I am a 68 year old female. Recently I had a doppler ultrasound and angiogram test done which showed my right leg to have "severe claudication"(arterial plaque). Afterwards, he vascular doctor breezed in and said there was nothing they could do for me. Somewhat dismissively. I asked couldn't I have angioplasty done and he said that because I have built up considerable peripheral blood vessels to feed the leg he would be afraid it would destroy those.
I am in another state now, at my AZ winter home, and made an appointment for a complete physical with a recommended woman doctor. I wanted also to get a referral to a vascular doctor for a second opinion. I went to pick up papers to fill out and as told they do not take "Medicare Advanage," which I switched over to last year from Medicare A & B. I am switching back on he 15th of this month, although it will not take effect until 1/1/2010.
I have learned that many doctors will not accept this coverage due to slow paying. Now I'm wondering if the first vascular doctor was scared off by my insurance.
I know that angioplasty, stents, bypasses and/or crossovers on problems like mine are done every day and I find it hard to accept that nothing can be done for me. I'm not crippled by the PAD; I can walk quite a distance, although I do have to stop and rest about every 1/2 block due to the calf pain. I'm concerned because I read this can lead to eventual strokes and/or heart attacks.
Help. I need answers.
I am in another state now, at my AZ winter home, and made an appointment for a complete physical with a recommended woman doctor. I wanted also to get a referral to a vascular doctor for a second opinion. I went to pick up papers to fill out and as told they do not take "Medicare Advanage," which I switched over to last year from Medicare A & B. I am switching back on he 15th of this month, although it will not take effect until 1/1/2010.
I have learned that many doctors will not accept this coverage due to slow paying. Now I'm wondering if the first vascular doctor was scared off by my insurance.
I know that angioplasty, stents, bypasses and/or crossovers on problems like mine are done every day and I find it hard to accept that nothing can be done for me. I'm not crippled by the PAD; I can walk quite a distance, although I do have to stop and rest about every 1/2 block due to the calf pain. I'm concerned because I read this can lead to eventual strokes and/or heart attacks.
Help. I need answers.