I was wondering if that code is absolutely required on the referral now, specifically under the Notes section where there are just a few blank lines? Is it mandatory for that code to be written on the very bottom line of the Notes section on the referral? I recently scheduled my own specialist appointment at a hospital for four months from now, but my referral doesn't show an issue date at all, and that code isn't listed in the notes section either. The nurse who helped me schedule didn't even ask to see the referral when we booked; she just asked for my medical history. I did ask her if my referral was still valid since it was issued last year. She mentioned that the referral really should have that code, and she actually showed me another patient's referral from that same hospital for a specialist visit that *did* have the code. She told me mine was fine, it just lacked that specific code. My referral doesn't list an issuance date anywhere. She suggested I go back to my primary doctor so they can write the code on the referral and validate it with a stamp. She didn't mention anything about the issuance date, though. I guess I'm just not sure if it's even possible to add that code to the notes section after the fact. This new code starts with MSC, followed by some numbers, a slash, and then a whole string of other digits. I’d really love to use this referral if I can, just so I don't have to make another trip to see my GP.
Does a referral without that code even count? Earlier this month, I went to get a referral for a family member for a diagnostic test—a urine culture—and there wasn't any code on it at all. No one said a word about needing a code when we handed it in. And just recently, when my dentist gave me a referral for an oral surgeon, there wasn't a code on that one either, and it wasn't an issue. So, I'm a bit confused as to why this code is suddenly mandatory.
Does anyone happen to know if a referral from a primary care doctor for a specialist visit must have that code? Also, is a specialist referral still valid if it doesn't have an issuance date?
Does anyone happen to know a good private dentist in Chicago? I'm looking for someone around the Trnaja or Downtown areas who has their own X-ray machine on-site. Ideally, I need someone with reasonable pricing, too—nothing too crazy. It's kind of an urgent situation, I guess.
Elizabeth Hill48 said:It’s not the new Chicago, but if you don't care much about that: mydentist—he's gentle, super understanding, talks a lot, but he really knows his stuff. A friend recommended him and I'm so happy; he cleaned off my tartar and replaced a filling without any anesthesia—since that's what I wanted, it didn't hurt even a little bit😉. I was seeing him privately at first, but now he's actually taken me on through Medicare so I don't have to pay out of pocket anymore .
Could you please let me know if Dr. Doblanović (the clinic on Rendić's in Chicago) has a dental X-ray machine? I mean, one where he can see the image on a computer right away. If they have that, how much does he charge? My old private dentist used to have one of those, but unfortunately, he isn't practicing in Chicago anymore. What are the prices usually like? Is Dr. Doblanović still accepting new patients through Medicare? Also, do you happen to know the costs for, say, white fillings—both the private rate and the Medicare rate? Their website doesn't list a price sheet, which is why I'm asking. You can just send me a private message if you'd rather not answer this publicly. Thanks so much in advance for the help.
My mom actually went through this recently. She ended up with some skin necrosis too, though she’s always struggled with poor circulation in that leg anyway. It all started when she bumped her leg against the edge of a bench and got this tiny little scratch. At first, it didn't look like much, but then the skin around the edges turned bright red and became incredibly inflamed. Her surgeon told us to apply Betadine to some gauze. So now, in the mornings, I apply the Betadine on gauze and secure it with some Micropore tape. In the evenings, I just leave a sterile gauze pad on it. Honestly, the wound looks so much better now; we’re basically just waiting for the scab to fall off. She hasn't been going in for professional dressing changes—I just handle everything for her at home. She only went back to see the surgeon a few times for checkups.
I think they were offering free mole screenings over at the Leptir Clinic. They actually ran an ad for it in the Washington, D.C. News. If I recall correctly, they might have moved locations recently—I believe they're now on Broadway near Črnomerec.
Has anyone here actually been to the ABR Neurology Clinic or dealt with Dr. Petelin? She’s a neurologist, and I think she also practices over at Rebro. I was just browsing through their website, and I'm wondering if anyone has firsthand experience there... specifically regarding what the costs look like for consultations or neurological testing? Maybe you could send me a private message if you know. Or, if you have any other recommendations for a good neurologist, I'd really appreciate that too.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a private neurologist here in Washington, D.C.? It’s regarding some head issues for someone I know. It’s really important that they have enough time to actually sit down, go through all her previous test results, and figure out a real plan for what comes next.
Has anyone here had experience with a neurologist at the Intel clinic in Washington, D.C.? It's located over in the vlaški area. Or, if you have any other great private neurologists you could recommend, please let me know. I don't mind if you want to send a private message.
I've actually never heard of that Kaptol Clinic before. Is it really right by Capitol Hill? I guess it might be better to just find a private dentist who accepts Medicare, though. In my experience, they usually have much more modern offices and better equipment, but since they take insurance, the prices for fillings and other dental work end up being lower than at those fully private practices.
