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Renal Ultrasound ???

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Posted 11/17/2018 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Was supposed to have a chest X-ray and CT Scan run, then meet with my urologist to discuss everything. However, health insurance denied the CT scan due to my Gleason score of 6. Instead, urologist now wants to do a chest X-ray and a Renal ultrasound . Figured the collective wisdom of the forum could possibly shed some light.

Thanks,

John
Posted 11/17/2018 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi John,
With a relatively low PSA and cores showing a low percentage of Gleason six it is very unlikely that a CT scan would show anything and little chance that there is any prostate cancer outside of the prostate. So I'm not surprised the insurance company didn't approve the CT scan. I don't understand what your uro is looking for with the chest x-ray and renal ultrasound. Again very improbable that he would find anything related to prostate cancer. But he's the doctor and I'm not, so maybe it's just part of his patient work-up for you.Maybe he's just doing some kind of baseline check of your plumbing and ventilation systems. FWIW I've had a couple of renal ultrasounds and it's no big deal. about 15 minutes and painless - so no harm to you that I can see, even though I don't know why your doc wants it done.

Jim
Posted 11/17/2018 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
Jim,

Thanks - he is the doctor.....

However, I do have an appointment with another urologist 2 days after I meet with my current one. I am also anxiously awaiting the results of Dr. Epstein at Johns Hopkins to review my biopsy as well.

Lots of waiting - but lots of information available as well.

John
Posted 11/17/2018 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I can see a by-the-book insurance company turning down a CT scan. Not sure what useful info the doc is after.

I think a second opinion with the other URO might be more useful than scans at the moment. If JH comes back with something other than G6, you could ping the insurance again on the CT.

and waiting is the killer.

Hang in there,
Andrew
Posted 11/17/2018 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Would also check with the medical team on the cost of the scan - might not be too expensive
Posted 11/18/2018 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
I agree that I'm not surprised about the CT scan not being approved and I'm not sure about the chest Xray. Are you a smoker? Maybe he just wants to check things out.

Re the ultrasound, I think he's trying to get additional information about how things look in there. But I'm not sure how much an ultrasound can show compared to an MRI.
Posted 11/18/2018 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
You might ask him what the renal ultrasound is for. Could just be some kind of protocol.

GP’s look in your ears. Uro’s ultrasound kidneys. That sorta thing...

I didn’t think they did that without cause (stones, pain, etc). May have found a trace of blood in your urine. Lookin’ for a stone or cyst. If they did...DO. NOT. WORRY. Everybody has that from time to time. (I’ve had it all my life).

With a cute tech....I find renal ultrasounds quite pleasant.

(It’s odd to me a physician would order a test without explaining why). I’d ask.
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