I am very lucky to have a great GI who is willing to try anything. My old GI never tested me for SIBO and threw up his hands and wanted me on an antidepressant. I told him no, partly because I'm already on an antidepressant. So I got recommendations from friends for new dr and they all raved about this guy (Dr Michael Martin, Tulsa , Ok,) He's great and helped me get on track by tests, medications, and referral to a registered dietician , what a concept! I have to admit I am hoarding all the Xifaxan I can right now because we have superb insurance. I turn 65 in a few years and I am nervous about Medicare paying for it. One step at a time!
I called the gastro appointment desk and they were booked out for about 4 months and could not schedule because they were in the middle of switching computer systems. That was in Sept. It is complete(in Phx) by now. The girl told me I could call everyday to see if there were any cancellations. I kept doing that & I finally was lucky enough to get on the phone with someone who was somehow able to send a note in for a work around appt for me. She told me there was no guarantee, but she would try. I was making my daily call two days later and the girl I was on the phone with said they had an appointment for me in 2 weeks. I cried. Then, right after I got off the phone, the original girl who was working to get me in called me to give me the good news. I did not have to send any medical records until after I had the appointment
Yes, in Phoenix. I don't know anything about out of state insurance stuff. I am glad that my insurance was in network. I feel very lucky to have gotten in, especially with my current situation. Although that came as a result of going to the ER and having to be admitted. Surgeons came to me, and even though the main one I saw is a general surgeon, he is working under a colo rectal Surgeon who also saw me and was in the operating room. My last 3 surgeries this past year were at a different hospital and just a general surgeon, not a specialist. While I really liked this surgeon, I just felt better going forward to being treated by somebody who specializes in the bowel.
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
Phoenix Mayo does accept straight Medicare, just not the advantage plans. Good luck!
Liked by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator, thull
This is from their website: “For out of state residents, Mayo Clinic has chosen to be a nonparticipating facility in AZ and FL and does not accept assignment for Medicare Part B for out if state residents. This means that Mayo does not accept Medicare approved amounts as Payment in full.”
Their policy is obviously different for AZ and FL residents.
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
@hopeful33250
I agree, @tiss. It is a lot of trial and error. You are doing a good job managing some difficult digestive problems. I'm glad that you are thinking for yourself and willing to experiment with the doctor's suggestions. Keep up the good work.