LymeNet Flash: Where to go for SPECT

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Posted by trish4 (Member # 14156) on :

Have a script for a SPECT scan given to me by LLMD. How do I go about getting this done. Since it wasn't prescribed by my General Doctor will it not be covered by insurance? Do I go to a hospital to get it done? Where do I start?

Posted by lemonade (Member # 9413) on :

I went to Columbia Presbyterian in NYC and I believe insurance covered it.

Posted by tailz (Member # 10014) on :

I wouldn't get it done - it's radiation. I had a sudden urge to urinate as soon as she turned the machine on.

Posted by trish4 (Member # 14156) on :

Thanks [Smile]

so I guess I could just walk into any hospital and get it done.

Posted by trish4 (Member # 14156) on :

Thanks [Smile]

so I guess I could just walk into any hospital and get it done.

Posted by ByronSBell 2007 (Member # 11496) on :

You will want to get that test done it is a VERY helpful test and I know a LLMD that is very good at reading them, she likes to use the Kansas City hospital and the radiologist there is lyme literate and is very good but I dont know where you live.

Posted by peacemom (Member # 12114) on :

I had my SPECT scans at Columbia in NYC also.

My MD had to arranged them in advance and they had to be pre-approved by my insurance company.

It is unlikely that you can just walk in anywhere.

Good luck!

Posted by robi (Member # 5547) on :

Columbia is surperior. They know what to look for in a Lyme SPECT scan ..... most do not. I took an airplane to have mine done at Columbia. You are in NJ so it would be much easier for you.

I think Columbia is where they first started using the SPECT on Lyme patients.

Hope this helps,
robi

Posted by trish4 (Member # 14156) on :

Thanks peacemom and robi...

I will be going there. I actually live only 10 minutes from NYC which is a big plus. Should I call the hospital to set up the appointment?

Posted by lemonade (Member # 9413) on :

Your doctor should give you a prescription and it does have to get preapproved by insurance. Sometimes it takes a few days for approval. Good luck!

Posted by robi (Member # 5547) on :

I had a written RX and was able to schedule the appointment myself by calling Columbia. I remember ot was a hard # to track down.

Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :

columbia in ny or middlesex in ct.

columbia - doc v.h. to interpret results

middlesex is read by doc k, neurologist, if you get it there.

get your own copy of the films either way, the data on them can be lyme-specific beyond the radiologist's interpretation.

mo

Posted by njlymemom (Member # 15088) on :

i also had my spect scan done at columbia - they know what to look for regarding lyme -

i remember getting the phone# from my llmd - and i called there myself for the appointment -

i called my insurance 1st - it was approved -

the results can be very informative -

good luck

Posted by trish4 (Member # 14156) on :

Thanks everyone. I am actually just waiting to get the ok from my insurance now. Hopefully Ill have the appointment by next week. [Smile]

Posted by lyme in Putnam (Member # 11561) on :

I had it done twice at Columbia Presbyterian. It was covered by insurance and I had to be pre-certified for it to be covered.

Hope all goes well.