[lindsayshealth]

Seems like Dr. Collins is the most thorough diagnostician to those w/TOS.

I really, really want to see him since my doctor said he heard a bruit, pulse diminishes, then it didn't show on the ultrasound, so he just said, "well, we can't treat it if we don't know where the compression is". So now I'm just stuck suffering...ugh.

So for those of you who saw him, what did you have to have in order to see him? Did you have to have a definite TOS dx, or did you just call and make an appointment w/him? I don't care if it's covered by insurance, I just want my life back.

**I also saw that one of the docs in CO has the same materials to dx as Collins, any one who has seen that doc, please reply. Thank you!!!

[Eight]

Just call and make an appointment. Get their fax number. Have all your doctors fax your records before your appointment. If you want to make sure your insurance pays for it get a referral from your regular doctor (can be done after you schedule an appointment) ask dr. Collins office if they accept your insurance company. Give them insurance info over the phone when scheduling and they may check for any special testing that might require a per authorization.

[kellysf]

I saw Collins for a second opinion and he was great -- very thorough. However, my surgeon didn't even look at Dr. Collins' report.

If you are considering surgery, you might want to see what kind of CT or MRI scans he/she wants to do. Otherwise, you may be paying out of pocket for something that is not used. Dr. Collins' MRI was $10,000 ten years ago.

[Jomar]

I agree with Kelly,
Most TOS specialists all have they're own preferred testing and often don't use others results..

[lindsayshealth]

Hmm...just seems like he is able to see SO SO much w/his testing vs. the docs I see who just say they can't figure out where the compression is coming from, so I feel stuck - like, "something's wrong, we agree, but can't figure it out, so can't do anything about it". Just not sure what other options I have, but I am open to ideas and advice.

I guess another concern would be that Collins's imaging would show compression + TOS, whereas if I then took his info to a local surgeon, they may say, "ok, but it doesn't show up on my imaging". Then I'm back where I started. AHHHHHHHHH

[lindsayshealth]

Originally Posted by Eight

Just call and make an appointment. Get their fax number. Have all your doctors fax your records before your appointment. If you want to make sure your insurance pays for it get a referral from your regular doctor (can be done after you schedule an appointment) ask dr. Collins office if they accept your insurance company. Give them insurance info over the phone when scheduling and they may check for any special testing that might require a per authorization.

Did you see him??

[Eight]

Originally Posted by lindsayshealth

Did you see him??

I didn't see him, but have the same experience with local doctors just looking baffled at me. I go trying to get some kind of treatment and they say, "Yep, you have thoracic outlet syndrome."

I spent years upon years getting this kind of treatment. My statement is regarding how I actually got to see tos specialists. Local surgeons where I am have refused to do surgery for me time and time again. All in all it is probably good, because they really don't have experience in this area.

Oh, I forgot one important thing. Also call your insurance company to make sure that this doctor is REALLY in your netwok!

[lindsayshealth]

Oh, ok thanks.

What is special/different about Collins' equipment vs just regular doctors with MRI/MRV?

[JR1977]

I had ATOS diagnosed by Dr. Thompson at Barnes Jewish Hospital. He was very thorough in his assessment, and I trusted his diagnosis and treatment plan completely after going through the tests and reviewing the results with him. It worked well for me to have the same person do the diagnosis and surgery. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend considering doing a consultation with Dr. Thompson.
I wish you all the best!

[lindsayshealth]

Thanks! Were you bilateral ATOS? Did you have c-ribs?