ANA Discussion Forum
Useful Information => Physicians => Topic started by: dtwester on April 19, 2021, 02:37:52 pm
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Has anyone had any experience with Dr. Alejandro Mendez at Regions Hospital (HealthPartners) in St. Paul, Minnesota? I'm in the difficult position of trying to decide between an in-network provider versus going out of network at Mayo Clinic for my retrosigmoid surgery.
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I don't know this doctor, but probably the best question to ask is: how many AN surgeries do you do per year? The more experience the better. From his page, it looks like he does a wide variety of neurological surgeries. My guess is that Dr. Link at Mayo has more direct experience in AN and might be a better choice. I know it sounds like a long drive, but it might also be worth looking at the University of Iowa, which is also a high volume center. I'm biased b/c that's where I had my surgery and I'm really glad I went there.
good luck!
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Thanks for your response Greece. It means a lot that you took the time to look up the doctor and give your feedback. I feel fortunate that Mayo is relatively close to home, and their level of experience with AN is impressive. My dilemma is more about the financial/insurance issues, but I am going to proceed with the best surgeon regardless...so wish me luck in the upcoming insurance battles :)
So great to hear that you had a good surgery outcome and have put your AN behind you!
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dtweter -
I did not respond as I have not seen or researched the Dr. you were asking about. I did go to the U of MN and also Mayo. I ended up choosing Mayo and Dr. Link for Gamma Knife. They just handle way more ANs per year than the U of MN. I had my choice between surgery and gamma, but from the time I was diagnosed to seen at the AN clinics, my serviceable hearing in AN side was gone. So I chose Gamma as it is less invasive. Live with SSD, tinnitus (which had as one symptom driving me to diagnosis) balance / dizzy issues, and occasionally wake in am with dry eye on neuroma side. I walk 5+ miles a day to keep my balance game up. I wish you the best of luck in your treatment journey and recovery!
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And I agree with Univ of Iowa as also have had my treatment there . I was found to be NF2 in time and 3 tumors out. I still have hearing in one ear. It will be 20 yrs in August since met Dr Gantz and surgery in Nov past harvest time. Cheryl R