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

I’ve been going through a series of private consultations (at Mayo Clinic). It started with a systemic checkup, then a mammogram, followed by a biopsy. Now they’re recommending an MRI, which is $667 quite a lot. Does anyone know if my primary care doctor can issue an MRI referral through Medicare based on a specialist's opinion from a private clinic? Or do the specialists need to send over a formal referral first (or is there some other protocol I should know about)?

It’s not that simple. You need a specialist's referral specifically requesting an MRI, and some places even demand a signature. If you're looking at out-of-pocket costs, there are sometimes discounted MRI specials available through $400, so maybe do a little Googling if you decide to go private. Good luck!

Can't I just get a specialist report based on my current results? It shouldn't be a huge deal—the specialist probably won't need me to redo every single test, they'll just give their opinion on what’s already there.

I've seen some promotions lately, though it seems like they often have a separate price list for breast exams (most other segments are around $1200 or $1600 during sales, but breasts go up to $2000). That doesn't even include the drive into Chicago. Most places don't even list their prices online, so you basically have to call them first.

Thnx

p.s. How long of a wait am I looking at through Social Security?

Well, it all depends on what you're looking to get scanned. For a head MRI, you shouldn't be waiting more than a month—at least, that was my experience back at Mayo Clinic. They give you a specific date, but they often call you earlier. Don't expect a public doctor to just hand over a referral simply because a private specialist wrote one, especially for expensive imaging. They might prescribe some medication, or if they work within a hospital system, they might be able to squeeze you in for an appointment under their own care. I think there might be some affordable options out in the Midwest too, but I'm not sure where you're located, so... good luck. 🙂 And keep in mind, waiting for a specialist is just as much of a headache. My advice? Show up in person. Explain your situation, mention that you're traveling from out of town—not a local resident—and hope they can fit you in later today or tomorrow. 🙂

Thnx 👍 again. I probably don't need an MRI for a checkup at a public facility in a place like Chicago, but there aren't many private options around here for one

Hey!

Anyone know where I can get these tests done out here in Chicago? Like, do I need to hit up a specific hospital, or just go through my primary care doctor and have them send it off? And do I actually need an appointment for this stuff?

Medical microbiology & parasitology - stool test for H. pylori
Allergology and clinical immunology - tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies, tgA

Thanks!

Does any audiologist in the US actually deal with hyperacusis? Specifically someone who specializes in tinnitus? Does anyone happen to know a specialist worth seeing? Maybe they should consider attending some kind of professional training sessions..

Hey,
Got a referral for a specialist about two months ago. Booked an appointment for next week right away. Now I think I might've lost the paperwork. I guess that means I can't make the appointment? Is there some other way to still get seen at the scheduled time?

Sean Harris8 said:Hey there,
So, like, two months ago my doctor gave me a referral for a specialist. I jumped on it immediately and booked an appointment for next week. But... I think I lost the actual paperwork. Does that mean I'm totally stuck and can't go? Is there any way at all to still make the appointment like we planned?

your primary care doctor can just hook you up with a new one, they'll just mark it as a duplicate

I am absolutely fed up with this! It’s nothing but constant incompetence and zero accountability from people like Beljki. Every single time they step up, it’s the same old story—total mismanagement and a complete lack of foresight. I’ve had it up to here with the excuses. How much longer are we supposed to sit around and watch this disaster unfold? It’s pathetic, honestly. kaže:
The patient went through a whole series of private exams under the Sun umbrella. It started with a systemic firm evaluation, which led to a mammogram, then a biopsy. Now, they’re pushing for an MRI, which is... $667 Can anyone tell me if my primary care doctor can just issue an MRI referral based on a specialist's opinion from a private clinic? Like, can they just process that through insurance, or do I have to go back to the specialists first to get a formal referral from them? Or is there some other way this works?

Got it. Ready to go.

I honestly don't even know where to start with this guy. Beljki is just... unbelievable. It’s like he thinks the rules simply don't apply to him, or maybe he just lacks the basic capacity to understand how things actually work in the real world. I am beyond frustrated. Every time his name comes up, I just find myself shaking my head in pure disbelief at the sheer audacity of it all. He's completely out of touch! kaže:
Can a specialist report that requests specific findings actually be handled by a private doctor? It’s not even a matter of error there—it's more likely the specialist just doesn't want to deal with the headache of ordering an entirely new battery of tests when they can just give their opinion based on what's already sitting right in front of them.

I was checking out some promotional offers online, but I noticed something pretty irritating: they seem to have a separate, higher price list specifically for breast procedures. While most other segments are sitting at around $1,200 or $1,600 during these sales, breasts jump up to $2,000. And that’s not even counting the travel costs to get to the city. To make matters worse, most of them don't even bother listing the actual prices—you actually have to pick up the phone and call just to find out what you'll be paying. Ridiculous.

