Need info on how Dr. Potter's MRI differs from...

[PaulSa]

Just thought I’d provide a quick update. Just finished booking my flight and hotel to NY as I have an appointment setup with Dr. Potter for next Thursday!

I have submitted all paperwork to OHIP and should have an answer as to weather they will cover the cost of the MRI before I leave, I must say it was very challenging to work with Dr. Gordon's office to get this paperwork filled out and better yet filled out completely and properly. Let's keep our fingers crossed....

There is a chance I may have the opportunity to meet Dr. Potter while I am there so is there anything I should ask besides my own personal questions?

[Pelvis Stressly]

Are you prepared to cover the costs yourself if OHIP ends up denying your application PaulSa? (or if they haven't reached a decision by next week? Because they won't reimburse anything retroactively...that's why my OHIP case manager always told me to hold off on booking anything until I had actually received approval from them)

And agreed re. Dr. Gordon's office. He's a good guy, but they're maddeningly unorganized down there. I just made an appointment to see him (soonest spot available was in a month!) and it took me 2 calls & 3 e-mails over the course of 2 weeks to even get through to anybody (which is actually relatively good for them!!).

There is a chance I may have the opportunity to meet Dr. Potter while I am there so is there anything I should ask besides my own personal questions?

You should definitely try to see her. She spent a good 20 min. w. me going over the images, which really helped make things clearer for me (rather than having to rely strictly on wading through her written report, which is obviously fairly technical). And make sure you ask for a copy of the disc w. the images, which you can get before you leave. She then sends (&/or faxes) her report a few days later.

Good luck, PS.

[PaulSa]

Are you prepared to cover the costs yourself if OHIP ends up denying your application PaulSa? (or if they haven't reached a decision by next week? Because they won't reimburse anything retroactively...that's why my OHIP case manager always told me to hold off on booking anything until I had actually received approval from them)

Unfortunately yes, I am prepared to eat the cost. At this point I can't wait any longer and there is no price you can place on your health. We have a contact there and should find out before we go, hopefully. We were also told what is involved in appealing the process.And agreed re. Dr. Gordon's office. He's a good guy, but they're maddeningly unorganized down there. I just made an appointment to see him (soonest spot available was in a month!) and it took me 2 calls & 3 e-mails over the course of 2 weeks to even get through to anybody (which is actually relatively good for them!!).

There is a chance I may have the opportunity to meet Dr. Potter while I am there so is there anything I should ask besides my own personal questions?

You should definitely try to see her. She spent a good 20 min. w. me going over the images, which really helped make things clearer for me (rather than having to rely strictly on wading through her written report, which is obviously fairly technical). And make sure you ask for a copy of the disc w. the images, which you can get before you leave. She then sends (&/or faxes) her report a few days later.

Good luck, PS.

Thank you

[Lernica]

And agreed re. Dr. Gordon's office. He's a good guy, but they're maddeningly unorganized down there. I just made an appointment to see him (soonest spot available was in a month!) and it took me 2 calls & 3 e-mails over the course of 2 weeks to even get through to anybody (which is actually relatively good for them!!).

To be fair, I think it's more a question of his office being overwhelmed by its heavy caseload rather than disorganized . . . Have you ever sat in on one of their mandatory "information sessions"? There were about 200 prospective new patients at the one I attended last year, and they hold these sessions once or twice a week.

I think the clinic is seriously underfunded. It would be nice if a corporate donor would donate a big hunk of money to it but unfortunately chronic pain is not a very sexy topic.

[PaulSa]

And agreed re. Dr. Gordon's office. He's a good guy, but they're maddeningly unorganized down there. I just made an appointment to see him (soonest spot available was in a month!) and it took me 2 calls & 3 e-mails over the course of 2 weeks to even get through to anybody (which is actually relatively good for them!!).

To be fair, I think it's more a question of his office being overwhelmed by its heavy caseload rather than disorganized . . . Have you ever sat in on one of their mandatory "information sessions"? There were about 200 prospective new patients at the one I attended last year, and they hold these sessions once or twice a week.

I think the clinic is seriously underfunded. It would be nice if a corporate donor would donate a big hunk of money to it but unfortunately chronic pain is not a very sexy topic.

I agree, but have you ever had to deal with Dr. Gordon's assistant? (I will not use her name)

[Pelvis Stressly]

We were also told what is involved in appealing the process.

Interesting...Gordon told me there was no way to appeal a negative decision.

I agree, but have you ever had to deal with Dr. Gordon's assistant? (I will not use her name)

Exactly. Lernica, I agree they're overwhelmed, but Gordon's assistant/receptionist is still inexcusably scatterbrained (& often rude...took me years to get on her good side!).

[PaulSa]

We were also told what is involved in appealing the process.

Interesting...Gordon told me there was no way to appeal a negative decision.

Little birdie from OHIP told me.

I agree, but have you ever had to deal with Dr. Gordon's assistant? (I will not use her name)

Exactly. Lernica, I agree they're overwhelmed, but Gordon's assistant/receptionist is still inexcusably scatterbrained (& often rude...took me years to get on her good side!).

She must be related to someone.....

[PaulSa]

As expected OHIP denied my claim stating “It’s experimental with no proven results” and that there are similar MRI’s available here in Canada. If Dr. Potter’s MRI shows entrapment I will appeal and then get a second MRI here, if local and we'll see what results we get. Waiting for the letter in the mail which will hopefully go into further detail. Canada really needs to get with the times and respect Dr.’s like Dr. Potter, they probably never looked at her credentials and what she has accomplished. I will keep you up to date as things progress.

[Lernica]

Sorry to hear about the setback, PaulSa. But you're going ahead with it anyway? Please let us know how it goes!

[donstore]

Like PaulSa, I will be seeing Dr. Potter for an MRI on May 25. Only a 1.5 instead of a 3T due to the metal in my right hip. Waiting for my insurance approval so may end up footing the bill out of pocket. Long flight (SF to NYC), sure I will be standing in the back of the plane. Like PaulSa, any amount is worth it to me at this point.

Don