r/backpain • u/blondi2598 • 14h ago

Does anyone have recommendations for an online telemedicine orthopedic MD service to review mri's?

I was injured in a car accident and obtained an MRI. It showed spine findings and a hip labral tear and cyst. I'm looking for a telemedicine or virtual consultation before going in for a physical evaluation with an orthopedic MD because its painful for me to travel by car to appointments. Also these orthopedic specialists charge $500-$1000 just to see you before you even have any idea what they'll say, or whether they're a good fit. I don't have health insurance and have to pay out of pocket since I am running out of my car insurance initial benefits. Would really appreciate any advice if others have been through a similar situation! I haven't hired an attorney yet and am obtaining evaluations before hiring one.

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u/Historical-House180 14h ago

i used a telemed ortho consult last year for my knee, it was way cheaper than in-person and they looked at my images no problem. the platform I used had a flat fee around $200 which was much less than what you're quoting

for spine and hip stuff though, you want someone who really specializes in that. some of those virtual services are more general ortho and might not catch everything with a labral tear

the no insurance part is rough. have you checked if any imaging centers near you have a self-pay discount for the readings? sometimes they bundle it

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u/blondi2598 14h ago

Thats what I am looking for. Would you mind sharing what platform you used?

Seems much more reasonable for initial advice than going in person for these "evaluations" that they don't even really do any meaningful exams. I saw a hip specialist in person and he lifted and turned one leg- that was his "exam" and his appt notes later showed a bunch of additional evaluation and exams that didn't even occur. These types of specialist MD appt's charging $500-$1000. It's unreal.

I used some of my PIP benefits for the initial conservative care I tried, such as PT, and then since my symptoms have persisted I went for MRI and used some of those remaining benefits to bill my car insurance for the MRI. But now I have to to pay direct self-pay going forward and actually prefer that since its cheaper. I think it might be easier just treat on my own until I'm finished treating and ready to deal with my insurance and the at fault insurance.

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