Necessary?

[Second Opinion]

I was scheduled to be seen July 11th, at John Hopkins.
My insurance has since denied the referral- they do not want to pay for a doctor out of network, even with the clincial notes from my previous neuro.
I do however, have the option to pay out of pocket.

I met with a new neuromuscular specialists on Friday. An emg has been scheduled for next month.
I know a second opinion is always advised; therefore, pending my EMG results, is it necessary to go to a 'bigger' hospital/clinic for such?
Will another local specialist, suffice?

I am asking as I do not want to cancel my appointment, without some guidance.

 

[Nikki J]

I would want two opinions from ALS specialists who practice at a tertiary care center before accepting an ALS diagnosis. At the very least a second opinion should be at that level. We have definitely had people misdiagnosed in community settings. I don’t know if there is another option in your insurance network. There are certainly clinics in NYC that I would trust

 

[Second Opinion]

Thank you, Nikki-
To calirfy, should my next EMG confirm any sucpisons, done by the nueormuscular doctor, I would still need two additional opinions?
Mind offering the names of the NYC clinics? I assume

 

[Nikki J]

It would really depend on the credentials of the current neuro and the subsequent opinion of the next though I would do 2
I know several people who went to Columbia

 

[Second Opinion]

Thank you, again.
Besides being a neuromuscular specialists, are there any other credentials, one should have?
I will look into Columbia.

My prior post was supposed to state 'I assume my insurance would pay for a NYC clinic, as it is still NY state.

 

[Nikki J]

If you are looking at a possible ALS diagnosis it should be in the ALS clinic The neurologists there see ALS and related diseases as their regular practice When I look at a neurologist I look at where they did their residency and fellowship and for their board certification I look for a neuromuscular and or electrophysiology certification.

 

[Second Opinion]

Okay, thank you.

If you dont mind, taking a look, and if this allowed- these are her credentials.
I am just lost as to what to look for, specifically.
Are these sufficent?

Fellowship: Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center, 2018, Neuromuscular
Residency: Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center, 2017
Internship: Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center, 2014, Internal Medicine
MD: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2013
BA: Russell Sage College, 2008, Biology

 

[lgelb]

But as Nikki says, it's not just where they went to school, it's where they practice. You don't mention the center so we can't evaluate that. Also, it's the right fellowship but no note as to Board cert.

 

[Second Opinion]

Thank you, Laurie- is there any way to obtain that information?

Jenny Meyer, MD​

It looks as if she is affiliated with the following-

Neuromuscular Clinic
Upstate Health Care Center
4th Floor
90 Presidential Plaza, Syracuse, NY 13202

Upstate University Medicine
Township 5 Camillus
208 Township Blvd
Camillus, NY 13031

Electromyography Lab (EMG) at UH
Upstate University Hospital
750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210

 

[Nikki J]

If they are board certified it is usually in the same place as their other credentials. One does not have to be board certified to practice. It is separate from licensure. Some medical groups require it but not all. If you are not seeing it the doctor may not have it it looks like the bulk of her practice is non MND conditions. You definitely need another opinion if she tells you ALS. everyone deserves to have a diagnosis evaluated by someone who sees ALS as their primary focus We have had multiple misdiagnoses as I said. About ten percent of initial diagnoses of ALS are wrong

 

[Second Opinion]

Thank you.

If she tells me it is not ALS, should I feel confident?

If the EMG is indicative of anything, I should seek elsewhere?

I am really hesitant to cancel my appointment at Hopkins..

 

[Bestfriends14]

What about this one? She specializes in Lou Gehrig's disease. I don't know much are all about the U.S. healthcare system, so I'm not sure if you can see her or not.

 

[Second Opinion]

Bestfriends-
I did see she was in the same practice.
I thought about that.

Should I be concerned with her doing my EMG?
I know she does EMG's every Monday at clinic, as she mentioned that, but now I am worried that might miss something?
Sorry, I am just confused and trying to process this.
Does the concern only come if ALS is put on the table?

 

[Bestfriends14]

If she does EMGs, she works at a neuromuscular centre, and has the training to do so, I would seek her out. She would be the one to give both professional and an educated answer to if you do or do not have ALS.

 

[Second Opinion]

Bestfriends-
I was speaking of the current neurologist I am seeing there. Is that what you were speaking on?
Not the one you had sent me.
Just wanted to clarify.
My brain is on overload!