ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: ewchisek on May 07, 2013, 03:41:14 pm

Title: Post op MRI
Post by: ewchisek on May 07, 2013, 03:41:14 pm

Did everyone wait about six months for the post op MRI? I'm wondering if I can talk my neurosurgeon into getting it sooner?

Title: Re: Post op MRI
Post by: Jim Scott on May 07, 2013, 03:51:22 pm

Elizabeth ~

Six months is the usual time-frame for a post-op MRI. 

However, my neurosurgeon ordered one immediately following my debulking surgery to ascertain exactly how much of the tumor remained and how it was situated.  I underwent another MRI three months later to aid the doctors (oncologist, neurosurgeon) who 'mapped' my FSR treatments.

MRI scans are expensive (thousands) and, assuming your medical insurance is covering the cost, the doctor ordering the scan has to medically justify it before the insurer will pay.  This usually precludes having MRI scans closer than six months post-op.  Of course, every situation is different and if you can convince your doctor an MRI is needed sooner than six months, you may be able to get it approved by your insurer.

Jim