The one I had was called a DatScan. Is that the same one you are talking about? Its like a CT scan. The DatScan was just approved in the USA last fall (2011). However other countries have been using it for awhile. It can show if you have dopamine loss or not. My test showed that I definitely have dopamine loss, more so on the right side of the brain right now, which explains why my left side of my body is having the major symptoms.

When I was diagnosed in April 2011, I was told there were no tests to tell you definitely if you have PD or not. I was actually told by a regular nuero that the only way to know for sure if you have PD is to have an autopsy when you die. I only found out about the DatScan because the PPMI study I am in does the scan as a screening to make sure participants really have PD. They had special permission to use the test even before FDA approved it. Now it is approved, but I don't know how available it is.

If anyone has doubts as to if they really have PD or not, they should look into getting this scan.

That sounds about right, CM. At the hospital where I had the test done, I think they said I was only the 5th person to have it done. So, this test is quite new. I'm still waiting for the results.

I was diagnosed in Aug 2010 with Parkinsons after being told it was ET by a neuro. There I was with conflicting diagnosis. I ask my nuero for a second opinion. He sent me to Scripps in La Jolla, CA. They confirmed the PD diagnosis, on Aug 24, 2010, a date I will never forget. The last appointment I had was for a DaTscan. No use covering the info from MCstanding as it is right on.

Prior to the procedure the doctors office ask for authorization and were told it was not needed. About 1 month after the procedure I received a bill for $10,760 for the DaTscan. Seems we asked the wrong question. The correct question is "Is this procedure covered by my insurance?" For my insurance it was not covered because it is classed as "experimental/investigative" and they do not cover procedures that are experimental/investigative in the eyes of the insurance company.

If anybody is contemplating getting a DaTscam PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO SEE IF YOU ARE COVERED.

I was able to negotiate the bill down to $4,000
.

10 large! holy toledo! Sounds like your paying for a GE exec's summer trip to the Riviera.........did the machine go "Bing" at least, or have some flashing lights like a jackpot machine? (chuckling to self)


peace

bp

I like that Paladin........"DatScam" !!!!! (I doubt if that was a typo.)

No typo. No flashing lights, bells or whistles. In fact it was so quiet I went to sleep. Process takes 37 minutes in the machine.

How long does it take to get the results back....? Wednesday will be two weeks. I'm anxious to see what the results are.

FYI:

http://mdc.mbi.ufl.edu/treatment/should-i-get-a-dat-scan-to-confirm-my-parkinsons-disease

Procedure was on 9/29/11 and results 10/24/11

We've had the DatScan for a while now, I was diagnosed last year with one which is routine over here once Parkinson's is suspected.

It gave clear pictures of the loss of Dopamine uptake and took about ten days for the results. Best of luck with your results.

I finally had a DatScan after several years of being told that they were not sure if I had Parkinson's and it showed a definite reduction in dopamine on the right side, which fits in with my left-side symptoms. It took about a week to get the results, and was completely covered by Medicare and my supplemental insurance.

I have heard that Medicare is covering the procedure. Unfortunately I was 7 months to early having the procedure done. Again if your insurance is a private carrier I would ask if the procedure is covered. Mine (BC/BS), at the time of the procedure was not covering it.

What is even more interesting is that it has been a diagnostic tool in Europe for like 10 years.

It's time for national health care. We all deserve the same health care, regardless of who/what you are. People die, in this country, by the thousands, because they can't afford health care. Also, it's the leading cause of bankruptcy. It's a great country......just don't get sick !

Agreed on the Natl Health Care. I sure hate to give the local hospital/pharmacuetical rep. my house and property to pay for my meds let alone my tests etc.



peace

bp

Wow a $10,760 nap. That's about $3,362 a minute. $125 a minute is much more reasonable. My foot dr. makes me confirm all his authorizations from the insurance company so I do it with all my procedures now. The insurance companies are very, very sneaky. I think there is an undeclared war by the ins companies against the doctors. I have caught my ins. company just giving my drs. a hard time to go. I learned a lot from my foot dr.