2nd opinion?

[kk928]

Hello all my IC friends:
I was dx w/ IC on May 4, 2007 by a reputable dr. in NYC (saw 5 doctors to figure out why I had severe left side pain). By the time I got dx I was experiencing severe pain symptoms for 4 months (on the couch for 2 months), but had urinary frequency since August. I did not think much about the frequency as I thought maybe I was drinking too much coffee! So far the NYC dr. put me on Elmiron (100 mg. 3x day) , desipramine (went from 25mg to 50 mg and now at 75mg), tramadol (useless) and now celebrex for pain as of yesterday. So far I am pleased w/ my progress, but I still ride a slippery roller coaster of pain and discomfort. He also sent me to physical therapy for Pelvic Pain Dysfunction and at a future date wants to do botox injections. The injections are not covered by my insurance so I will have to save up $1,000.000, but he will waive the $1,500.00 procedure fee. Lastly, I have put myself on the IC diet, and so far only kidney beans appear to be a problem. I still have a lot of foods to add though.

Anyway, my quandary that I am seeking opinions for is that I am considering getting a 2nd opinion because I am new to all of this and want to be sure that all possible treatments/risks are being considered. Also, my dr in NYC is fairly pleasant but a little temperamental, so I feel I need filter my questions so I do not get him ruffled-- a bit of a drag, really.

I made an appointment w/ Dr. Moldwin who wrote the recommended IC book that is on this site. However, he does not take my insurance so w/out any testing the appointment will cost $400--ouch! Is it worth it to see Dr. Moldwin for a one time consult or does it seem that I won’t gain anything from the appointment? Any opinions welcome! Thanks, Kathy

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Yes, it is worth it to see Dr. Moldwin. I have traveled multiple times to see him and it was worth every penny and more! He is a great doctor.

About the insurance. I had to pay upfront, then submit it myself. Is that the situation with your insurance or is it the insurance doesn't have Dr. Moldwin on there list. (i.e. HMO or PPO?) Could you a higher co-pay and see him with insurance payment?

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[kk928]

My insurance does not have Dr. Moldwin on my list of doctors, and I have no out of network coverage--yikes! Can I ask, did you find he suggested things that were not being done and then did your doctor follow up with them? Like I said, my doctor is temperamental so I did not mention to him that I am considering a second opinion. At some point I will need to broach the subject. --Kathy

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Kathy,

I am sorry about our insurance coverage. That it too bad. I thought paying a 40% co-pay was heavy. Please remember the $400 is probably only for the consult, not for any tests or treatment Dr. Moldwin does during your consult.

You don't owe your current doc any explanation as to why you are going to see Dr. Moldwin. He doesn't even need to know unless you are getting controlled subtances (i.e. painkillers prescribed). If you do see Dr. Moldwin and pay for it all, I would get my records from you current doc including any tests/labs he has done. Then they shouldn't have to be repeated. You have a legal right to your records. Just call up and ask the offices procedure on getting them, and specify you want all of your records not just the doctors notes. It may take a few weeks for you to get them. If they ask why say you are updating your personal medical file, which you feel it important to keep. All people should keep a copy of their medical records.

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