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PET still best?
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PET still best?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › PET still best?

  • Post
    • June 12, 2012 at 6:53 pm
    LibbyinVA
    Participant
      Just wondering…is PET scan still the best for determining metastasis of melanoma? It’s been a while since I have done my homework in this area. If this is still true, does anyone have any suggestions on appealing insurance company denial of a PET scan?

      Just wondering…is PET scan still the best for determining metastasis of melanoma? It’s been a while since I have done my homework in this area. If this is still true, does anyone have any suggestions on appealing insurance company denial of a PET scan?

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • June 13, 2012 at 5:50 pm
        awillett1991
        Participant
          My understanding is that it is not standard. Your docs office may be able to write a letter of medical necessity to the ins company and refute their denial.
            • June 13, 2012 at 11:10 pm
            LibbyinVA
            Participant
              Just curious…what is the standard? Thanks for your help!
              • June 14, 2012 at 3:52 am
              Janner
              Participant

                The standard is different at every location when it comes to scans.  Some scan regularly.  Other major melanoma centers only scan stage III AND stage IV if there are symptoms.  It's one of the most controversial and money making aspects of care.  Overall, scans haven't been shown to increase survival which is why some major centers don't use them unless there are symptoms.  Each type of scan has it plusses and minuses – I'd discuss the topic with your doctor and he can recommend the best type for you.  As far out as you are from diagnosis, it will probably be harder to convince both a doctor and an insurance company that you need a scan.  The first two years are considered the highest risk and 7 years NED lowers your risk considerably.

                • June 14, 2012 at 5:34 pm
                LibbyinVA
                Participant

                  Thanks so much…the insurance question was actually for a new friend who has just recurred after 6 years.  He will find your attached link so helpful.  I am in awe of  what you and Carver put together…it helped me so much when I had questions. Thank you so much for everything you do for all of us!

                  • June 14, 2012 at 5:34 pm
                  LibbyinVA
                  Participant

                    Thanks so much…the insurance question was actually for a new friend who has just recurred after 6 years.  He will find your attached link so helpful.  I am in awe of  what you and Carver put together…it helped me so much when I had questions. Thank you so much for everything you do for all of us!

                    • June 14, 2012 at 5:34 pm
                    LibbyinVA
                    Participant

                      Thanks so much…the insurance question was actually for a new friend who has just recurred after 6 years.  He will find your attached link so helpful.  I am in awe of  what you and Carver put together…it helped me so much when I had questions. Thank you so much for everything you do for all of us!

                      • June 14, 2012 at 3:52 am
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        The standard is different at every location when it comes to scans.  Some scan regularly.  Other major melanoma centers only scan stage III AND stage IV if there are symptoms.  It's one of the most controversial and money making aspects of care.  Overall, scans haven't been shown to increase survival which is why some major centers don't use them unless there are symptoms.  Each type of scan has it plusses and minuses – I'd discuss the topic with your doctor and he can recommend the best type for you.  As far out as you are from diagnosis, it will probably be harder to convince both a doctor and an insurance company that you need a scan.  The first two years are considered the highest risk and 7 years NED lowers your risk considerably.

                        • June 14, 2012 at 3:52 am
                        Janner
                        Participant

                          The standard is different at every location when it comes to scans.  Some scan regularly.  Other major melanoma centers only scan stage III AND stage IV if there are symptoms.  It's one of the most controversial and money making aspects of care.  Overall, scans haven't been shown to increase survival which is why some major centers don't use them unless there are symptoms.  Each type of scan has it plusses and minuses – I'd discuss the topic with your doctor and he can recommend the best type for you.  As far out as you are from diagnosis, it will probably be harder to convince both a doctor and an insurance company that you need a scan.  The first two years are considered the highest risk and 7 years NED lowers your risk considerably.

                          • June 13, 2012 at 11:10 pm
                          LibbyinVA
                          Participant
                            Just curious…what is the standard? Thanks for your help!
                            • June 13, 2012 at 11:10 pm
                            LibbyinVA
                            Participant
                              Just curious…what is the standard? Thanks for your help!
                            • June 13, 2012 at 5:50 pm
                            awillett1991
                            Participant
                              My understanding is that it is not standard. Your docs office may be able to write a letter of medical necessity to the ins company and refute their denial.
                              • June 13, 2012 at 5:50 pm
                              awillett1991
                              Participant
                                My understanding is that it is not standard. Your docs office may be able to write a letter of medical necessity to the ins company and refute their denial.
                            Viewing 2 reply threads
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