Does anyone have any information at what someone living outside of the USA would be looking at price wise for coming down for consultations and/or surgeries? I realize that this is a vague question because everyone needs different treatments, tests, etc... but does anyone have any idea of some sort of price range? Do I need a doctor referral or could I just provide them with my medical records? I currently reside in Ontario, Canada and have been doing a lot of research and there are zero institutes in Canada who specialize in CM/SM. From what I've read and researched - it seems that there are only NS who have performed surgeries but don't seem to be "specifically educated" in this disease alone.... (which is very disheartening) ... I am open to any suggestions or comments... Or if anyone knows of or has heard of a Canadian NS who I can suggest to be referred to, I would greatly appreciate it. Also, if anyone knows of another member on this site who is trying to raise awareness anywhere in Canada, please direct me to them. I really want to get involved in raising awareness and helping others down the road. Thanks very much!!! xo
Hi NicoleAna,
I would contact Dr. Rosner in Hendersonville, NC. He is very good and does some cash settlement/payment type plans (I believe).
Here's his link: http://www.mjrosner.com/
He is amazing. As far as price goes, I really don't know. I think his cost was $40,000 for the surgery (plus hospital bills), but I am not totally sure on this. If you go to his link, you can call them and they will give you a price (their number is 828-684-1076).
I would also contact Dr. Oro (the surgeon who did my 2nd surgery). He is awesome!
Their number is 303-■■■■■■■■
If you have not already put a packet together for contacting a NS, please read over my Blog. If I were you, I would send both of them a packet of the information I described and try to set an appointment to see each one (maybe problematic since you are in Canada, but it would be ideal if you can pull it off).
Let me know if there is anything else you need.
Thanks,
Jeff
My hospital bills for surgery were around 90,0000.00. Insurance adjustment was about 50% so I am sure cash option would be less.
My hospital bills for surgery were around 90,0000.00. Insurance adjustment was about 50% so I am sure cash option would be less.
Facilities don't reduce prices for cash paying patients or patients that are not insured.
Most NS's will review your Medical records without a fee involved. Never pay a fee to have a Specialist review your records. Do you have any NS's in mind that you would like to consult? May I ask the size of your herniation, symptoms and if any CSF is blocked? Knowing more about your specific CM will help us help you get your information to the right Dr.
Thank you all so much for your feedback. I am so sorry I haven't been able to reply sooner, I've been so busy. As for NS in Canada, I'm open to any suggestions. Thank you to all who provided names and info - I will definitely be looking into this!!! I heard Dr. Charles H Tator in Toronto was one of the best in this area. However, upon further research I guess he is now semi-retired and does not perform the surgeries anymore, he only consults. I also heard there was a Chiari institute in NY in which I read a lot of good things about. This is all new to me and I am trying to learn what I can in such a short period of time. So bare with me if I don't make sense or use the wrong terminology. I started getting headaches a few years ago but over the last few months I have had a slew of symptoms appear. They come and go daily. This was not caused by trauma as far as I know, they said I was born with it. Symptoms include: head and neck pain/pressure (more to the right), tingling/burning sensations in my face/back of my head, ringing in ears, numbness and twiches in different areas, a few unusual tremors (I think they start in my arms /legs), bladder/bowel inconsistency, sometimes I get a rush in my head where I feel dizzy or like I am going to pass out, sometimes my right shoulder feels like it needs to be cracked or something, I cant seem to find the right words to say when I talk sometimes or I forget what I'm talking about?... etc. I feel like a hypochondriac when I sit here and say this because that is what I've been treated like until they got my results back. I have not seen the picture reports of my head MRI, only the paper copy. The findings included tonsillar ectopia of 9.8mm below the level of the foramen magnum. Crowding in the cerebellopontine angle (does anyone know what that means?) and it says this may be accompanied by syringomyelia. I have an MRI on my cervical spine tomorrow evening to find out the details of that. Putting a packet together is a great idea and I am going to get that all started asap. I'm sure I can find a ton of info on here for all the right questions to ask. I just really want to see a NS/Dr who knows more about my condition really soon because I feel like I'm sitting in the dark some days. Trying not to get anxious about all of these sensations is very difficult for me sometimes but I've had some great suggestions from other members on how to try to relax when I get worked up. Thanks again for all your suggestions and feedback! xo