Second Opinion

[carlapv]

With my surgery scheduled for 1/8, I am trying to make sure I have everything done that needs doing, so that I can enjoy the holidays. It dawned on me yesterday that I may need a second opinion for my insurance. I called them and left a message but I did not hear back from them yesterday so I thought I would "ask the experts".

Did any of you have to have a second opinion?

Thanks,
Carla

 

[Ross]

Nope, only if you want one for some reason. If you think you need one, by all means, get one or more.

 

[carlapv]

Thanks Ross,
One thing I don't need or want is another doctor. I just didn't want to wait until the last minute and have to rush toget one or have to have my surgery postponed.

Carla
GO DAWGS!!!

 

[dwfreck]

Carla,

My surgeon's initial visit questionnaire wanted to know if my insurance company required a second opinion, so I called them. I got through to a live person and was told they didn't. However, even my own carrier has different requirements depending on what the employer or individual has negotiated for coverage. I would suggest you keep trying to contact your insurance until you get a definite answer one way or the other.

By the way, the surgeon I've talked to may refer me to his partner, depening on my choice of replacement, so I may end up with a second opinion that way. Also, my first meeting with the surgeon left my wife and I with several doubts, so I asked my cardiologist for another surgeon's name, just in case, and that could end up being a third opinion!

 

[JetService]

I didn't get one, but I was fretting over that just because it was such a serious procedure. It's not that I didn't trust the card, but needed piece of mind to remove any doubt. But then I spoke with the surgeon during the meeting with him and a different card during the heart cath and they are pretty much said the same thing. There was no doubt I needed it done and the only thing I could see anyone saying different was that I could wait longer. But waiting really had no advantage and in fact seemed like a disadvantage. So hearing it from three different people (although they were all in the same group) made me feel better.

 

[Georgia]

I've found that when something is a really big-ticket item, the professionals are pretty well versed in what kind of pre-approvals are needed in order to receive payment. Because frankly, if they don't get approval, they don't want to be out $75,000 or whatever. If it gives you peace of mind, contact your insurer to be sure the surgeon is in the network or whatever. But I think you're safer with this than, for instance, an MRI or catscan or certain type of antibiotics.

 

[Heather Fisher]

Nope, I didn't get a second opinion and I was probably marginal. I think the insurances know that this type of surgery will have to be taken care of sooner than later. Probably better sooner to reduce other complications. Call your insurance to make sure.

Heather

 

[bvdr]

I did call my surgeon's office before surgery to make sure they had received a pre-certification. I was sure my insurance would cover it but I didn't want any unnecessary delays on payment.

 

[Kathy]

I called my insurance to be sure that I was pre-certified. I double check EVERYTHING with them. Our policy is in a continual state of flux.

 

[HFK]

Yes, I had 2 other opnions out of state all of which were paid for by insurance. I was going after replacement with human valve and wanted the top 3 guys opnions. It's strange CC is definately good ,But if you really do investigating and are able to talk with heart surgeons, I believe it was slightly easier for me because I am in the field,but it really depends on which valve you need replaced and what kind of vavle your looking for. For instance Dr. Tyrone David and Magdi Yacoub hold the record for the best AVR work and outcomes over Cosgrove. Alot of Dr from MAYo will go to these DR 'swhen they need replacement of AVR, but when your talking Mitral repair I belive Cosgrove and Colvin hold that record.The godfather of Mitral Valve is Carlo Pontier not sure of spelling in France, he I believe is behind the CARPENTIER EDWARDS BOVINE valve.