The Chiari Institute - experiences

[SG2]

I'm curious of all of those who have gone to and been treated by the Chiari institute (if you're here on this board).  

How long ago did you go?
Who is/was your neurosurgeon?
Did you have surgery?
If yes, why?
If no, why not?
Overall, were/are you happy with them and your care?

[selmaS]

  When I went my Ins covered all testing and the hospital worked with my ins as well....so , u really should call and ask the billing office which ins they do work with and then talk to ur ins.

[SG2]

No, that also depends on your insurance.  

If your insurance won't cover their facilities/hospital, orders can be written for you to get testing done in your home town or covering area (of insurance).

[DechenDolkar]

So is all of the testing they do out of pocket as well? Thanks!

[selmaS]

  I would go by what  Sue is telling u as I was there 3 yrs ago this May for my surgery and things may have changed.
  Best net is to call and talk to their financial office for more details, then call ur ins carrier to determine how it would work for u and what it would cost u.

[SG2]

It depends on your insurance.  The surgeons themselves don't bill any insurance.  Your visit with the doctor is out of pocket.  I'm ok with that though.

If it comes to surgery, my insurance will cover them (hospital).

And yes, I had to send in all records I had including all scans I had.  They had to present my 'case' to their team to review and was told I'd be called for an appointment if I met certain criteria.  Which I guess I did/do.  

[DechenDolkar]

Do they accept out of state insurance? I have been considering TCI for the future but imagine it must be quite expensive. Do they look over previous imaging and reports to determine if you should be seen there?

[selmaS]

  Take ur list of questions, and keep an open mind!!

That is the best advice I can offer...we do have a list of questions for the NS...but, it is hard to use standard questions b4 u know what he has to say, but, it is nice to have a few ready that u have now, so u do not forget to ask, and remember to ask how u can get in touch with him once u r home and get flooded with questions after it all sinks in...lol....

  Good luck and safe travels

[SG2]

I've had one doctor use email with me, my ent.  I love him, not only for that purpose but because he's the only doctor who seems to want to figure out what's going on.  

Thank you for the feedback.  I'm anxious and nervous.  I'm so frustrated not knowing how to fix what's wrong with me and I'm so nervous tomorrow will not give any answers how to help either.  Uugggghhh.  I hope I'm wrong and that I can at least get answers to why things are happening the way they are happening and what can be done to fix it.  

It's about a 2 hour drive for me, from Connecticut.  Not terrible, and my husband is coming with me.  Should be ok....

[selmaS]

  I had Dr B respond to me the same way and he was not my Dr and this was b4 I was a patient there....he is very helpful to all chiarians....I appreciated all his help and was happy with my NS that I had.,...he was great.

[actressmouse]

I went in August of 2011.  My doc is the infamous Dr. Bolognese.  I was allowed to put off surgery until this June (as I'm off in the summers).  I will be having PFD and fusion.  I'm extremely confident in the care I am receiving and, no lie, Dr. B responds directly to my emails like he's in the next room!!! I've NEVER had any MD like that.  :)

[selmaS]

  Hi Sue, Yes, I went to TCI in May of '09 I had surgery so this May it will be 3 yrs...Dr Salvatore Insinga was my NS.

This NS is a very caring man and has a great sense of humor...he made sure  to explain everything to me...and my DH....I never felt rushed....

And I had surgery bcuz I knew I needed it, but my NS also felt the same, I was having drop attacks that left me with injuries from them and I required surgery as a result of the falls....

I still have other surgeries for related issues ahead of me, but I have been soooo much better after having this surgery....

We all have diff personalities and may not get along with the same drs...so u may want to see a few b4 u decide on one u want to stick with,