I am a 42 year old mother of 2 young children, primary breadwinner for my family, I had a chest X-ray which showed a 1 cm nodule on my left upper lung. I then had a chest CT scan which showed the same nodule then detected a 1 mm nodule on my left lower lung. The radiologist then recommended a PET scan but my insurance denied the test. Health Net said that I had to see a Pulmonologist who then needed to order the PET scan. I went to a horrible Pulmonologist who said that the nodule was too small. (1cm) to do anything. He refused to order the PET scan stating that it was not a STANDARD OF PRACTICE. But every doctor I presented this dilemma to told me that he needs to order a PET scan in order to help diagnose whether this is benign or has cancerous characteristics. In stead he wants to wait for 4 months then do another CT scan. I feel this is a death sentence for if this is cancerous it will have 4 months to grow in my body. I feel the doctor is not being a patient advocate. When I asked him directly for the PET scan he refused and told me to shut up. He didn't let me ask questions and treated me worse than dirt. By the way my primary appointment was at 1 pm in which I waited until 430 pm to be seen. I feel this doctor has completely disrespected me as a patient and is refusing to give me a chance at life if this is cancerous. A simple test could be a difference between life and death for me. I feel he won't order the test because it is too expensive. I have called health net for an emergent second opinion. What are my rights? What more can I do to ensure I get the appropriate health care. I am so distraught thinking my girls will not have a mom to raise them as a result of a burned out, non caring physicians' actions.View Thread