Insurance and MRI

Hi, akc820608-

I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's scary and frustrating! I'm a high-risk gal due to some atypical findings in my left breast back in 2006, so as a result, my insurance company paid for my breast MRI (and I'm only 34). I live in Pittsburgh, which is an incredible city for medical resources and facilities, so I'm very, very blessed to be a part of the Hillman Cancer Center's High Risk Breast Program. 

I think it's a good idea to have your BS request an MRI, as the insurance company will be more likely to heed the request of a specialist. Also, if you've had any other breast issues prior to this one, have your BS mention that as well. Might make it more of a compelling request. 

I'll be thinking of you. Anything I can do for you in the meantime?

hug,

Laura

Angie,

I had an atypical papilloma, too! Well, at least that sounds like what you have or very similar at least. And, yes, while it IS "benign," it still increases your lifetime risk for breast cancer by about 4-5 times. So, because of that, I think you should ABSOLUTELY push for an MRI. PUSH, PUSH, PUSH. This is YOUR body, your ONE life. You need to fight for it. If your BS won't agree to it, get a second opinion. I've been VERY blessed that I've had medical professionals advocate strongly on my behalf, but I understand that not everyone has that. That's why you need to fight. And while you're young, a diagnosis like yours (and mine) is very rare for our age. So all the more reason to get proactive and start having people take you and your body seriously and watch you closely.

Definitely private message me if you want, okay? I'll be thinking of you on the 11th! Let me know what your doctor says!

big hugs,

Laura

Insurance can be such a pain.  Although I thought I had approval prior to my MRI, it came back denied.  It was finally straightened out and approved.  Unfortunately I needed an MRI guided biopsy which has yet to be approved.  It was performed in Sept 0f 2011.  I was on the phone with both the insurance company and the doctor's office again today trying to get it resolved.  The insurance company said they need more information; the doctor's office says they have faxed it.  Meanwhile I have a $6,500 bill from the hospital.

It makes no sense that the MRI was approved but not the guided biopsy that was needed as a result of the MRI.  Try to get approvals ahead of time.  And even if insurance covers it, they may not cover all of it.  So far this year I've spent well over $2,000 out of pocket and that doesn't include last year's mri which I paid for this year as well.  Crazy how expensive this all can be! 

Good luck to you!

I have had 16 years of breast issues (papillomas, ADH, lumps) and only this year was able to get an MRI.  My insurance company wants a family history or cancer diagnosis.  I've lost most my family to cancer. no one reaching age 68 and losing the battle within weeks of their diagnosis, but no breast or ovarian cancer. My BS sent a ton of documentation to the insurance company, they probably got bored reading through it and finally okayed it.  I will tell you, the MRI gave me such peace, it showed the 6 papillomas they saw on my ultrasound, but no other issues currently.   All my issues were on the right side and I always wondered about my poor left side. But there were no issues on the left and the implants I have from reconstructive surgery looked good.  I get checked again in October and now am hoping it will be back to the ultrasound.  Way cheaper for me, the MRI costs me $950, I had met my deductible, but my insurance is not that good.