Anyone have a recommended Dr/Hospital for back issues?

[fitz19d]

Think I had a post griping about my back and/or leg I hurt. Been getting worse and going to go ahead and have it looked at. Talking to others elsewhere pretty much assuming a burst/slipped disk.

Usually I avoid Dr's and self care. So now I'm scared to even try and figure out who to choose to look at me. (Don't want a long run around or of course the dreaded messed me up even more)

[newracer]

The surgeon I recently saw and ended up having surgery with was very good but I think it might be a little far for you.

[fitz19d]

Pretty much in the state/cheyenne would be fine. I already drive 100 miles for work.

[newracer]

This is who I saw. https://www.orthohealth.com/staff/bill-biggs-md/

He was very conservative and wanted me to try all the other options before resorting to surgery.

The first surgeon I saw wanted to just go ahead with a major surgery right away. I ended up with a much less evasive surgery and am 99% pain and symptom free now.

[rondog]

Colorado Comprehensive Spine Institute in Englewood. Dr. Frey if you can, but he's #1, you'll likely have to be eval'd first by others.

[fitz19d]

Looking like choices might not matter. Called one that was highly reviewed mixed with a recommendation I got. ... Booked till jan 16....

Kicking myself for not trying to get it seen a month or two ago before it started getting worse.

[fportmen45]

Any chance of getting in sooner for a cortisone shot to hold you over a bit?

[fitz19d]

Don't know anything about it. Just a general practice likely to have that? Was slow going since the aetna site loads crazy slow. Found someone else that hopefully is good and close. I can get in on the 8th to do initial checkin with the PA and get imaging done, then a few weeks later the actual surgery doc if they think i need that.

Getting worse just thru the course of today has me wishing for some spare percs or oxy.

At the least the silver lining is maybe looking at my benefits, to my untrained eye it does seem pretty good? At least compared to the garbage at my old job.

Plan coinsurance 90%
1k Deduct, 3k max out of pocket (this is the one I was scared since Ive seen others with big bills that ignore this?)
Inpatient hospital/ER 90%
And other boring stuff. On other hand it's a fortune to get my wife on it. (Like 700/m)

[rondog]

Any chance of getting in sooner for a cortisone shot to hold you over a bit?

Spinal cortisone injections are tricky, usually done with live xray so they can see where the needle is, and not usually much fun. I've had a few. They're also usually done as part of the diagnosis, the results you report and how long it lasts are a good indicator of what the problem could be. Along with an MRI, also a good time.....

But yes, the sooner you can be seen the better. Sometimes seeing a GP helps, because they'll do xrays and a recommendation from one can get you seen by a specialist a little sooner.

[newracer]

The main thing is you need to get in for a MRI ASAP.