how do I get referred to a different hospital?

Posted by jpbrickman @jpbrickman, Jul 4 10:17am

I live in north centeral Wa. I have been diagnosed with an aneurysm that grew by 1 cm the first 6 months afterdiagonsis, then no growth the next scan 6 months later. My cardiologist has set me up with a thoratic surgeon here in Wentchee. The hospital here is not highly rated(near the bottom) as a heart center, I live halfway between Seattle and Spokane where there are much higher rated hospitals. When I ask my cardiologist if I should get with one of those she stated that "we can surely do it here".My question is, hoe do I get referred to Spokane? Do I ask my cardiologist or the surgeon? Do I HAVE to get a referral for medicare to pay? Need to know the proceedure

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

slarson14 | @slarson14 | Jul 4 10:48am

Just tell your cardiologist you prefer to be referred to a thoracic surgeon in whichever town you decide on and the cardiologist must grant you the choice; to do otherwise is unethical.

You have the right to choose a facility which does more procedures or that has a good reputation as opposed to a small community hospital.

Begin the conversation with: "I would feel more comfortable exploring... knowing what my options are...".

barbaracv | @barbaracv | Jul 4 11:48am

In reply to @slarson14 "Just tell your cardiologist you prefer to be referred to a thoracic surgeon in whichever town..." + (show)

I contacted Mayo and asked to be seen. Completed a basic information questionnaire and received a call back within a week. They did an intake questionnaire again and scheduled my appointment. I am on Humana Medicare and did not need to have a referral. So far it looks like all will be covered 100%.

slarson14 | @slarson14 | Jul 4 12:25pm

In reply to @barbaracv "I contacted Mayo and asked to be seen. Completed a basic information questionnaire and received a..." + (show)

That's awesome! Good luck, wishes that you heal fast if you have surgery!

tainan | @tainan | Jul 5 8:41am

Your surgery is very important procedure, you want to find the best surgeon and hospital to do the procedure. You can contact Medicare to find you a PCP in the hospital you want to have surgery. After you meet your new PCP in the new hospital, he or she will refer you to Cardiovascular specialists and surgeons. Good luck.
Tainan.

trki | @trki | Jul 5 8:52am

My husband has self referred to MD Anderson, Mayo and City of Hope , for various heart and cancer issues.
Medicare with AARP United supplement.
No problems…
He is having his heart surgery at Mayo

relax2 | @relax2 | Jul 5 2:21pm

You have to find a surgeon in Spokane make an appointment with him or her bring all your records pictures test and see if they will do the surgery. Don’t know how quickly you may need surgery but this could take some time . Not likely your surgeon is going to recommend you go to another city if they do the surgery.

stevgood | @stevgood | Jul 8 7:02am

In reply to @barbaracv "I contacted Mayo and asked to be seen. Completed a basic information questionnaire and received a..." + (show)

I did the same thing, just contacted Mayo Phoenix through their website and email. They called within a week and requested my records. Saw them a week later. This was 3 months ago. It's 5 am on July 8th. At 5:30 this morning I check in for a new Aorta and metal heart valve. I'll let ya know how it goes.

barbaracv | @barbaracv | Jul 8 7:36am

In reply to @stevgood "I did the same thing, just contacted Mayo Phoenix through their website and email. They called..." + (show)

Praying for you, and a successful surgery.
What is the size of your aneurysm?

JT1959 | @jefftalley | Jul 9 6:28am

I’m basically in your situation, but in Central Florida. I am 66 with a 4.7 cm aneurysm at the root. I have a local cardiologist but a couple of years ago started seeing a second one at Mayo Jacksonville. He is my portal into that system, if I need surgery down the road. I have had no issues with Medicare paying for services both locally and at Mayo.

button213 | @button213 | Jul 10 8:05pm

In reply to @jefftalley "I’m basically in your situation, but in Central Florida. I am 66 with a 4.7 cm..." + (show)

I got a referral from my GP to A thorasic surgeon at Mayo clinic Phoenix . Got my approval from Blus Cross Idaho to be seen by the Doctor at Mayo . Called to make an appointment and was told by Mayo scheduling that they do not accept Medicare Advantage , so would not schedule me. Very frustrating : back to squere one um 75 at 4.5 ascending AA . Doug

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