Hey Candy, Yes, I did understand that the Medicare handbook didn't really give us a clear answer, but it was the only MRI fine on their website. I too, don't like to be IV dye even once, differently not more than once. And like you said, the time, the money & the health concerns. It's a great ideal to write a letter to your congressman and I think we ALL could do the same, because we don't know when the next time we will need our next MRI. If you want, when you send your letter, could you share your letter with us? We need to help Medicare to stop wasting time & money, Todd in Corpus Christi, TX
--- On Tue, 6/8/10, CANDIS KALLEY <[email protected]> wrote: From: CANDIS KALLEY <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [TMIC] Neuro appt. and Medicare question - FYI To: "TMIC-LIST" <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 10:47 PM #yiv627354448 p {margin:0;} Regina, I didn't know about the dye until this morning when the neuro's office called and told me because they needed more than 24 hrs to process. So, I had to reschedule the last MRI for a week from tomorrow. I was so surprised about the dye for contrast, I didn't even think to ask about that. I was surprised about the Medicare rules and plan to write my Congress people regarding this rule - especially with something like MRIs of the spine and the need for the dye for contrast views. This to me is a waste of time and money NOT to mention the possible health concerns! Sounds like BIG CORP at work again just to gain a good bottom line! What bothers me is that the dye has been linked to renal problems. According to an article on the web "The most serious of the complications or side effects of gadolinium is with the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). Both of these diseases can be very serious and life changing." Just what I need, another life changing event! Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably . And never regret anything that made you smile. Prayers and thoughts for you and yours, Candy K. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Regina Rummel" <[email protected]> To: "CANDIS KALLEY" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 9:30:09 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [TMIC] Neuro appt. and Medicare question - FYI Candy, Did you mention this to your neuro? What did he/she say about this? This is news to me. R --- On Tue, 6/8/10, CANDIS KALLEY <[email protected]> wrote: From: CANDIS KALLEY <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [TMIC] Neuro appt. and Medicare question - FYI To: "TMIC-LIST" <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 1:36 PM #yiv627354448 #yiv10747155 p {margin:0;} Todd, thank you for the link but I couldn't find the answer. I just got off the phone with my Medicare provider, Amy. Amy said that IF the first test is inconclusive then another test needs to be done. It maybe that if nothing is found on the C section, with the second MRI I could possibly get the T and L sections. I just hate going 3 times because the MRIs are to be done without and with dye. That much dye in so short of a time just doesn't seem as it would be good for me. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably . And never regret anything that made you smile. Prayers and thoughts for you and yours, Candy K. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Todd Tarno" <[email protected]> To: "TMIC" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 3:07:11 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Fw: [TMIC] Neuro appt. and Medicare question I haven't hear of this before. This is from the medicare handbook page 15. Hope this helps, Todd in CC, TX http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10116.pdf Page 15 Diagnostic Tests, X-rays, and Clinical Laboratory Services Medicare Part B covers diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs, EKGs, and X-rays when your doctor or health care provider orders them as part of treating a medical problem. Medicare also covers clinical diagnostic laboratory services provided by certifi ed laboratories enrolled in Medicare. Diagnostic tests and lab services are done to help your doctor diagnose or rule out a suspected illness or condition. Medicare doesn’t cover most routine screening tests, like checking your hearing. Medicare covers some preventive tests and screenings to help prevent, fi nd, or manage a medical problem. For more information, see Preventive Services on page 33. In 2010, YOU pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered diagnostic tests and X-rays done in a doctor’s offi ce or independent testing facility. You pay a copayment for diagnostic tests and X-rays in the hospital outpatient setting. You pay $0 for Medicare-covered lab services. --- On Tue, 6/8/10, CANDIS KALLEY <[email protected]> wrote: From: CANDIS KALLEY <[email protected]> Subject: [TMIC] Neuro appt. and Medicare question To: "TMIC-LIST" <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 8:08 AM I saw my neuro yesterday and he finally got to see that things are not "maintaining" but actually are getting worse. I've tried to tell him in my last 2 visits but he didn't get to see any physical difference but yesterday my body finally gave him a full display. He got to see my L hand give him a Vulcan salute,a good 30 seconds of an "Elvis" demos with my R leg spasming, and my walk being more unsteady! He ordered MRIs of the C, T, and L regions of the spine. However, when his staff was scheduling the MRIs, they told me it was Medicare's requirements to have the only 1 set of MRIs section a day. Has anyone had any MRIs since being on Medicare? Is this true - only 1 section at a time? Seems unbenefical in time and money! Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably . And never regret anything that made you smile. Prayers and thoughts for you and yours, Candy K.
