I was diagnosed last Thursday and now my referral to the neurosurgeon is being denied. Has anybody else dealt with this? And what do i do next? Appeal?
Frustrating I am sure. No point in trying to convince that neurosurgeon to see you unless you have additional imaging to send. Hopefully, your general physician or neurologist has another one to send off a referral to. It is a neurosurgeon's prerogative to decline a patient - be they do not think that their services are requires, do not feel qualified, or are too busy. Wonky USA insurance regulations often seems to come into play as well. Regardless, time to move on to a neurosurgeon who can help you, if indeed you feel surgery is something that you wish to pursue.
I always advise Chiari folk to discuss the horizontal view of an MRI with a neurosurgeon/neurologist (if they look at the actual image) to get an idea of the crowding taking place at the foramen magnum. Length of Chiari alone is not sufficient to make a decision of the impact occurring on the spinal canal contents.
Good look on your journey to wellness.
Here is a link to a resource we have about finding and preparing for doctors Finding a Doctor that may be useful to you.
Its not a specific neurosurgeon that is denying it. It is my insurance denying my need to see one at all. Even though my pcp sent my mri results.
I’m new to this site, so I just now came across your discussion. I’m an HR professional, so I’m curious as to what insurance you have? There are certain legal actions you can take, but it really depends on your circumstances. Any info you can give me in regards to your insurance company would help me to give you a more accurate response to your situation.
Thanks trever I finally got it approved. But thanks for taking the time to help.
Whale to hear it!!
Whale equal glad!! lol. Autocorrect does some weird things sometimes!!