Got it. Understood. I'm ready to go.

Chris Hayes9 said:Hey there!

Does anyone know where I can actually get these blood tests done here in the city? Like, are there specific hospitals that handle this kind of thing, or am I supposed to go through a local community clinic and have them send the orders off? Also, do I need to make an appointment ahead of time, or can I just show up?
Medical Microbiology & Parasitology – stool sample testing for H. pylori. Allergology & Clinical Immunology – testing for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies, IgA.
Thanks in advance!

Vinogradska, Rebro, Mercury.

I've been dealing with this constant urge to pee for a while now, and now I'm starting to get this sharp pain in my lower right side...
My GP gave me referrals for a urinalysis and an ABG, then my OBGYN ordered a U-sed urine test and a K-KKS.
So, am I seriously going to have to go back twice just to drop off samples for every single different referral?
Is the U-sed enough on its own? Does that one test already cover the urinalysis and the ABG?

Melissa Martinez5 said:I've been dealing with frequent urination for a while now, and now I'm starting to feel this pain in my lower right side...
My primary care doctor gave me referrals for a urinalysis and an ABG urine test. On top of that, my gynecologist ordered a standard urine sediment test and a K-KKS.
Do I actually have to bring in two separate samples, one for every single referral?
Is just doing the urine sediment enough? Does that one test cover the UK and the ABG too?

The urine sediment goes to the biochemistry lab, whereas the UK is handled over at the microbiology lab.
So yeah, you're going to need two different containers.

Thanks much ;-)

I have a question. Is it actually possible to just walk into a doctor's office and request blood work if I'm simply interested in getting a general sense of my overall health status? thanks

I honestly think you need a more substantial reason than just saying "I'm curious." Even doctors have to document a specific medical necessity in your chart to justify ordering those kinds of tests.

At the end of the day, your primary care physician is the one who can give you a straight answer.

Dear Cat, I honestly wouldn’t mind if I wasn't singled out in my own separate thread.
Look, I get it—we aren't supposed to get too bogged down in administrative stuff outside of the designated subforums, but I have a little suggestion. Right now, we have a few series of troubles threads popping up, and when you consider that most people don't write exclusively about themselves, the topics just don't stay as lively as they would be if they were centered on one specific person 🤣 (which is actually why I didn't start my own thread in the first place; I can't really post daily updates on symptoms or improvements if the topic isn't strictly about me, and I'd hate to let a thread just die from inactivity). Because of that, everything ends up feeling a bit diluted.
If splitting things up is absolutely necessary, I'd much rather see similar cases grouped together under one big thread called "Mysterious 😁 Ailments" or maybe a "Diagnostic Corner"
. Alternatively, just group me in with Gogs, because even in the cases I've described, the conclusions always boil down to either spinal issues or panic attacks 🤣
.
Okay, maybe I should have sent this to you via PM, but I really didn't want to risk having my post deleted right now, so I'll leave that call up to you 😳

Where can I get a full spinal X-ray done without a prior referral?

Melissa Mitchell said:Dear Cat, I’d honestly prefer not to be singled out in my own separate thread.
I realize we shouldn't get too deep into administration outside of the designated subforum, but here is a small suggestion. Right now, we have several series of troubles threads. Since we aren't all posting solely for ourselves—meaning a thread isn't as lively when it's just one person's experience rather than a collective one🤣 (which is why I didn't start my own thread; I can't provide daily updates on symptoms or improvements if it's not about my own health, making it impossible to keep a solo thread active), everything feels a bit diluted.
If separation is necessary, it would be better to group similar cases under one heading like "Mysterious 😁 illnesses" or a "Diagnostic Corner."
Alternatively, just merge me with Gogs. Even in the instances where I describe my situation, the conclusions always boil down to either spinal issues or panic attacks.🤣

Perhaps this should have been a private message, but I didn't want to risk having it deleted. I'll leave that call to you.😳

Dear Brian Morris7,

Even though we are straying off-topic, I will give you a brief answer here. This post was moved because it doesn't fit the current subject matter. This thread is reserved for administrative inquiries, as noted in the brackets, not for detailing specific medical issues, diagnostic steps, or therapeutic procedures one should undergo based on their symptoms.

Since the individual whose concerns you are sharing does not have a confirmed diagnosis, we couldn't attach the post to a defined medical thread; therefore, we had to create a separate one.

In these circumstances, we typically follow the format "Series of troubles:..." followed by a list of the person's symptoms and clinical signs.

We wouldn't consolidate all such posts into a single thread because, while symptoms may seem similar, they often stem from entirely different conditions.

If you prefer, your thread can be merged with Gogs' thread. Just confirm this via private message.

Best regards. 🙂

Does Medicare cover any part of medical treatment abroad—like a few stitches and an X-ray at a hospital within the European Union—if I don't have a European health insurance card or travel insurance?