Question:
Will insurance always cover a bone scan?
Last night, I went to my PCP for my 6 month post-op exam. This is a group of doctors, and I got "stuck" with a new one. He knew NOTHING about WLS. I had to explain to him how I malabsorb some things and can not absorb other things at all. I had to tell him what to look for in my blood tests (he wasn't going to check my B12 until I practically made a scene). I also asked him to order a bone scan. He told me he couldn't unless I was post-menopausal or was having back pain. I again explained how I can't absorb calcium from food, or even calcium carbonate, and if I'm not getting enough from my calcium citrate, I will get osteoporosis, and I wanted a base line bone scan, so this can be monitored. He refused. He told me to wait until the results are back from my blood work. I tried explaining to him that my calcium levels will be fine because my body will be "stealing" from my bones if I'm not getting enough calcium from my supplements. He still refused. Obviously, I'm not going back to him, but I wanted to know if it will be difficult to get insurance to pay for a bone scan now. I'm 44 years old. — Cyndie K. (posted on June 7, 2002)
June 7, 2002
I got my bone scan order from my GYN, who seems to be more up on women and
bone loss problems. I will, and suggest you call the insurance company to
ask if this is covered under your benefits. I worked in medical review and
learned to check EVERYTHING before having it. My niece had a routine pap
smear and her insurance doesn't even cover that!
— ZZ S.
June 7, 2002
I got my bone scan order from my GYN, who seems to be more up on women and
bone loss problems. I think your smart in asking this question. I suggest
you call the insurance company to ask if this is covered under your
benefits. I worked in medical review and learned to check EVERYTHING before
having it. My niece had a routine pap smear and her insurance doesn't even
cover that!
— ZZ S.
June 7, 2002
I know what you mean. Mine didn't want to do mine, but didn't "pull
rank" on me. I gave him enough criteria to work with: massive wt
loss, over 40, hystie, family history, lactose intolerant, fair &
petite, northern European descent AND then started in with the surgical
things, surgically induced malabsorption, etc. But I had enough for him to
order it without going as far as my WLS. Of course, he was begging for
mercy by the time I was half way thru my list! But I took note, and the
test is only about $200 if I did have to pay for it. I only wish I'd done
it years sooner. Perhaps my bones could've been saved with earlier
detection. Stick to your guns!
— vitalady
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