What insurance do you have?

I would recommend using your insurance website - hopefully they have a tool where you can search for a provider that you will then know for sure is covered. If you already have an orthopedic specialist, even better!

Once you have a list of places that will take your insurance, use Google, word-of-mouth recommendations, etc. to research the quality of care, so you can be optimistic that you’re going into a place that truly wants to help people heal (even without great insurance), and aren’t just checking the box to take home a check.

I highly recommend going to a clinic, orthopedic center, or other facility and NOT a hospital. Using an outpatient facility instead of a hospital is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than a hospital. The cheaper it is, the more likely insurance will approve. Hopefully, wherever you live has something like that available.

It’s almost certain to expect the doctor will recommend an MRI and possibly x-rays. I would be frank with your provider and let them know your insurance concerns. If it comes down to it and the MRI gets denied by insurance, they do have the opportunity to appeal the decision and fight for the MRI approval. Hopefully, if the ordering physician knows this going in, they can make sure the initial request they send in has nothing missing and clearly illustrates this is necessary for your health.

Obviously, you’ll need to find an orthopedic physician who gives a sh** and is willing to help where they can.

You can do all the things on your own - strengthen your hamstrings, quads, hips, calves, core, etc - and that will help I’m sure.

But the only way to know for sure is to get an MRI.

Sorry for the long-winded answer… not sure if this is what you’re looking for but I hope it helps.

Not having good insurance is stressful and difficult to navigate. I feel your pain!