I worked in the insurance industry and dealt with people going through a 13 so I have some advice on all your issues. The Insurance Companies will deny the MRI until you do less "expensive" treatment to avoid the big "$1,600 MRI payment" Instead of sending you for an MRI, they will have you go through all the hoopla! My husband had his C2-3-4-5 herniated by a Chiropractor in 2000, called me and told me he though the guy broke his neck, he went straight to his primary DR and he said lets do this and that and the other. Took three months to diagnose what my husband told him in the first place. My suggestion is to get an MRI, tell them you are self pay, do not give out your insurance. Tell your Dr you will be responsible for payment of the MRI, then amend your chapter 13 to include the cost for the MRI. I know people will scream to high heavens for me suggesting this, but you need it, the Insurance companies will give you the run around for many painful months if not years and you will become so tired and in such pain that you will want to give up. After you have had your MRI, go to a Neurologist (not a neurosurgeon) and have him do an EMG. You will probably have to do all of this outside your insurance, but since your ded is 2500, it doens't matter anyway. The Neurologist will probably charge you a $300-$500 fee, but see if you can work a deal, sell something or borrow. Whatever it takes, I would see a Neurosurgeon. I have been posting this on this site all day because I have done eight years of research and documentation and have run my husband from Dr to Dr and Referral to Referral. Don't do PT or Chiro yet. The MRI is very important for the Neurologist to see. You can get a copy on CD when you leave the MRI facility or the next day to take to the Neurologist. If you can't do it this way, then do the PT for the 3-4 wks just to pacify them to get your MRI paid for, then go to the Neurologist even if you have to pay for it. They are the only ones I know that can diagnose these conditions properly and in one office visit. Get a referral in from Dr. Bruce Peters 719-630-1510 He is in Colorado Springs but knows many in his area of expertise around the US.