MRI in Dublin - where and how much?

RainyDay said:
I expect (though I've no inside knowledge) that VHI and BUPA have reasonable control procedures around paying for such expensive tests.
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I wouldn't be so sure. I know of several cases of (mistaken or deliberate - who knows?) duplicate billing which the insurers have automatically paid out. My mother fell foul of one with the Bon Secours in Glasnevin and the VHI seemed surprised when she bothered to inform them in an attempt to ensure that they only paid out once for each item.
 
In Charlemont clinic VHI pays straight for it. With most of the others you have to pay and then claim it back as is my experience. Remember no matter what the price it is worth it. You should get referred by the specialist and ring around all the hospitals
 
The key is to ask the right questions. Don't let anyone refer you for a test without knowing exactly why it is being done and what are the risks involved. The days of paternalistic consultants telling you what to do are gone. Best thing to do is bring a notebook with a list of questions you'd like to ask as when you get into the office, sometimes people get flustered and forget to ask.

With reference to the over-ordering of tests, doctors are like everyone - some are in it for the money and others are more altruistic. However, we are living in a very litigous society these days and doctors often find that they order tests that they mightn't have 10 years ago because of fear of 'missing something', no matter how unlikely that mey be.
 
I've been to the Charlemont Clinic for two MRIs in the last couple of months due to brain surgery. BUPA reimburse you in full for the cost which was €350 each time as long as the claim form is signed by the consultant who referred you. If you can go private I would as it frees up space for those who's only choice is public health.
 
A friend of mine just joined the VHI, saying they had a promotion that offered INSTANT cover without the normal 6 mth wait.
I got an MRI done in the Beacon that was fully covered with my BUPA. If the VHI dont have a product that covers you maybe you could join VHI and as you would have instant cover maybe one could switch.

Look into the VHI offer though as there must be something there for you. Also remember medical expenses are tax deductable.
 
there is a place in the [broken link removed] and on the northside in Northwood Park there is a place called Northwood Imaging in the building that the TLC old folks facility is
 
ClubMan said:
I wouldn't be so sure. I know of several cases of (mistaken or deliberate - who knows?) duplicate billing which the insurers have automatically paid out. My mother fell foul of one with the Bon Secours in Glasnevin and the VHI seemed surprised when she bothered to inform them in an attempt to ensure that they only paid out once for each item.
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It is unlikely to be deliberate. The management of health insurance claims is a complex process, and can involve invoices from many different parties (hospital, admitting consultant, other consultant, anaesthetist, radiologist, lab consultant, etc) If a claim has been submitted without, say an invoice form the anaesthetist, the claim will be paid. however if the anaesthetist subsequently sends invoice to insurer, there is a possibility that they take out the claim and pay it again. This has happened not infrequently, but there is no underhand activity going on.
In relation to the MRI scan, insurers will only pay for a scan if there is an approved 'clinical indication' to justify the scan. This needs to be verified by the admitting consultant ad yes, claims will be rejected if one is performed without required clinical indication being present.
 
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Is it necessary to be admitted to the hospital/clinic to have an MRI??Am waiting for an MRI appointment and have been told that they have to wait until they have a bed and can admit me.
 
I had an MRI in the Beacon Clinic Sandyfors, next day after being referred. 700 euro. Covered by BUPA - but not by my VHI
 
I had one done in Northwood Imaging in Santry Demesne, brand new place.

I had 2 sacns done, I have VHI Plan B and never saw a bill ! I did get a letter from VHI requesting confirmation the scan was done so Im happy it was not a clerical error.

They were able to see me immediately. Part of www.tlccentre.ie

just dug out the VHI form and the cost was 180 !! ( as I said I never padi a penny, now if there was an error there, shhh! )

seems a lot chepaer than the rest posted here.
 
I had MRI done on 14th Feb last and just this morning received the claim statement from VHI. It cost 249 and I had it done in Clane Private Hospital. I was referred by my GP and had an appointment within 10 days. Extremely efficient. VHI covered the MRI directly so I did not have to pay anything.
 
I was referred by a consultant for an MRI last December - initially referred to Bon Secours, Glasnevin, but found out (thanks to the appts nurse) that BUPA no longer cover that hospital for MRIs in full. I would have been stuck for the cost (€500 or so) myself - though I could add it to my normal outpatient expenses and get a partial refund.
I was re-referred to Charlemont Clinic, was seen within 2 weeks and BUPA paid directly (charge about €250 or thereabouts).
 
Sorry for dragging this up. Just wondering did anyone that got an MRI find anything new on that, they wasn't known previously.
 
VHI, Quinn and hibernian issue doctors with guidance for when they will cover a GP/ Consultant to order an MRI.
You cannot have a "reassurance" or " just in case" MRI. there have to be specific queries or specific clinical findings.
For example, back pain alone is not a criteria for an MRI, but if there are signs on examination of a nerve being impinged, the MRI will be covered.
MS, possible brain tumours, brain aneurysms, bone tumours, deranged joints are all covered. Your GP should have a boolet with these criteria, or they can be clarified over the phone with VHI.

there is an interesting statitic ( not sure if true but is an example of the overuse of imaging), that Orange County has more MRI scanners that some small european countries.
 
rob30 said:
VHI, Quinn and hibernian issue doctors with guidance for when they will cover a GP/ Consultant to order an MRI.
You cannot have a "reassurance" or " just in case" MRI. there have to be specific queries or specific clinical findings.
For example, back pain alone is not a criteria for an MRI, but if there are signs on examination of a nerve being impinged, the MRI will be covered.
MS, possible brain tumours, brain aneurysms, bone tumours, deranged joints are all covered. Your GP should have a boolet with these criteria, or they can be clarified over the phone with VHI.

there is an interesting statitic ( not sure if true but is an example of the overuse of imaging), that Orange County has more MRI scanners that some small european countries.
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You can have a "reassurance" or " just in case" MRI if you pay for it yourself !
 
If you are looking to get a MRI carried out try contacting Northwood imaging in Santry. It is located in the TLC centre. I arrived up one day with a referal letter from my doctor and got the scan done that day due to a cancellation. Either way you should not be waiting anymore then 2 days plus all you do is fill in the VHI claim form and walk away. No payment from your pocket.
 
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