Dr. Willem Zeegers in Germany - Fee for film review?

**rebeccawlaw** · 10-15-2010, 05:00 PM

Hello all,

I spoke to Dr. Zeegers for the first time this morning. After a review of my initial questionnaire, he wants me to send him my myelogram films. But before he'll review my films he wants me to wire $240 Euros to his bank account. Also, he says if I agree to let him review my films, I have to stop talking to other surgeons (because he says I can only have one "captain of my ship").

Dr. Zeegers sounded very knowledgeable on the phone and I would love for him to try to help me, but the fee makes me a little uneasy. I know that doctors have to make money, but don't surgeons usually do the initial film review for no charge?

Can someone please tell me about your experience with Dr. Zeegers? Is this fee normal?

Thanks!

**KBear** · 10-15-2010, 05:09 PM

From my understanding some do it for free, while others charge up to $400. I've never heard of them asking you not to seek more opinions, but honestly that doesn't surprise me. I never sent off films, so I just know what others have said. I'm sure some of the others that have actually done this will pipe in with experiences.

**Cindylou** · 10-15-2010, 05:27 PM

Hi Rebecca,

Kathy is correct. Some do, some don't charge. Dr. Bertagnoli also charges and I sent him a fee somewhere around the price of yours, also to a bank account of Dr. B.'s, so sounds very much on the up and up. Dr. Zeeger's has an excellent reputation, fyi, to my understanding. I haven't heard of the "stop talking to other surgeons," but what I do think makes alot of sense that he may be trying to communicate and perhaps it got lost in the translation is......eventually, after you seek your multiple opinions and you are in decision making mode of a surgeon then and only then, you really do need just 1 quarterback in your corner, not multiples. That may be what he is trying to say. "If you trust me, then listen to me, and let me be your quarterback." Often times, looking back, I think I had too many quarterbacks, because I was desperate for someone, anyone, everyone, to tell me what was causing my pain and equally desperate for all of them to make it all go away. That is the biggest mistake I believe I made. Too many cooks in the kitchen. Of course, hindsight is just that. Hindsight. I wish you only the best. Keep us posted on how things work out for you. We care. Cindylou

**trkdoc714** · 10-17-2010, 10:28 AM

It's disturbing that second opinions are being discouraged just by reviewing films.

As I see it, WE are the captains of our respective ships. If we're not comfortable with an opinion, I think more opinions help clear the picture. I had 5 opinions (6 if you count Rudy the mailman) before I had a clear indication of the direction I needed to go.

Bob

**helmut** · 10-17-2010, 12:42 PM

I was kind of holding my tounge at first when I read that but I also agree that if a surgeon makes that sort of statement at such an early stage of involvement then I find that alarming.

Never give up your own instincts about your condition.

Isn't Zeegers supposedly the surgeon who has removed "all those" M6's?

**jss** · 10-17-2010, 10:18 PM

Rebecca,

By any criteria Dr Zeeger's credentials are BEYOND question. If you get an opinion from him I would certainly encourage you to weigh it in your decision. As far as his request to stop talking to other surgeons... (you've got to be kidding)

With his eminent credentials I would certainly encourage you to obtain and weigh his opinion in making your treatment decisions. But he isn't God, and he can't tell you to stop researching your condition and treatment options any more than I can tell you what to wear to work tomorrow. Get his opinion, weigh it, and use him or don't.

Good luck!

Jeff

**Hooch** · 10-17-2010, 10:40 PM

medkiozk.com

Don't see how you can argue with that.

**rebeccawlaw** · 10-27-2010, 01:14 PM

Thanks all. I think I've decided to get a few more opinions here in the US (where it's covered by my insurance) before I spend money outside the country. Although I did go to a neurosurgeon today in Chicago (where I live) who recommended going outside the country. I think it's very very progressive (and impressive) for a surgeon to recommend someone other than himself!

Rebecca