Found a Cardio in Annapolis...have questions!

[COLLEEN S]

Hi all,
Hope you all can help me. I found a cardio in Annapolis that will let me self test!!! At least thats what the receptionist said! I have an appt with her next week. My question is...should I already have my tester in hand when I go or should I wait for my appt with the doc, OR should I contact a provider of the machines, have them contact my insurance (who will pay 75% of it) and get the ball rolling. Probably the doc will want to see me first even if the provider contacts her before my appt>?
Thanks for any input you can give.
Colleen

 

[ALCapshaw2]

In order to purchase a machine through the usual medical provider outlets, you will need a Prescription and a Letter of Medical Necessity signed by a Doctor so it would seem prudent to meet this Cardiologist first and go from there.

You might want to take along a copy of AL Lodwick's Dosing Guide and/or the AAFP Guidelines to show her what you be using to guide your dosing decisions.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[MandyMV]

Hi Collen
You may want to contact QAS or Philips to get an introduction packet to bring to the doctors with you. It usually has the form the doctor needs to fill out and fax it. We work with Philips at home INR (http://www.inrselftest.com) they have been great and helped me get the right forms in and from the doctor.
Good luck!
Theresa

 

[Blanche]

You might want to take the Medicare Document on approval of home testing to your doctor's appointment. It contains relevant research and other important information.

https://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdecisionmemo.asp?from2=viewdecisionmemo.asp&id=72&

If nothing else, it would show the doctor that you are active, informed participant in your own health care.

Kind regards,

Blanche

 

[COLLEEN S]

Thanks Al, Blanche and Mandy...
I'm not on medicare (I'm 46) but I do think I will take the dosing guide with me that Al suggested.
Thanks again,
Colleen

 

[Blanche]

Colleen

Colleen

I know you are not on Medicare. But, I thought you might like to take the Medicare document because of all the research information contained there in. It should also count as further verification that home testing is important and safe otherwise it would not have Medicare's endorsement.

Also, I think this is the document that Al recommended.

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/107/12/1692