Your experience regarding PET scans

Last year I had 2 PET scans within 6 month period. One for the sentinel node biopsy and to see the active cancer pre chemo, and the second was for post chemo to see how the cancer was resolved by the chemo.  The dye was used also.  Each time the dye was to be done prior to the PET scan, they made me wait an hour before having the scan so luckily I took in my hot water bottle to keep myself warm whilst waiting as I was asked to lay down in a small room that was cold.  So I’d keep myself warm and have a snooze.  If I recall, the scan took about 30 minutes so I’d ask for a small towel to cover my eyes to relax and I’d recite a few dressage tests that I had ridden on my horses at competitions. Each scan cost me $800 out of pocket.  But I wanted whatever I could afford through fear.  Fear is the driver! 

I discovered later by chance that I didn’t have to go to the particular imaging department on the referral.  The referral can be used anywhere.  So I shop around and find that the imaging places that have applied for and paid a full Medicare rebate license or whatever it’s called, bulk bill patients. Those imaging providers who’ve only partial license, pass on the Gap to the patient.  That’s my experience to date.