'negatives' ARE GOOD!

As for spinal surgery, I've not a clue. It could be that doc doesn't do surgery or his condition isn't bad enough to deal with the risks it entails. It is invasive surgery without doubt.

I just hope for your sake [you have to live with the dear, after all] that they don't just toss up the hands and say 'Live with it'. Not acceptable!

Just a word of warning tho: Quest diagnostics in CA will probably file the claim w/your insurance in that state, so you will probably get a 'Not in our File' claim rejection. Call your local Plan's office and be prepared to spend a few hours on HOLD until you get someone who can actually work it out. When My work went there for testing....it took about 5 months to get it all clicking in the right places. A stressor we don't need, shouldn't have to deal with, but IT HAPPENS. Keep all those papers and EOB's in one place handy to cite off claim#'s etc to sort it out.

Good holiday thoughts and hugs for the interim - j