Getting an AS Diagnosis/Screening in FL? Where?

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superuser
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11 Jan 2011, 10:22 am

Hello, Sorry my first post is a request for help. I am having difficulty finding where one could get screen for AS in Florida. South West preferably. The places I call and have been referred to by my doctor and personal research seem to not screen for AS. Thank you.



superuser
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11 Jan 2011, 11:43 am

Sorry I may have posted this in the wrong subsection. :) Call me Newbie.



wefunction
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11 Jan 2011, 11:53 am

Depending on your insurance, you will probably need a referral from your primary care physician. Your doctor will give you one, don't worry. Just explain your symptoms and your suspicions. Then you need to find a psychiatrist that accepts your insurance. The initial appointment may be a wait. Psychiatric care in Southwest Florida isn't immediate unless you're checking yourself into a facility. I know because I live here. If you have Medicaid, it will be a longer wait than with a private practicing psychiatrist accepting private insurance. I think you have to go to the health department...? I'm not sure. But you just have to wait it out until your appointment. Next, in your initial appointment with the psychiatrist, you have to keep in mind that you aren't ordering lunch. You can't tell the doctor how to examine you. Share your concerns, talk about yourself, and become comfortable with your doctor. The doctor will proceed how s/he believes is best for you. That may not include a scan for AS at that time. Be open. Also make sure any medications you are prescribed are covered by your insurance before leaving the office to avoid any delays at the pharmacy. Accept free samples when they're offered.



superuser
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11 Jan 2011, 12:05 pm

Thanks, I know I can get the Doc referral. So my next step is "you need to find a psychiatrist". Insurance is not an issue as if they have an issue with paying for the screening, I will pay out of pocket.

Let me run with this. Thanks for the insight.