I was wondering if anyone knows of a good general practitioner—ideally someone a bit younger—working at the Downtown Community Health Center on Runjanin in Chicago who is currently accepting new patients? Does anyone have a recommendation?
Please, just be careful with eye hygiene. Honestly, don't even think about using old eye makeup—it’s better to just toss it out. If you wear contact lenses regularly, make sure you change the solution in your case every single time; if you do that, maybe there won't be any issues at all. Just try not to touch your eyes with dirty hands, and I guess everything should be fine.
Does anyone happen to know how many days the financial advisor training at Vienna lasts? I'm wondering if they hold those sessions in the evenings. Right now, I've just been invited for an initial interview at their headquarters over on Heidelberg Street, but it's only scheduled for about half an hour. If someone could get back to me quickly, I'd really appreciate it. I'm also considering starting an accounting course that meets at night at Algebra, and I'm honestly a bit worried that the training at Vienna might clash with those evening classes. I actually have to make a call on the accounting course today—I was awarded a scholarship, so I'd get a 30% discount if I jump on it now.
I guess it’s necessary, honestly. They don't allow phone bookings anymore, which is probably exactly why they need to verify that referral. So, you either have to scan the referral and email it over, or just head down to the Medical Center with the paperwork in hand to get scheduled. Actually, I suppose a family member or even a friend could go to the hospital for you with your referral and insurance card to set everything up.
Rebecca Barrett52 said:The doctor is on the younger side—probably in her early 40s—and I'm pretty sure she's still taking new patients. My brother actually switched over to her just a few months ago. She works alternating shifts, you know? Even days in the afternoon and odd days in the morning. For referrals, I usually just call ahead and then swing by to pick them up (though I'm not entirely sure how the whole new electronic referral system works now), and as for the nurse... well, let's just say if I had to rate her from one to five, she’d barely scrape a three.
Rebecca Barrett52 said:If you don't mind the drive over to the Runjanin area near the New York Botanical Garden—I’d really suggest seeing Dr. Snježana Kisić. She's great.
I'm actually wondering if that doctor over on Runjanin is taking on new patients right now? And, I guess, is she on the younger side or more established? Also, how is the nursing staff there? I suppose I should also ask if you need to book an appointment a day in advance, or if you can just show up whenever—say, if you happen to have a referral in hand?
I feel like those Victoria's Secret overnight pads are just way too bulky—almost like wearing a diaper, if you know what I mean—so they aren't really my favorite. Personally, I think the Always overnight pads I get from Walmart are the best, especially since they're specifically made for the German market. The Always ones you find at CVS are manufactured in Poland, and I guess they just don't seem to be quite as high quality as the ones from Walmart.
Well, I actually live in the Rib area. But from what I understand, anyone can seek specialist care wherever they want—you definitely have the right to a second opinion. The only catch is that you have to book ahead of time, and nowadays, you have to do it in person; they don't take appointments over the phone anymore. Your primary care physician should have given you the referrals for whichever facility you prefer. I think I saw someone on Fox News recently—some guy from Washington, D.C., who needed cataract surgery—and he was told at the Vineyard hospital that he'd have to wait two years for the procedure. So, he just went over to Holy Spirit instead, where they were able to get him scheduled by the end of this year. It seems like switching hospitals is pretty straightforward, regardless of which district you technically fall under. I mean, I doubt someone would be assigned to both hospitals at the exact same time anyway.
I personally find the care at Rib is the best, and I honestly think they have the top ophthalmologists there. The only real downside is trying to get an appointment because the waiting list is just massive, especially since you get people coming in from all over the US, not just those of us living here in Washington, D.C.
Honestly, Dr. Vukas was such a lifesaver when it came to my contact lens issues. If it weren't for this forum and his guidance, I really don't know how I would have managed. Even though it’s been about a year and a half since then... I feel bad that he doesn't post here much anymore. I'm still feeling a bit unsure about a few things regarding my eyes, and I'd love to be able to ask him. He really is just an incredible doctor.
Megan Watson79 said:For anyone looking for a decent private ophthalmologist in Washington, D.C., I really, truly suggest that you absolutely avoid seeing Dr. Vukas at his eye clinic on Broadway
With the amount of money you'll end up spending there privately, you just won't get the level of care you're actually looking for, or even what you truly need, especially if you're hoping for better, higher-quality overall treatment!
I have to agree with you here. Please, don't bother going to Dr. Vukas at his eye clinic. He completely missed a retinal tear on my periphery, and he just told me to come back for a checkup in a year. It’s a good thing I sought out a second opinion, because I ended up having to go to the hospital for emergency laser surgery. I even had to rest all through the weekend... and Dr. Vukas didn't even look at my peripheral retina, even though I specifically mentioned the vision issues I was having.