pre op testing question

Hi everyone,

I have my surgery date!!  It's November 17th.  Since I am 59, they scheduled me for a Cardiac Clearance.  So when I called Dr. See's office today, the billing girl said it was not covered under St. Vincent's pre-op testing.  Since I am a cash payer, that means I will be paying for that $300 - $500 consult.  I assumed there would be a treadmill I would also be paying for.  That is all good and fine.  She also said that sometimes he does "nuclear" testing.  I was shocked.  That will cost thousands.  I have had a nuclear treadmill (Myoview) a couple years ago and there is nothing wrong with my heart.  I think nuclear testing is a little extreme for a pre surgery requirement.  So my question is, has anyone ever had to have a cardiac clearance or hear of anyone having anything nuclear?  I'm getting all my records from my cardiologist so I can show him what I have had.  Maybe I am panicking over nothing.  The appointment is just 9 days before my surgery.

Thanks, Pam

I dont have any information to offer but wanted to say Good Luck with your surgery!

Kim

Hi!  Thanks Kim.  I appreciate the thoughts.  I'm really looking forward to changing my life for the better.  Pam

 Wow, that's rough news.  I hope it works out so you don't have to pay that.  

Hi!  I have calmed down about it.  I got all my records from my cardiologist here and it specifically says there is nothing wrong with my heart.  I have chronic Chostocondritis (arthritis of the chest).  So when it is bad (chest pain), everyone thinks I am having a heart attack.  I've had 3 nuclear tests and they were all normal.  (my insurance paid for those because of the diagnoses "chest pain".)  So if he wants nuclear, I am going to really persuade him not too. I'll really be glad when I get past that day (Nov. 8th - testing and exam) and get my surgery (Nov. 17th).  I'm going to my all day NUT/Nurse class this Thursday.  I'm excited about that.  My daughter is having RNY Nov. 3rd so I'll be with her in the hospital and that should make my surgery a lot easier.  I won't  have that "fear of the unknown" factor going on.  Thanks for your encouragement. 

Hi there!  Can you tell me what tests/classes you had to have after insurance approved you and before you actually have the rny??  What is an upper GI or gastro-something test?  Thanks!!  Laura

HI!  It doesn't matter if you have insurance or not.  I am self pay. At St. Vincents anyway I think everyone is required to get all the same tests.  None of the actual tests are scheduled until you get your surgery date except for the psych eval.

 I assume you went to the information class to get your insurance to approve.  You also have to have a Psychiatric exam.  I did mine the same day as my initial information class. All the pre testing is pretty uniform.  If you are over 50, you need a cardiology clearance which they schedule.  I'm not exactly sure of everything they do but this is what I know.  Upper GI (you swollow special liquid while standing in front of an x-ray machine.)  This will show them your entire upper digestive system including whether or not you have a hiatal hernia. (Just Google Upper GI and it will explain what it is).  You also get an EKG, Bloodwork, chest  x-ray, and test for H-Pylori.  All of it will be pretty easy.  You will get a physical by one of their internists unless you are over 50, then it will be a Cardiologist.   I met a woman Thursday at my all day nutritionist/nurse class and she went for her cardiology consult and said it was a piece of cake.  No other testing was required from him.  So that made me feel a lot better.  Hopefully I will breeze thru the pre testing on November 8th. 

You have to do an all day class. This is scheduled after you get your date.   Half is with the nurses and half is with the nutritionist.  It is very informative about everything.  

Hope this helps.  Pam

Thank you Pam!!  I'll Google the upper gi.  Laura