What do we know about it gents.
I just got the call, I have an appointment w neurology for precursor to surgery.
I just got the call, I have an appointment w neurology for precursor to surgery.
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Create a channel Learn moreExactly what/where is your problem? Cervical? Thoracic (rare), or Lower? I've got issues in neck and lower back. I'd really get a second or even third opinion before undergoing the knife. Don't be scared of flying to another state to get a second opinion. Just make sure you have the MRI results and that they are good pictures (now it seems you may need software to build the 3-d picture as they are usually slices which make it harder for common folk to read). If the MRI tech didn't do a good job of making sure they shot in line with the spine they may be bad pictures (I lived next to a tech and she looked at mine and was like...this person didn't know what they were doing).What do we know about it gents.
I just got the call, I have an appointment w neurology for precursor to surgery.
I was active duty last year when I had my C3-T1 taken out, replaced and fused. It was done by a civilian surgeon, thank god.Exactly what/where is your problem? Cervical? Thoracic (rare), or Lower? I've got issues in neck and lower back. I'd really get a second or even third opinion before undergoing the knife. Don't be scared of flying to another state to get a second opinion. Just make sure you have the MRI results and that they are good pictures (now it seems you may need software to build the 3-d picture as they are usually slices which make it harder for common folk to read). If the MRI tech didn't do a good job of making sure they shot in line with the spine they may be bad pictures (I lived next to a tech and she looked at mine and was like...this person didn't know what they were doing).
I have not had surgery...Close at times, but every single doctor I've had said...LAST RESORT. Almost everybody I've talked to that has had spine surgery has another, and another - very dependent on where on the spine the surgery is though and if it's a bulged, herniated or dead disk. I suspect my C5-C7 will be my first (thanks to this damn computer).
from the T12 to S1...they used the word severe from the L2-L3 to the L5-S1. more than a few things fuckered up in there.Exactly what/where is your problem? Cervical? Thoracic (rare), or Lower? I've got issues in neck and lower back. I'd really get a second or even third opinion before undergoing the knife. Don't be scared of flying to another state to get a second opinion. Just make sure you have the MRI results and that they are good pictures (now it seems you may need software to build the 3-d picture as they are usually slices which make it harder for common folk to read). If the MRI tech didn't do a good job of making sure they shot in line with the spine they may be bad pictures (I lived next to a tech and she looked at mine and was like...this person didn't know what they were doing).
I have not had surgery...Close at times, but every single doctor I've had said...LAST RESORT. Almost everybody I've talked to that has had spine surgery has another, and another - very dependent on where on the spine the surgery is though and if it's a bulged, herniated or dead disk. I suspect my C5-C7 will be my first (thanks to this damn computer).
how does this work???Go through the VA's Community Care program for something like that. Use the Neurologist you trust and let the VA pick up the bill. Tell your VA provider you want to go through the Community Care program.
Its used if the VA hospital does not offer a specialty service in house and also with scheduling and distance to your closest VA facility. Definitely throw that word around. Most of our providers love it since it allows them to free up scheduling and takes the burden of narcotics off of them and to an outside provider. Basically, you start by telling your VA primary provider you are interested in the "Community Care Program" The put in a consult to the Community Care MSAs that check for qualifications and then gets with Optum ( the middle man that handles scheduling and reimbursement) to set you up an appointment with who you'd like to go to. The consult is good for a year and can be renewed as long as you check in with your VA for routine check ups. the Outside Doc faxes or e-scribes the prescription to the VA and then we get it out to you.how does this work???
is it as simple as myself requesting it or am i entitled to this care if they cant fix me
ThankyouIts used if the VA hospital does not offer a specialty service in house and also with scheduling and distance to your closest VA facility. Definitely throw that word around. Most of our providers love it since it allows them to free up scheduling and takes the burden of narcotics off of them and to an outside provider. Basically, you start by telling your VA primary provider you are interested in the "Community Care Program" The put in a consult to the Community Care MSAs that check for qualifications and then gets with Optum ( the middle man that handles scheduling and reimbursement) to set you up an appointment with who you'd like to go to. The consult is good for a year and can be renewed as long as you check in with your VA for routine check ups. the Outside Doc faxes or e-scribes the prescription to the VA and then we get it out to you.
Now, the outside providers MUST adhere to the VA formulary of drugs. Lots and lots of outside providers think its an easy way to get some free hook ups from Drug Reps and like to try and rip off the VA by writing those top tier brand new drugs. This certainly delays things and is what I get yelled at by out nation's finest every day. Docs can write what they want, but that does not mean your gonna get it. The BS part is that to be enrolled in the Community care program, these same providers sign on the line that they are going to play ball with our formulary. Does not mean you can never get those top tier drugs, just mean we got checks and balances like Blue Cross and Blue Shield does.
Any vets here interested please reach out to me with a PM. be glad to help in anyway I can.
I'm all for the avoid surgery at all cost......plenty of other remedies out there. How many great surgery stories do you hear? Not saying they don't work, but should be used as a last resort!I sure hope you have exhausted all other possible treatments out there. I've had acupuncture ( just amazing ) in the past and now working with a chiro. My chiro is sort of a WAY too happy guy but his whole process has saved me from pain. I'd pay double for either the acupuncture or chiro over having surgery.
Surgery should be a last resort. $.02
Dont know where you are located, but Dr. Bee here in CO did mine on my neck. I have small daily pain, but it's worth what I was dealing with.What do we know about it gents.
I just got the call, I have an appointment w neurology for precursor to surgery.
I will add to what has already been said. The VA falls under the CHOICE ACT. Basically it states that if they cannot accommodate you for an appointment within 30 days and/or you live more than 50 miles away you can be sent out to community care. (CC). In reality it varies from VA to VA as some send damn near everything out into the community to free up provider slots, some VA's lack the specialists needed and are solely reliant on CC, and some are stingy as all hell with the CC funds and it takes a lot of noise to get sent out into community.how does this work???
is it as simple as myself requesting it or am i entitled to this care if they cant fix me
What do we know about it gents.
I just got the call, I have an appointment w neurology for precursor to surgery.
Wow, I will, up to my neck right now.PM me, happy to talk about it. I work in spine surgery.
I'm not sure what VA facility you'll be at. I use the Lake Nona VA hospital now for signigjcant procedures with the Daytona Beach clinic as my Primary Care facility. I am mostly satisfied with the care I have received. Prior to moving to Florida I had a major surgery performed at the VA hispital in Milwaukee, WI. They probably saved my life. Nothing is perfect and these VA facilities are "teaching" hospitals. But I think you'll be in good hands.What do we know about it gents.
I just got the call, I have an appointment w neurology for precursor to surgery.