibrations through my face and body....(very weird feeling)....the back of my neck hurts severely to even turn.....I get blurred vision and sometimes double.

Dr. Di at Cleveland Clinic perfomed my surgery...but now I have this enormous bill that I though my insurance had taken care of.....(not the case).....just don't know what else to do now but need help soon.

[selmaS]

  Here is a link for the Chiari clinical trials....mayb u can get info or help from this-

  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/chiari.htm

[tattie197635]

I called the Cleveland Clinc and they said that as of now the Financial Aid is only for Ohio residents...and I live in Indiana....so now I have to come up with another plan....Thanks!

[selmaS]

   Curious if u tried the Mayfield Clinic....they r in Ohio like CC, but just to give u another option just in case things do not pan out there .

I like having a back up plan....



  

[tattie197635]

Selma I live in Indiana and I have something called Indiana Healthy Plan that only covers the state of Indiana.....they don't you to go to anyone if it's not in this state....I'm trying right now to get something approved through the Cleveland Clinic where they get my ins. approved......

This is really frustrating becaue my headaches and dizziness are lasting most of the day everyday and nothing is helping.....I'm scared that I have fluid that is building back up and I need to get checked very very soon.

[tattie197635]

Oh Thank You so much for that information regarding the insurance....yes it was sad how sudden Dr. Di left and he was the only one that I seen regarding my Chiari....I am starting to get really scared because my headaches and dizziness is lasting if not most of the day all day.....

This is a very serious condition and I just want to get the help that is needed....I will contact Cleveland Clinic and see if I can find out more information about the program your speaking of...Thanks Again!

[jiggle93]

Thanks for the info CW, as I havent even thought of such a thing. I am struggling with the thought of not wanting to add more financial stress to our budget, but knowing that I do need to  be seen. I have been out of work since June, and having trouble finding something I am still capable of doing, but having that loss of income hurts. I am hoping that I will remember to ask these questions to see if the help is available.

[ChiariWolf]

Very frustrating feel... being as I've been living the same story. But hey let me share with you where I'm at and see if by chance this may help you.

Dr Di left kind of sudden and frankly I didn't even have a NL for follow up care. We left it go for insurance reasons but the last few mos things have been a bit not so good here either. So... after some encouraging from selma and my wife here is what I've done.

First step- Call Cleveland Clinic and ask for someone who can speak with you about Financial Aid. They connected with the proper department. Frankly they did not make me feel out of place or anything, very nice people. After hearing my needs and concerns just briefly they told me about a program that they have there at the Clinic to help. They have their own income limits [which are pretty liberal]. If you fall within those limits and qualify for Financial aid he said you just go get done what you need to and after the fact contact their office again, fill out their form along with turning your bill into them. Depending on your income you could meet either a reduced bill or if your income is under their limit you bill could even be completely paid.

Many of us don't like doing things that way, me included, but when I seen how far under the income limit my family and I are- well I'm not feeling bad anymore.

I just made an appointment today with a NL out there. That's on another post here...

CW

[selmaS]

  The NS that did her surgery is no longer a practicing Dr...he left over a yr ago and left many without a NS....

  Did u try the Mayfield Clinic in Ohio?

[irislita]

I would love to help you...but i am not living in the u.s. its a shame what people with serious illnesses have to go through.there is not any help there without a dollar or proper insurance. Keeping up all this us frustrating.do you have a recent mri? Did u try contacting a chiari center via mail?its the only thing i can think of!!! I am so sorry to hear u r feeling like that...and it scares me...did u talk to ur ns that performed surgery? Its just not fair this joueney...i feel with you

[selmaS]

  Have u tried the clinical studies?..what area have u looked into?

I know this forum is public and u may not want to post all the info here, but, looking at what ur ins is, and what it will cover verses what it will not....many times it is the NS's office visit that is not covered by ins....so do talk to the billing dept and find out  just what they mean.

Also, u can appeal to ur ins to cover an out of network Dr bcuz u need to see a specialist and none take ur ins.

  "selma"