Posted 7/31/2013 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I completely agree with Vickie's breakdown of this whole thing. We all understand the frustration, and often we feel like we're "starting over from scratch" when we need new diagnostics, see new doctors, get referrals, go to the ER. I often say "practice patience" to avoid being labeled, but admit, it's a huge effort.
Before I had insurance, I went to Tufts, a teaching hospital in Boston that has one of the better reputations. It's frustrating and scary, but here's an up side. You will get in quicker, teaching docs oversee everything, and you will quite likely get more diagnostics than you could ever imagine to help clear up what's going on. Teaching hospitals also provide specialty doctors, so if you need to go "between orthopeodics to neurology to internal medicine," etc., the network is set in advance for you.
They also didn't require me to pay in full up front, their fees were very low, there was a sliding scale, and they let me arrange a payment plan.
As for Chiropractic,....I actually support it,...for SOME people. NOT for everyone. I believe like everything else, depending on the Chiropractic Doctor (and yes, they are doctors), and the patient, and what's being treated,....it can be very beneficial. Likewise, I'm aware of horrible stories of dangerous outcomes. But to be fair, I've heard horrible stories of surgeries, too.
Based on what you've said, I'm with Vickie and my personal, un-medical opinion, is stay away, get to a teaching hospital, and get a specific diagnosis to know what's going on, and then you'll be able to get advice on options about how to go about treating what's really going on.
Best of luck.
Sookie