Discogram Appt.

jchebert1979 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-15-2009, 11:14 PM

I have my discogram scheduled for July 1st (earlier if someone cancels). This doctor is out of network for me but since I have to have a thoracic discogram, I cannot go to anyone else. He is the best.

There is a silver lining to this though. I spoke with the office manager and after hearing my story he agreed to a payment of $700 and whatever the insurance pays. Everything else will be written off. With as many levels as I am having the cost would be $4500-5000. After insurance I would have to pay half of that. Not only are they accepting less, but as far as the insurance is concerned I am paying what they are billing, so all of the money that I am not being charged is going toward my deductible and out of pocket expenses.

Dr. Regan is definately out of network for me, so this will help me if I end up having to see him.

dridobits · #2 (**permalink**) 06-15-2009, 11:37 PM

I'm so glad you'll be able to do the test without a ton of $$$. I paid out of pocket for mine as I was so afraid and wanted the best guy to do it.

I hope the test goes well. I put mine off for way too long. Let us know how things work out.

jchebert1979 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 06:58 PM

Through shear persistance I was able to get the discogram moved up a week to Wednesday the 24th.

I have also gotten in touch with Dr. Henry at The Texas Back Institute who performs VATS endoscopic thoracic spine surgery. I was able to make an appointment with him for next Tuesday. It will be a tortuous 7 hour drive to see him, but I have no other choice.

dshobbies · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 01:14 AM

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Your pain, your journey puts so much into perspective. I've been fighting with my pharmacy all afternoon, they can't do anything right. I was so aggravated I couldn't even eat dinner. In the end, it will all work out. I so wish you could say the same thing.

My thoughts are with you, Dale

jchebert1979 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 03:18 PM

"Your pain, your journey puts so much into perspective"

It really does, even for me. It has made me a much more compassionate person and I know if I can just come out on the other side, I will be a better person for it.

Even though it is hard and it doesn't feel genuine all the time, I still try to be thankfull for everything that I do have. I know that there are others who are going through the same thing that are much less fortunate.

jchebert1979 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 08:38 PM

Well my appt has been moved up by a couple of hours to 11:30 tomorrow. As it nears I am getting extremely nervous. I am not particularly worried about the pain I might face more so of the extreme heart palpitations that I get when my upper back hurts. This is the most terrifying symptom that I have and nothing I can do alleviates it.

Who knows, they may not happen at all. I hope not.