Hello all. I continue this very long uphill climb to find the right doctor. What I'm being told when I call the neurosurgeon's office directly, that I need a referral from my primary care physician (and I do NOT have an HMO). I then call my PCP, request the specific NS, but then I get a call back from a neurologist in the office. The receptionist informs me that I have to be referred to the NS by the neurologist first. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any suggestions on how to get into a NS would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Ahhhhh! So frustrating!!! Do you have an official diagnosis for Chiari? If you do, try dropping the buzz words, “I know I need surgery” when calling a NS office. Cause why the heck would anybody need to be referred by a NL? What do they know about brain surgery??? If that doesn’t work I’m afraid your going to have to jump through their dumb hoops. I would keep calling your PCP back too, what’s the reason why they want you seeing an NL for the referral? Can we just cut out the middle man, please!?
Good luck! Just keep going!
Most NS request a NL referral to rule out everything else before A CM. I am sorry you are having to jump through hoops. The referral has nothing to do with your type insurance policy. Just their office requirements. If you are set on this NS you will probably have to consult with the NL first and your PCP will have to refer you to them. I really wish it could be easier.
Tracy Z.
Are there other doctors you see? The reason I ask is, I got my NS referral through my oncologist's office. I found his information myself (via a google search), saw that he was connected to the place where I receive cancer treatment (he actually works out of University of Washington, but I'm treated at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and they're affiliated). So I just called up SCCA, they transferred the call back to my oncologist and her nurse made the referral. I didn't even have to see her; it was all very easy. Needless to say, I hope you don't have any other health conditions, but if you do... perhaps go through one of those offices? Good luck!!