This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Has anyone in Canada been able to get through anywhere to get MRV testing? I've heard 'no' everywhere I've asked so far. Not giving up. I'm willing to go to our neighbours over the border and pay to get one done. Ideas? Suggestions?
hope you're all having a nice day!
best wishes!

Hi Annad,
We live in the Niagara penninsula. On Tues we asked our neurologist for requistion to have CCSVI-MRI done in the Buffalo. Within two hours we had call from Kenmore Mercy hospital. We are having test on Mon am next. The people looking after booking are Don/ Bev Hamilton-Smith and they can be reached at 905-615-7740. They require a requisition from your GP, Neurologist, or specialist----fax them at 905-615-7741.
I expect the app't can be set up within the week.
The Hamilton-Smith's are connected as consultatants to the hospital [Seton Imaging] and are held in high regard.
Hope this helps a bit----good luck
Chuck123

Hi again Annad
Further to my last post re the Hamilton-Smith consulting business they are associated with Seton Imaging [three locations around Buffalo] and more information can be found at www.mridhs.com
Good luck,
Chuck 123

Chuck is it being covered by OHIP?

Hi Rainbolt,
I do not expect to be re-imbursed from OHIP, however we have not made claim at this time because things are happening so quickly.
Chuck123

I hope I posted this where it's suppose to be posted. . .

My neighbour had an MRI done a few years ago in Buffalo and hers was covered by OHIP. Not sure if it was because she couldn't get in here and it was urgent or what the case was but I guess it doesn't hurt to try. The worst they could say is, no. Keep your papers, notes etc. and submit them.

good luck!

Thanks Anna, and a special thanks for the info you sent re MRV versus MRA a couple of days ago. That was invaluable.
Have a good day.
Chuck

TY to both of you, money is too tight for us right now to do it without OHIP so will see if I can get it here and if not try and get done through OHIP there - Thanks so much for the info

Canadians should be aware that if they go south for medical treatment that is NOT covered by public or private health insurance, there MAY be beneficial tax consequences.

If a medical service is not available locally (and that can mean not available within a reasonable time-frame) then the atual cost of the medical procedure, the cost of public transportation, accomodation and meals are all included in your medical claim for tax purposes.

The actual calculation is (((Total Medical Expenses - (3% x Net Income)) x 15%) = Tax Credit (Non-Refundable).

Anyone who does go this route should keep all bills/receipts & a travel log. You should also have your tax return prepared by a professional for the year you are making such a claim.

That's awesome info Oreo - ty

Now the Catch-22 here is it's not considered "necessary" SO what would a "reasonable time" be on something like that... could be a sticky wicket...

Hi everyone, As previously posted, we have a 16 year old daughter who has just been diagnosed. Prior to beginning a drug treatment, we are hoping to have her scanned for CCSVI. We have spoken with Don Hamilton at Hamilton Smith Consulting (as per a previous post by Anned) and understand that we could fly to Toronto, drive to Buffalo and have the scan done within days. This seems too easy, in light of all the barriers we have encountered in the last few days, regarding getting the scan. Does anyone have any further information or know something we may not? We live near Halifax, Nova Scotia, and there are no scans available here at the present time.
It was explained to me by Don Hamilton that the procedure done is an MRI of the carotid vein, an MRV of the juggler vein and an MRV of the azygous vein. Not doppler like Zambobi. We are trying to get any info we can as to whether this is legitimate. Thanks! We feel time is of the essence, but also need to proceed cautiously. Annad...have you had your scan done? May I inquire as to the results and the next steps?

Hi Amc,
I can totally understand your need for urgency for your daughter and sincerely sypathize.
Last Monday, we [Dear Wife], had two scans done and are going back this coming Monday for final scan.
At this time there was NO abnormalities based on the first scans and frankly we do not expect to see change next Monday but who knows.
If you can hold off for a few more days, I will supply you the results
Don is reputable.
I will e-mail privately and giveyou my phone and e-mail address so as to allow us to speak more directly.
Hope this helps a bit,
Chuck123

Thanks for that Chuck123. Look forward to hearing your progress. Good luck.

Hi Amc,
Please check your account on your page for private message I sent yesterday.
Chuck

Hi Chuck123, I have checked my messages and my inbox is empty. I am new to the 'forum' world so very well may be missing something. Please post again. Thanks.