Colonoscopy with coumadin

[Guest]

Way to go Howie.

This is how insurance companies change their policies to adapt to new technology.

 

[EVELYN]

You're absolutely right, Al.....Insurance companies should pay for virtuals.....a heck of a lot safer than coming off coumadin.

We consider ourselves very lucky that we have a good pcp and gastro guy......they both agreed that because he had no prior history of polyps, he probably would not again and they agreed to do the scope fully anti-coagulated......

Of course the worst part isn't the colo, as we all know!!!!

Evelyn

 

[Granbonny]

Al

Al

Any good Insurance company will also know, that by..paying for a home-testing unit and supplies ..they come out cheaper in the long run......compared to all the lab draws that a person will need in their lifetime on coumadin...Not to put you out of business. ..I figure..they pay about $320.00 a year on my supplies.. Don't know the cost of a lab draw(or finger-prick)in a clinic or doctor's office?..Plus, I am lucky that I don't have to test that much..but, many others must do.......I'm sure that the cost of machine..plus supplies..is a lot cheaper for them..(Insurance)over one's lifetime.I was so lucky..my Cardio signed for me one 2 months after surgery..I have never asked for a comparsion on my Protime when I visit my Cardio twice a year..I wonder if my Insurance would pay for it... Probably, because I doubt if the person working up the fee would even notice I have one.(Protime)...Bonnie

 

[perkicar]

Brian,

At least you have a doctor that suggests Lovenox instead of stopping coumadin and using nothing. That being said, you should talk to him about what YOU want to do. If there is a really good chance you have polyps, then maybe doing it in one fell swoop would be best. However, if this is merely a screening test and you are having no symptoms (i.e. bleeding, diarrhea, etc.) then ask him to simply do the intial colonoscopy while on the coumadin. Make him understand that you realize there will be another one should anything be found that needs to be removed.

As I said earlier in this thread, I will never go off coumadin again for a screening colonoscopy.

?

I emailed my cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic about his reco's for bridging. I would love it if I could do the virtual and just have a CT scan!!!! But I don't think my insurance would cover it. I'll let you all know what Dr Griffin says. The idea of going off coumadin is pretty scary, I don't think I want to take that chance.

 

[EVELYN]

Carolyn....

Talk with your PCP and your gastro guy....if you have NO history of polyps, request---no DEMAND, nicely, of course---that they do it without your going off coumadin. Tyce's had absolutely NO problem with that. IMHO it's alot safer than going off coumadin or doing the bridging. I'm just glad it only has to be done once every 5 years. You might be surprised, and what's the worst thing that can happen.....they say NO???

Evelyn

 

[perkicar]

Carolyn....

Talk with your PCP and your gastro guy....if you have NO history of polyps, request---no DEMAND, nicely, of course---that they do it without your going off coumadin. Tyce's had absolutely NO problem with that. IMHO it's alot safer than going off coumadin or doing the bridging. I'm just glad it only has to be done once every 5 years. You might be surprised, and what's the worst thing that can happen.....they say NO???

Evelyn

Sigh, when I had my last colonoscopy 3 years ago I had polyps removed. Plus my brother is being treated for colon cancer, so I don't feel real hopeful that they'll let me do that......But hey, I'll ask, what can it h urt!

 

[Guest]

I'd tell you what, but this is a G-rated site.