posted
I have an evaulation with their Neuropsych stuff in 2 weeks. I scheduled it to support my disability review, which is up this month, and hopefully my SSA application.
Has anyone gone for this evaluation? It's 2 long days, and I'm wondering what to expect, other than to be exhausted.
It's also very expensive, has your medical insurance covered it?
Posts: 168 | From Delaware | Registered: Aug 2005
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sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
i went 2 years ago.
imo, the investment is worth it, even if your insurance doesn't cover it, if you are collecting documentation to prove disability.
i received SSDI on my first try, largely because of the neuro-psych results and SPECT scan i had taken at Columbia Presb.
My insurance did end paying a significant portion of the neuro-psych tests, less because the facility was way out of network.
i'd double check with your insurance company directly, way before you go, whether or not you need a referral or another kind of mother-may-I.
and about the tests. they don't take up the whole 2 days.
you'll also have a LOONG interview the first day and maybe blood work and you'll have long lunch breaks both days.
you'll also find the folks there very sympathetic and compassionate, and incredibly well informed about all things Lyme.
good luck...
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
My LLMD actually just set my appointment up with Dr. Fallon at Columbia for the end of June. Going for the SPEC and cognitive testing. Let me know how your appointment goes.
Posts: 7 | From Erie, Pa | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
Thanks for the reply. I'm relieved to hear someone had a positive experience there.
I am personally a bit stressed out by the appointment. I think part of me is afraid they are going to say there's nothing wrong with me, despite my positive lyme tests.
I've had so many docs give me "that look" when I say something's bothering me. Even though I think I'm not prone to being a hypochondriac, I certainly wonder. Hopefully this visit will settle it for once and for all.
Posts: 168 | From Delaware | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
My sister and I both have gone and it was a good experience. Our insurance did not cover it though.
Posts: 46 | From Texas | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
Well, I went to my appointment, and it was exhausting. I was fine the first day, but the second day, I was really feeling my Lyme.
I expect the results in 4-6 weeks, hopefully in time for my Social Security hearing.
One thing I walked away with was support that I really am still sick with soemthing. I sometimes get to wondering if it's all in my head.
But, the doctor confirmed that he saw clinical signs of my vertigo, which has been hounding me on and off for 10 years or so, and which a couple neurologists shrugged off.
And, I clearly failed the time limit on the reasoning tests. "A does not follow B" seems like a simple question, but each one took me 30 seconds or so to figure out.
So, I'm relieved that something can prove that I'm not just imagining my trouble making decisions & stuff.
Oh, I do hope my insurance pays!
Posts: 168 | From Delaware | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Yes, the center is in New York City. Parking was a pain (3 block walk uphill - thankfully I brought my cane). At least all that is tax deductible, since my medical expenses will be waaaaaaaaaaay over 7.5% of my income.
Thanks for the link.
Posts: 168 | From Delaware | Registered: Aug 2005
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Alv
Unregistered
posted
How much did the neurotest cost?
What else need to be done so you can have in your hands proof for DISABILITY ; in case if you have to pay out the pocket?
Just need to collect this info for future purposes WHO knows!
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posted
inadaze - just for future reference - i believe
columbia has a valet parking service - i know
that hill and it is horrible - my husband has
let me off at the door and then parked the car
i thought the parking lot was convenient - for ny
-------------------- This is NOT medical advice - and should NOT be used to replace your MD's advice. Info is only the opinion of those who publish the site.
The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time.
cb Posts: 669 | From somewherebetweentherocks | Registered: Mar 2008
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
Alv, you can get neuro-psych testing done other places.
My SSDI attorney sent me to an area psycholgist who did a fantastic job in both the testing and the write-up.
It's what got me my SSDI.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
I didn't do a SPECT scan because I had done one 2 years ago and it looked pretty normal, despite my symptoms. I'm told this is a good sign for my recovery, but who really knows?
The total for the consult & neuropsych eval was $4,100. This doesn't cover labs, but I know my insurance will get most of the lab stuff. I'm waiting on a superbill to send to my insurance company. They said it'd take 10 days or so to mail.
Oh, that blasted hill!... Yeah, I didn't realize how bad it would be the first day. After all, it's just 2 blocks. Day 2, hubby was kind enough to drop me off, which was so important because my hip and knee were already screaming from mistreatment the day before.
As for the neuropsych testing, Lymednva is right. There are many qualified psychologists/psychiatrists who can do the testing for much less. My husband did his a couple years ago in California, and it was less than half the price of Columbia.
I went to Columbia because I wanted more than a 1 hour consult with the psychiatrist my former LLMD suggested, both for my own peace of mind and for Social Security. My former LLMD's records were so bad that I need some bulky input to support my application.
As for disability ammunition... I am collecting anything and everything that proves how much Lyme impacts my function. My LTD company set me up with a company that handles Social Security applications, so they are taking some of the headaches out of it.
Another thing I did was go to a physical therapist for a strength & ROM (range of motion) assessment. I tested pretty weak, much weaker than the average woman my age.
I also got a second opinion on my Lyme, and that doctor is also writing up information to support my disability claim.
I'm probably going to bring copies of my credit card statements, proving that I have pretty much had to have food delivered to me for years because I am too fatigued, weak, and confused to handle cooking for myself. And, if I can get the lady who cleaned for me to write something up, that can help as well.
Somewhere there's a great sticky on disability information. But, the best advice I can give is to put all your records in one easily accessible place. And make sure your doc is on the same page and documenting things or referring you to people who can. Lyme disability is not just physical. It's cognitive too, so both sides need to be documented.
Posts: 168 | From Delaware | Registered: Aug 2005
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