A member asked:

I was told in 2003 i have a tumor in my spine, inside my spinal cord, grafted to my nrainstem over the past 9 yrs the tumor has grown the entire length of my spine and has increased in size alot, i currently don't have any insurance and haven't had an mri

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Monica Wood answered

Specializes in Hand Surgery

Honestly, : Honestly, the best way to get to a doctor is to have insurance. With a spinal cord tumor, the evaluation and treatment are very expensive. There are a lot of costs besides the physician fees and few facilities can "eat" such large costs these days. Without insurance, you are essentially untouchable. Paying out-of-pocket is unrealistic as it will be very costly. After 9 years, it is not an emergency, so a hospital er has no obligation to treat you. The health department might give you some direction, but they are typically back-logged. How do you get covered for something that's a pre-existing condition? That's a good question. You can apply for your state's medicaid. They will have some access to the subspecialists you need. Can your fiance(e?) put you on his/her insurance? Sometimes there is a waiting period before pre-existing conditions are covered, but you can get access to more physicians that way. It sounds like your symptoms are progressing to where you may be paralyzed and/or lose control of your bowel and bladder. Whatever route you decide to take, do it very soon!

Answered 10/3/2016

5.3k views

Thank

Related Questions

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more