Info Desk [Paperwork, ordering, wait times, procedures, booklets, prescriptions...]

I could really use some advice here. I recently tested positive for ureaplasma, so I was prescribed doxycycline. Now that it’s been about two months since I finished the course, I need to go back for a follow-up urethral swab through Medicare. Does anyone know which specialist handles this kind of testing? I actually stopped by Fran Mihaljević, but they told me they aren't taking swabs anymore. 🤷 So, does anyone know which facility I should head to instead?

Also, is there a specific number I can call to find out where a general practitioner might have an opening? I'm looking to switch providers soon. Thanks! 🙂

Greetings everyone,

I find myself in need of a carotid Doppler ultrasound and a TCD, but I am feeling quite lost regarding where to go.
I have noticed that people are quoting rather exorbitant prices for these procedures, ranging anywhere from $500 all the way up to $250...

Not too long ago, I underwent vestibular and audiometry testing based on a referral from my physician, and I didn't have to pay a single cent! Furthermore, I visited a neurologist who had a full price list posted right on his door, yet he somehow didn't charge me anything either... (I can't help but wonder why!)

Does anyone know if having supplemental health insurance and a formal doctor's referral makes a difference in these costs?
Where might I be able to find these screenings at no cost? From what I can gather, the waiting lists at major hospitals are currently stretching out to about eight months.

Does anyone happen to have any insight on this?

Look, you should just talk to the doctor or specialist who gave you the referral and ask them exactly where you can go to get it done. I went to Quest Diagnostics for a carotid Doppler using my insurance referral 🙂

lonefalcon41 said:Well, you really ought to reach out to the primary doctor or the specialist who issued the referral in the first place and simply ask them which facilities are accepting those insurance referrals! Personally, I was able to have my carotid Doppler scan done at the Mayo Clinic using my insurance coverage 🙂

Aha, so what on earth actually qualifies as free under the insurance referral then?

Exactly.

Hey everyone, does anyone know which hospital or clinic I can book a knee MRI through with a referral without being stuck on a six-month waiting list?

Thanks!!!

Gregory Rogers20 said:Hey everyone,

I need to get a carotid Doppler ultrasound and a TCD done, but I have no clue where to go.
From what I can see, people are charging insane prices for this—ranging from $500 all the way up to $250...

Last time, I went in for vestibular and audiometry tests using a doctor's referral, and I didn't pay a dime. I also saw a neurologist who had his own price list posted on the door, yet he didn't charge me anything either... (Why is that?)

Does it make a difference if I have supplemental health insurance and a referral from my doctor?
Where can I actually get these exams for free? Apparently, waiting at the major hospitals takes about 8 months.

Wait, 8 months?! Where on earth are you waiting 8 months???
If you're living in Washington, D.C., you should be able to get seen relatively quickly at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

It's possible you might get in faster at Quest Diagnostics. Your best bet is to check directly with the facility.

vividsailor7 said:Wait, an 8-month wait time???
If you happen to be living in Washington, D.C., you should find that your turn at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital comes around relatively quickly!

George, look at this here:

The order was placed on August 31, 2012, but the service wasn't performed until June 28, 2013! I mean, honestly, you just don't see that kind of delay anywhere else!

From what I can gather, the specific exam I'm looking for isn't even offered at St. Jude. 😕

Do you have a list of all the email addresses for the major hospitals in Washington, D.C.? I usually just blast everyone an email asking if they offer the specific service I need, and then they get back to me immediately once I'm booked. Honestly, that’s how I handle it, and it’s turned out to be the most efficient way to go about it. 🙂

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Hey everyone! I was wondering if I can actually get my referrals directly from the doctor assigned to my university?

Also, does a referral issued in one city work if I'm in a different city?
And if I need blood work done because of my birth control, can I just grab that referral from my primary care physician, or do I specifically have to go through the gynecologist I'm registered with?

neonridge91 said:I was wondering if I can get my referrals from the doctor assigned to my university clinic.

Will a referral from one city work if I'm in another?
Also, if I need bloodwork done because of birth control, can I get that referral from my primary care doctor or does it have to be the gynecologist I'm registered with?

For any tests related to starting contraception, your chosen gynecologist handles the referrals, along with any prescriptions needed for gynecological care.

What kind of referral are we talking about—moving from one city to another?
Bloodwork (depending on what specific tests are needed) is usually handled at your local Community Health Center.
More specialized tests, like hormone panels, are typically done at hospital labs.

Hey everyone, quick question.

I'm doing some blood work for my pills, and they sent me over to Peterson. I think they'll be running liver panels there—or maybe hormones. Honestly, I'm not sure because the referral doesn't specify anything.

Does anyone happen to know what the wait times are like? I really don't want to take a day off work if I can avoid it, so I'm trying to figure out if I can squeeze everything in before my shift starts.

Thanks! 🙂

Hannah Long72 said:Hey everyone, I have a quick question.

I'm getting some bloodwork done for my pills, and they sent me over to Peterson's. I think they'll be running liver function tests there. Or maybe hormones. I'm really not sure because the referral doesn't actually specify anything.

Does anyone happen to know what the wait times are like? I'd really rather not take a day off work if I can help it, so I'm trying to see if I can squeeze everything in before my shift starts.

Thanks! 🙂

What do you mean the referral doesn't say anything? It has to list which specific tests they need you to get done.🤷
They usually just use abbreviations!

It doesn't say anything—just "Blood Bank" 🤷

Raymond Jackson4 Asks:
It doesn't say anything else, just "Blood Bank." 🤷

Well, it’s gotta be documented. Otherwise, how would they even know which specific tests to run during the transfusion?🙂
Here’s a quick breakdown of those abbreviations by department.

If you’re looking to get some bloodwork done or need a full panel of diagnostic tests, you should check out this site. It covers everything from routine screenings to more specialized lab work. It’s a solid resource if you need to see what kind of testing they offer for different organs and systems. Just a good starting point for getting your health stats in order.

I don't know, it really just says that one single sentence 😢

If there’s absolutely nothing listed on the referral—and I mean nothing, even when you double-check the search code in the boxes—then honestly, I'm at a loss. You might as well just head over there and come right back with the job unfinished.

Maybe they hinted at it in the electronic medical records... I'm an extremely, like, reaaaaally rare case for doctors 😁

Anyway, does anyone know what the turnaround time is for liver function tests and/or hormone panels? I'm trying to figure out if I need to request a day off or if I can just squeeze this in

Thanks 😘