Two separate MRIs, can someone tell me why?

[AussyRose]

So about a month ago I went to a neuro I was referred to by my new primary...I was told I needed to "go to physical therapy, here's a prescription for your headache, and if you have problems with your bladder, go to your OBGYN because I don't do plumbing."  Exact words, NO KIDDING!  So, I went to OBGYN (she actually did some TESTS on me, imagine that!) and referred me to a neuro...a different one, of course.  She did some other motor-type tests on me...something about abnormal plantar reflex, pale optic nerve..>?  I have no idea what that means, but she is sending me for MRI so I get this paper in the mail from my insurance and it says Eval MS...????

...so here I am....

I have a brain/C-spine MRI on Tuesday, and T-spine L-spine MRI on Thursday...can anyone tell me why?  And why do I have to have two different MRIs?  Is it going to cost double?  I am really freaked out...about the whole process AND the cost.  I have 20% co-pay...

...I am really new at this, and scared, can someone please help?

[AussyRose]

Thanks!  I didn't know you could just ask for a copy of them?!  I will do that.  I don't know if I really want to wait three weeks for my follow up appt...although, I don't know if I could figure them out on my own.  I did see that MRI thread from Q though so I at least have that to reference.

[mikemolly]

Your new neuro sounds like she's leaps and bounds above the old one! It's good to have the MRI's of your spine to check for lessions there also. If they did them all at once, you may be there all day! I find them relaxing, and always fall asleep. Crazy, I know!

If it's possible, I would ask them for a copy of your MRI's before you leave. My doctor asks me to do this for him, and they have never given me a problem. Recently, I called them for MRI results and they gave me the CD with the report on it. I copied it onto the computer for my records. Good to have if you need to see someone new.

Take care,
Bethany

[T-lynn]

Welcome to our cyber family.

The mri's if done all on one day could take a couple of hours depending on the DRs orders.

Its good to have them split.When I had my full set of MRI's they done the brain and c-spine one day and a few days later the thoracic and the lumbar.

When scheduling MRI's they have to put down a reason as to why you need them done so they have a code for insurances.

Your better off with out the first neuro what a dork!!!!

This new neuro is covering all avenues which is great he his checking to see why the reflex's were abnormal and a pale optical nerve could be related to optical neuritis.

You are really in good hands with the new neuro.

Keep us posted.

[AussyRose]

They are doing with and without contrast...I am glad you mentioned it so I went ahead and asked.  I know I shouldn't be afraid to ask questions, I just get so intimidated.  
Thanks for your help

Aussy

[fishyfish]

Hi, welcome to our little forum.  Be glad you lost that first neuro...quacks abound around the world.  I'm happy to hear your new neuro is taking you seriously and ordering your tests.  The cost might be steep, unfortunately, but if you might have MS, it's best to diagnose it earlier than later so you can get on the disease-modifying drugs.  Lesions in the central nervous system can be found in the brain or along the spinal cord, thus all the different MRI's for the different parts.  Do you know if they've ordered them done with or without contrast?  If your symptoms are new, I'd check and make sure they're doing both, as the contrast agent will help pick up new inflammations.  If you're new to the MS world, you'd never know, and sometimes the doctors just won't tell you.  Kick back and read a while on here about the different tests and diagnosis stories and we'll fill you in.

If you're comfortable, tell us a little about yourself and your symptoms.  We're all happy to listen and try to help!  Good luck with your MRI's - I hope your neuro can get it all sorted out.

Fishyfish

[grannyhotwheels]

Hi and welcome, I'm sorry for all of the problems you are having.  I will pray that everything comes out okay.

It sounds like you will be having 3 seperate MRI's and yes they are each considered one test so you will have 3 different bills.  Also, I don't know what type of insurance you have but on mine they will not allow more than 2 test to be ran per day.  So they can run 2 of the MRI's on 1 day and the 3rd one has to be ran on a seperate day.  I know that this is so stupid and I have no clue why they do this but that's how medicare does it.

I know that this is a scary time for you but you are among friends and people who know exactly how you feel here.  If you need support or a shoulder to cry on just let us know.

I'll be praying,
Carol

[sllowe]

p.s.

Reference the cost.  It's not a repeat of each one, it's more like 3 scans.  One of the Brain, the next of the C-Spine (Cervical Spine) and then the T (Thoracic) Spine.  Think of it as them scanning from your head and down your spine.  Actually, re-reading, you have 4 - they are going to look at the L- too . . ..

[sllowe]

Hi there,

We haven't chatted, but I wanted to tell you that it's okay to be scared.  It is good news that you are going in for MRI's. They are more than likely doing the Brain- and the C-Spine, and then the T- Spine on two different days, because of the length of time it takes for them.  

Ref: MS on the script - They will say in the Eval part (since you don't have a dx yet), Headache, MS, or something relevant for the Radiologist.

Hang in there. . . .I hope you get some answers. . .

Be Well,
SL