ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: carter on December 22, 2008, 03:07:10 am
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may i ask why the mask is used during the CT?
i know that it is a restraint during the CK ..... but for the CT?
it is not needed for the MRI
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I had the mask made for the CK, but they also used it pre CK during the CT. I think for accurate positioning during CK, if I remember correctly. I was on "happy pills" when I had it done.
Mary 8)
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i was wondering why the mask is needed for the CT, but not the MRI? just wondering ....
also ---- i was told today that for the ck planning, the only part used from this test is after the contrast is inserted.
i have been asking as during the CT of last week, the mask was put in place after the iv port was put in. the mask did not feel right and i told them so. no one paid any attention. when they put in the contrast agent, i told the tech again and she got the radiation person to adjust the head rest to keep my head in the right place. then they left room again and i moved around in the machine.
i too was on valium and did not think to ask then - if this matters.
i did ask as i was in neuro surgeon's office and he asked the CK dr ...i was told taht this was ok. hey - it is my brain and i was told that there is no margin.
so this am, i called to ask when the ck treatments would start ... any ideas? said that i am still in planning so just be patient. planning normally is about a week. with holidays????
as this was a techie that answered the phone, i asked about the CT scan --- he said that only what is taken after the contrast is given is used for the planning so i am good to go.
i di dgo on line and looked at the bills to the insurance company to date ----- jeeeze. it is amazing how much the concerns bill the insurance as compared to what they are paid. i saw one bill for 8367.54 and they paid 1515.70. that is one huge gap. i wonder how much argueing that i will have with the drs and hospitals later???
carter
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The CT scan is used for locating the position of the tumor with respect to your skull bones. It is more precise for this, since it is a real x-ray image of your head, not reconstructed by a computer from magnetic resonance data. The MRI is used to obtain a better picture of the detailed shape of the tumor itself. The treatment planning software provides for merging the two, to give "the best of all possible images."
I would not trouble yourself over the arrangements made between the hospital and the insurance company regarding billing. If the insurance covers the service, it is no longer a concern for you. :)
I think the tech who answered the phone had it right - you are good to go. They will let you know when they have gotten the planning done and have an opening in the schedule, so just sit tight - it is almost over now.
Steve