That’s very strange, @jobby99. I haven’t heard of Dr. Nakaji’s office sending patients w/ IJV compression or possible compression to Dr. Cha first. We have had a few members who have been put off by his office staff rather than being “welcomed in with open arms” as others have. I guess that’s to say, there are inconsistencies w/ patient experience both w/ office staff & the doctors themselves even with the best/most experienced doctors/surgeons.
I’m sorry you were given a bit of a run around.
I agree with Isaiah, I find it strange. And I do feel it has something to do with insurance. So I am a Dr Cha patient and I am familiar with these doctors so my story may give some information? Backstory: I was diagnosed having migraine with aura 40+ years ago, all providers i saw over the years concur all the miserable symptoms everybody talks about on this site was due to these migraines, then diagnosed cervical dystonia. I was referred to Dr Cha (who is wonderful!) and I finally had answers! severe bilateral ijv compression. I was referred by her to Dr Fargen and I still have not seen him. I found Dr Nakaji by researching on this site, had my first surgery a couple months ago. And now I will be going thru imaging again advised by Dr Cha prior to my second surgery. So I am confused, because they really dont work together, unless she is referring more patients to him recently? She is also unable to view his surgical notes and appts. I know Dr Cha is scheduled out till Feb 2026. Nakajis office is still fighting with my insurance company over my surgery in May, concerning seeing that large bill still being disputed. I wish you the best trying to find care and appts, it was a very long road for myself, and still a work in process!
It’s all very confusing & frustrating! I’m glad that you were able to get one surgery @birdie1 at least & I hope the bill gets sorted!
Hi @jobby99 , sorry to hear you’ve been having some difficulty! It has also been challenging for me to get scheduled/testing done for his office. However, I was finally able to get testing scheduled for next week and depending on the results, have a tentative appointment with him next Thursday. That’s what they said at least, so I’m hoping they will honor it!
I eventually was just told to reach out to Dr. Mehta’s office in Arizona and schedule with them. I have not heard of Dr. Cha, although I briefly looked her up and she looks excellent.
It has been hard for me to get a straight forward answer with Dr. Nakaji’s office honestly (I have mostly spoken with Nicole). She had encouraged me to seek out other alternatives because my insurance was not likely to cover Dr. Nakaji. I felt I was given the run around for quite some time until I mentioned I had had another consultation with another doctor (so if things ultimately did not work out with Dr. Nakaji due to insurance, I would be okay).
With all that said, I try to remember that they are likely extremely busy and trying to work with patients from areas all over/different insurance companies, etc. It also seems only a small percentage of doctors treat these types of issues. I do wish there was more transparency though - it would save a lot of time, resources, and confusion.
Well said, @Kit_Cat. These are excellent thoughts that we need to keep in mind & I agree wholeheartedly w/ your last sentence!