1. < Aortic Aneurysms

how do I get referred to a different hospital?

Posted by jpbrickman @jpbrickman, 2 days ago

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

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slarson14 | @slarson14 | 2 days ago

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...".

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1 reply
barbaracv | @barbaracv | 2 days ago
In reply to @slarson14 "Just tell your cardiologist you prefer to be referred to a thoracic surgeon in whichever town..." + (show)
@slarson14

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...".

Jump to this post

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%.

REPLY
slarson14 | @slarson14 | 2 days ago
In reply to @barbaracv "I contacted Mayo and asked to be seen. Completed a basic information questionnaire and received a..." + (show)
@barbaracv

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%.

Jump to this post

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

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tainan | @tainan | 1 day ago

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.

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trki | @trki | 1 day ago

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

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relax2 | @relax2 | 1 day ago

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.

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