Thoracic Surgeon

[Tbackpain1]

When I was first persuing surgical consults outside my local area, I forwarded med records and films to Dr. Curtis Dickman and Dr. Regan. Here's Dr. Dickman's link:

Dr. Curtis Dickman

Here's the link for Barrow Neurological Institute where Dr. Dickman works: Barrow Neurological Institute Home

I also consulted with Hospital for Special Surgeries (NYC) with Dr. James Farmer and Dr. Frank Cammisa.

Utlimately, I decided to forgo surgery and persue pain management. 10 years later, I'm back to work and stable for the moment. My big fat ugly herniations at T7-T8, T9-T10 have resorbed enough that there's no significant neuro symptoms that would warrant surgery, although there's still alot of radicular nerve pain. T11-T12 looks like a black smudge now from the DDD.

Best of luck to you.

Theresa

[dshobbies]

Shebo,

I think we should rename the run-around you're receiving to something akin to a four letter word, like ICAP, insurance companies avoiding payouts, or DSPC (pronounced dispick) doctors suck at patient care, etc. I bet we can come up with some doozies.

I think I would get the insurance company involved. The specialist obviously contracts with your insurance company and your orthopedic surgeon feels you need more of a specialist. A previous surgery should not preclude you from receiving the care your paying for. If this specialist won't see you, get your insurance company to either get you another one or allow you to seek your own.

Your insurance company has rules you must follow for their payment. I think it's up to them to provide you with access if one of their doctors denies you care. At least that's what I think!

Dale

[Shebo]

Thank you all for the replies.

Dale, I'm not sure that it is an insurance issue. However, sometimes I am clueless. With my insurance, I can see whomever I want.

The physicians group that this specialist belongs to has a lot of rules to just get an appointment. The orthopedic surgeon's office (referring doctor) said that sometimes it is nearly impossible and that they have "weird rules".

Judy, thanks for the info on Dr. Regan. I would at least like to hear what he has to say.

Mark, I agree. He is the leading thoracic back surgeon in the area which is disappointing. I have never heard of such a policy. I don't understand what a surgery that was done a year ago by another physician has to do with what is going on now.

Theresa, thank you so much for the info. I will check these out.

[Maria]

Shebo,
I think some surgeons just don't want to assume someone else's surgical problem or may know the other surgeon and not want to get involved or ? but I don't think it means you won't find someone who is extremely reputable and equally as well if not better versed in Thoracic issues to see you~

I've known of spine surgeons that have not wanted to see a patient after reviewing records for whatever reason. I don't think a reason was given just the denial to see the patient.

Too many patients that have had spine surgery have repeat spine surgery or more spine surgery so I would have to sincerely question that "policy." I doubt it actually exists however it might in this persons policy/protocols and procedure manuals though I'd be surprised if he even had that in the office. It would seem like if he truly didn't see patients that had previous spine surgeries or by other surgeons that would be a screening question done by whomever makes the appointments in the office and be stated "we dont' see patients that have had previous spine surgery".

Oh well not meaning to stir the pot but just thinking your time and mental energy is best utilized considering whomever else you might want to see and not letting this refusal to see you be a drag on your quest.

Keep looking. As Mark mentioned this oiffice may have done you a favor. Good luck w/future consults.

[dshobbies]

Shebo,

Sorry for the confusion - a referral is usually indicative of an HMO, at least to me. When my gp recommends another doctor, he always asks if I need a referral, which I don't. My recommendation was based on that assumption. It appears you have something closer to a PPO?

Whatever - good luck. I'm sure you'll find another excellent doctor, especially if looking outside your immediate area.

Dale

[Shebo]

Sorry for the confusion. Yes, I have a PPO and I guess you are correct. It was a recommendation not a referral.

This will force me to send my info out to all of the doctors mentioned earlier.

I have been holding out to see this local specialist for 6 months. When I called in October, the office said that he wouldn't even consider seeing me until it had been a year since my last surgery. So, I waited just to be denied.

I do believe everything happens for a reason. This has proven true so many times in my life. Just sometimes it is hard to accept especially when the facts seem so silly.

Theresa, Dr. Dickman at Barrow and the hospital for special surgeries sounds interesting. Has anyone else heard or had any experience with his or this facility? It is amazing that you have improved that much. I'm in pain management also. If you would like to share, I would love to here about any treatments that have helped.

[jsewell]

Shebo
I just went through some old posts and saw we were talking surgeon's with you back in Feb.
Have you had any luck yet? did you send your info out?
Just checking!
Judy