Navigating Insurance / How does one search for a breast health / women's diagnostic c

[Betty]

How does one search for a breast health / women's diagnostic center?

NA - you mentioned you have Healthnet. I'm trying to find a place going kind of backward. Where is a place near me? Then I can find a medical group associated with it.. then a doctor.

I see how I can search for hospitals... but not a way to search for that specialty. How did you go about it? Did you already have a place in mind?

What they are telling me is that place isn't going to be available for me. they aren't contracted with them. they don't have any pcp's with them... bla bla bla

I also get the feeling the girl I have on the phone may not be the most knowledgeable about it. she's very nice and seems to genuinely want to help though. I think I've spent about 45 minutes of our hour long (so far) call on hold though. I wonder if calling back will give me better results.

[Betty]

I didn't get far with them via email - and after 90 minutes on the phone I have a list of people they say will work - but I have my doubts. But it's a place to start and I can always call back tomorrow, or even call the dr's office I suppose, I find out.

[Not Afraid]

My issues REALLY started after I was diagnosed and was trying to get the surgery/reconstruction preferred. At that point, I did a bunch of research on-line about my surgery (DIEP), who does it, and their reviews. Breast Cancer.org was also a good resource.

You can also go backwards from a breast surgeon (start here: https://www.breastsurgeons.org/). You can always find one associated with a medical group in your area and find out where their office recommends for Imaging.

When is your next mammorgaphy appt? You should definitely keep the appointment while researching things. Hopefully you won't need to go down this road.

[Betty]

Yes - I will definitely be keeping my appointment. It's a week from today at this point.

Thanks for the link.

I feel like I'm a little more armed with a plan, if needed, after the appointment.

Will they be able to tell me the results right there during the appointment?

[cirquelover]

I was not given immediate results. If a biopsy is necessary you have to wait for an appointment and then wait for the lab results. I know it's a lot of waiting but try not to fret. I just tried to stay positive, the husband on the other hand was a ball of nerves. That's how I ended up with my last Disney trip, he wanted to take me to my happy place.

[katiesue]

My second mammogram was read while I was there after the test. But it just so happened that the radiologist was there and available. I don't think that the way it always works it just happened that I was there at the right time.

[Not Afraid]

The breast center acted fast and scheduled a biopsy right away. The results from the biopsy took a week. I bugged the doctor every day until results were in and even made an appt for 1 week later knowing they'd be in.

BUT this was my second diagnosis and I have a family history beyond me, do I was a bit pushy. I don't regret it one bit though. These large medical corporations Carr about money first and quality care second.

[Betty]

Thank you again for the support.

[Not Afraid]

And thank the iPhone for predective text. :eek: