Need Dr for autoimmune disorders

I was referred to a rheumatologist for my positive test on lupus anticoagulant. The dr that i was referred to does not accept my insurance and his office visits are $250.00. I called my dr and he doesnt know of any other rheumatologists that deal with this problem. I called the rheumatologists office again (dr tan in smithtown) and asked the receptionist if he works with any one else - a hospital hes affiliated with--- i got no where.
Im sure what i have is not uncommon but i cannot find a dr to treat me. I was told by my dr that i would need to go on bloodthinners (lovenox) after i get a positive beta but need to be monitored by a rheumatologist.
If anyone can give me any direction id greatly appreciate it
TIA!!

update i called Northshore Rheumatology and they deal with this problem - yes they treat it but they dont accept my insurance either and its $375.00 and up an office visit

Message edited 1/13/2009 9:58:30 AM.

Re: Need Dr for autoimmune disorders

Lupus is a common disease among women and sometimes can be life threatening, I would think your insurance company would be able to connect you with a specialist in your area.

Good luck to you, my aunt has lupus but she's in SC so I'm no help dr wise.

Best of luck to you

Re: Need Dr for autoimmune disorders

I was in a very similar situation a few months back... As part of some routine bloodwork we discovered a positive ANA. My OB re-ran the test to be thorough and it came back pos again and this time with a higher concentration 1:640. He referred me to Dr Kaplan (a rheumatologist) in Hewlett - there are several dr's in this practice so maybe one takes your insurance... Dr Kaplan re-ran the ANA as well as a TON more tests and everything came back normal all of a sudden! We are still keeping an eye on things and I will revisit him in a few months to rerun some test. A positive ANA does NOT mean Lupus - I was terribly freaked out by this possibility but was reassured several times that it could be something else all together...

The problem with going to a dr that doesn't accept your insurance is that labs won't be covered and I think that is the big issue... If the only problem were paying the $200 office visit that wouldn't be so bad but they will surely run a ton of tests and that will add up!

HTH!

Re: Need Dr for autoimmune disorders

Re: Need Dr for autoimmune disorders

Also look into Dr. Rumore in Smithtown. He is a great doctor and I never have a problem getting an appointment. I have a connective tissue disorder and clotting. So I was seeing reumatology and hematology. Now I just see reumatology and a peri when pregnant. The peri prescibes my Lovenox and monitors my pregnancy.

Re: Need Dr for autoimmune disorders

I see Dr. Frederick Ast in NYC-I have RA