u/cloudninexo

I've gotten the blood work and shown HLA-B27, progressive scalp psoriasis (that's been spreading to every little corners of my body) and SI xrays that indicated erosion (xray conclusion: Degenerative spurring and subchondral sclerosis noted at the sacroiliac joints was determined from the xrays).

Been put on Skyrizi for a month and psoriasis seems to be clearing but not sure if it's made impact on joints yet due to a flare up still leaving me in pain. I think my doctor made the conclusion given my skin and bloodwork but any chance of Anklosing Spondolitis/axial spondyloarthritis and necessitating an MRI? Years ago I got an MRI during a flare-up and it's indicated a major disc herniation at L5-S1 joint so my condition was resolved as that for the longest. But it's been expressed as axial joint pain throughout my life with the way I end up limping and have to crawl to the bathroom on my worst days). I'm seeing my rheum again and want to express interest in getting a scan done to solidly conclude my condition and make sure I'm on the path to remission longterm with the right biologic.

My rheum that operates in a hospital wrote me a script to the hospital imaging facility one floor below that was good for the day. I wrongfully assumed that it was in network and priced within the realm of seeing my specialist. Nope it was billed as outpatient and priced as stated. Anthem said thats their contracted billable rate, the hospitals billing department offered a measly 10% pay it off now discount. I'm above the federal poverty level that qualifies for their financial assistance but this shock level of bill sickens me and was not what I agreed to when I needed some xrays. I would've opted to an imaging facility for literally 1/10th the price. What options are there? Consistently fight with billing over the phone? Keep offering a flat $300 to settle this bill? Wait until they push it towards collections and settle it for a lower rate? Absolutely atrocious how this system is played out