Re: Re: Just been diagnosed with PF

[Guest guest]

Ray-- any insurance questions should be asked of the insurance companies, so you will know exactly what you are dealing with

also, sometimes the hospital or doctor that you see will tell you which insurances they have contracts with

if UVA has a good lung tx center, then it probably has a good IDL department

if it is closer, you might want to consider a visit there

make some phone calls to see what your best options are

Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania

Donate Life Listed 1/09

www.transplantfund.org---

Subject: Re: Just been diagnosed with PFTo: Breathe-Support Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 7:15 PM

Thank you all again for your replies. The reports from x-rays says slight progression from 2005 to 2008 but this was only x-rays. I just don't know how the insurance works. If I go first to the local pulmonologist would that have any effects on my insurance covering the costs if I also went to Duke.What you all have said makes sense. It is a rare disease and the local pulmonologists probably would not have enough experience to give me the best care available. Duke is about 3.5 hours away. I live in Chesapeake, VA right outside of Norfolk and VA Beach. I am not aware of any PF specialists at the Medical Center in Richmond, VA. I am also not aware of any at UVA but did read UVA had the best lung transplant success rate in the world. My decision would be to go the the local guy and then make an appointment with Duke. I just do not want to stump my toe with the insurance issue by going to the local guy first.Anyone know

how insurance works in a case like mine?

[Guest guest]

Kathleen... let's hope answers are found for those who come after us. We have newbies join on a regular basis.

MamaSher; 70, IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Just been diagnosed with PF

Thank you all for the rapid replies. After being told I had PF I immediately went on the internet and what the sites I've seen have had to say about the desease is horrible. Is the desease as bad as what is posted online? I mean could it take me away from here in the next few years?