Posted by BekkaH on May 5, 2003, at 19:48:09
In reply to Re: SPECT scans » BekkaH, posted by Dinah on May 4, 2003, at 19:07:46
Dinah,
Is there a major medical center or medical school near you? If so, they might have neuropsychiatrists on staff. I might be wrong, but I think there are very few separate departments of neuropsychiatry around the country. There is no separate department of neuropsychiatry at the hospital where I had the scan, but there are neurologists and psychiatrists that work in BOTH the neurology and psychiatry departments. It might take a lot of time on the phone, but perhaps you could call those departments and ask whether there is someone who specializes in SPECT scans and other types of brain imaging. When I had the scan, the procedure was done in the nuclear medicine department, so you might try calling that department, too. If you do call, try to speak with a physician because I found that some of the people on the office staff didn't know what I was talking about.
As far the the cost of the SPECT scan, my insurance did pay for it, but my doctor had to spend an enormous amount of time convincing them that it was necessary.
Yes, I do believe that my SPECT scan yielded results that were useful in my treatment, but I think SPECT scans are most useful when done in conjunction with other types of testing.
Are you familiar with the Castle Connolly Guide to the "Top Doctors in America"? I got a copy at Border's, but I've also seen it in my local library. You can check for the most highly regarded neurologists near your town. I have come across some doctors listed in that guide that I did not consider "top notch," but at least it's a place to start.
If you are unable to find someone in your area, then the Amen Clinic might be the best place. If you do decide to go there, perhaps you and your family can turn the trip into a mini vacation, so at least you can have some fun when you're up there!
poster:BekkaH
thread:221112
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030407/msgs/224577.html