posted
the service they mention on their website i find very interesting... they seem to be one of the most valuble indirect advocates for neuropsychiatric lyme with their official research, expertise and professional academic backing.
i was unfortunately not able to participate in a study, as i am a canadian without an american citizenship, so they couldn't see how it would work. it was so unfortunate as the lady on the phone was so nice, considerate, sincere and validating. could i perhaps pay to have access to this evaluation service rather than the study, then? my dad would probably be able to help me financially, as i think he would see it as more concrete, being based in a university (but i don't know, he seems postive though.)
what do they offer? letters to doctors to take the illness consideration seriously and to back them up if they are afraid support treatment/diagnosis? testing? SPECT? treatment prescriptions or recommendations, specifically IV based, as their studies have proved to be superior for cognitive healing?
(BTW- thank you everyone who has written and responded to me over the last several days, i deeply appreciate your insight and support. i have a lot of trouble responding as i always do, hopefully by the end of the day i will have gotten some things done today to still have momentum to reply properly.)
Posts: 244 | From Ottawa | Registered: Dec 2005
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
hi Danielb Do happen to have their webb site? Take care Thanks
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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(actual site, they also have the summary of the study showing superior cognitive improvement with IV meds on the page too, further down the headlines i think.)
Posts: 244 | From Ottawa | Registered: Dec 2005
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
A new Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Evaluation Service has opened at the Columbia University Medical Center. With Dr. Fallon as director and Dr. Kathy Corbera as associate director, the service is aimed at providing an opportunity for patients to receive a comprehensive evaluation for symptoms suspected or known to be related to Chronic Lyme Disease. Also active in this Service will be Dr. Carolyn Britton of the Department of Neurology and Dr. Ted Dwyer of the Department of Medicine (Rheumatology). Patients interested in learning more about this Service should contact Dr. Corbera at 212-543-6508
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
A new Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Evaluation Service at Columbia is now open It focuses on patients who are still experiencing symptoms after being diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease and patients who have unexplained psychiatric symptoms that may be due to Lyme or other tick-borne diseases. The goal is to provide a comprehensive evaluation seeking to also rule out other disorders that may cause the multisystemic symptoms. http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/news/in-vivo/Vol3_Iss09_aug_04/index.html
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
Hey Treepatrol~ Thanks for the link on Dr. Fallon in the newsletter. That was interesting.
Danielb~ I would call and talk with Dr. Corbera about whether or not they take Canadian citizens for an evaluation. I don't know why not, but hey, I don't work there, so I don't know.
I was evaluated at Columbia in March of 2005. My evaluation did not include a neurologist and a rheumatologist like they apparently have now (as is stated in the newsletter). That is awesome that they are including that now.
My evaluation was 2 days. Cost was (at that time) $3200. Labs were about another $2000 (they took 16 tubes of blood from me) and a brain spect was another $1400.
It is pricey, but it was worth it to me to get an objective opinion of what the heck was going on with me.
Dr. F writes a very nice report, with recommendations for treatment. BUT, they do not do treatments or follow ups. It is an evaluation service only. (At least that is how it was when I went).
Good luck....and post back here after you call and find out the answers!
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
After looking at the newsletter again, I see that it is dated August 2004. Which is BEFORE I went to Columbia. And when I went there was no neurologist or rheumatologist. So...maybe they discontinued that???
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
Do they take insurance?
Posts: 146 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jun 2005
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
Does anyone know if the spect imaging study of chronic vs. other diseases is STILL Upcoming?? or is it over or is it filled? It seems they have a hard time updating their website.
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
coach~ The $3200 for Dr. F and Dr. C's service is paid upfront. They give you all the forms to submit to your insurance. I've submitted mine about 8 times now, and the insurance has paid half or so. Their last response was that they had a contract with Columbia, and I should not have been charged that full amount. NOT! So, I submitted it AGAIN to the insurance company, with a letter from Columbia stating that they were NOT contracted with my insurance company. (Never, never, never give up! )
Labs and spect scans are billed to the insurance (and my insurance did pay all of that.)
Trails~ I do not know if they have filled the spect imaging study yet. It has not been completed, though...I don't believe anyway. You are right, they do have a hard time keeping their web site up to date with things like that. I hope to see Dr. F on the 6th, when I get a repeat spect done. I'll try to remember to ask him or someone about that!
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
I love those guys, really on the front lines doing the research! Thank god for their dedication! Its a nice center too.
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i have a lot of trouble responding as i always do, hopefully by the end of the day i will have gotten some things done today to still have momentum to reply properly.)
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It has not been completed, though...I don't believe anyway. You are right, they do have a hard time keeping their web site up to date with things like that. I hope to see Dr. F on the 6th, when I get a repeat spect done. I'll try to remember to ask him or someone about that!
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