I never heard anything about paying that amount! That is absolutely crazy. I have insurance through my mom, and it's really great- perhaps they cover it? I think I'm technically on a third opinion- if not, definitely second. We haven't been charged anything yet.

I wonder what the difference is between a "second opinion", just getting an appointment by yourself, and being referred by another doctor? That needs to be clarified.

Mommacass: Hopkins has done some awesome research on the use of stents with IIH. Take a look on pubmed if you haven't already.

I would like to think that they would tell you right up front, the first time you speak, that you would be charged that or at least put it on the first demographic sheet or something! It is a little odd to think that they would have you go through any process and them come out and say, "OH by the way, you owe $500 for us to give you our opinion."

I don't think they refuse anybody for the second opinion program. You don't even have to go there. It can be done by phone or skype. They just use the tests and records you already have. But since you've already gone there you don't need a second opinion from the same people!!!

Still, it could have been a confused message over the $500. Or not.

Oh, I am not getting anymore opinions lol. I have my Hopkins NO and NS and I am set! I was just shocked because I was never charged a thing, so it is odd to me! I am hoping they do not charge at this center, for other people's experiences...though, I can admit, in my opinion, $500 would be such a small price to pay for having my life come back!

I got a "remote second opinion" from Cleveland Clinic and didn't have to pay. I called their neuro surgery department and explained what I had and that a local NS thought that I would be a good candidate for stent surgery and that I wanted a second opinion. I didn't tell them that that same NS had done a 180 when my LP came back at a 21 under fluro. There were issues with how the LP was done, but the NS didn't want to consider that 21 for a normal BMI person might be high, so he changed his mind. The Cleveland Clinic doc reviewed the same MRV and MRI and LP's (even the 21) and said yes, he thought stents would be a good idea. I had to gather up all of the files and disks and send them to Cleveland, but the review and feedback were free. Needless to say, I had the surgery there and was very impressed with their setup.

I have good insurance...but thought I would have to pay so do you think I do not have to pay?

I am very hopeful. Do you think they would be able to help me with my encepholecele? This is the part that is frustrating for me and that I have no answers. So when they get done looking at it all, then do they call and talk to me??

I have so many questions....

:)

vnc - Good insurance is always a great thing! However, I have no insurance and never paid a thing with them...they actually referred me to their financial department and Hopkins is covering all of my bills with them as a "Charity case." I do not like being called a charity case, but I needed, and still need for my seizures, great healthcare, so I have taken it! They knew that it was needed from all of my ER visits and I had a great advocate helping me get it rolling! If it were not for that coverage, I would not have had my surgery in February and I would still be unbelievably sick...

Hold on to that hope. Can you explain to me what an encepholecele is? I read something online, but I am not completely sure I get it...I want to make sure I understand before I give you any of my opinions!

As far as I know, once they look over it, you will get a call about scheduling an appointment (or if they need more information, etc). So yeah, someone should call about an appointment!

Ask away... :)