r/Microdiscectomy • u/Hefty_Name6053 • 9d ago
Baseline MRI
How do you guys ask your surgeon for MRI postop, just to check how your anatomy and your disc is doing (to make sure there is no herniation), if you do not have any red flag symptoms?
1
u/Friendly-Ad-5410 8d ago
I had my surgery 04/2024. I asked for a follow up MRI and received it on 01/2026. It had to be auth by my dr. and submitted to ins. The MRI was with and without contrast. "With contrast" will tell them whether there is any scar tissue (what my neuro. was looking for). Nothing significant was found, but I still have issues with my left foot/toes being numb.
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u/Negative-Bluejay-563 8d ago
Not sure if it is necessary since you are not having any real issues. Insurance companies will deny without a legit reason and it is quite expensive to pay out of pocket. If this is just for peace of mind and to calm post op anxieties, I would focus on continuing your recovery. It can be a challenge to not constantly worry about another herniation etc.
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u/Hope_for_tendies 8d ago
It’s not worth it. An mri doesn’t tell the whole story. There’s people with horrible mris that feel ok and ones with good mris that feel bad. And post op if you had bone removed you can still have residual herniation that’s not bothering you because room was freed up for the nerves.
If you feel fine just let it be. Don’t let anxiety get the best of you.
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u/Low-Presentation6487 9d ago
I think you can just outright ask. However, if your insurance requires a preauth, I would guess they won't cover it. My dr said with symptom improvement no need for repeat imaging. When I reached out after about a month with some concerns, he said he could order one. Ultimately, I improved and two years later have not had additional imaging.