After driving Dr. Wu's assistant insane for the last day I finally have the results from yesterday. I rang him again at the end of yesterday (Tuesday) and he said he'd ring again and then I rang him this am (yes I'm persistent) and he said they were meant to come through this am but had not yet. I guess he rang them again or the lab has ESP as a few minutes later I received a fax with the results. I knew all would be fine, but whatever, it's done. I faxed them and the earlier results over to Dr. Panagos, sent him an email saying I was faxing them, and then rang his office to speak to his assistant. I realised I hadn't thought about if I need pre-approval for the injection or not and I was sure the dr's never thought about it, so wanted to find out for sure, I am trying to avoid any more delays. I told them I needed a CPT code so they said they'd ring the insurance company to find out. Poor Dr. P probably can't wait to get me sorted so I stop sending him emails constantly and driving his staff batty. I just need this sorted and quickly, Friday will be 7 weeks of this rubbish. I know there are people worse off than me but enough is enough. I have one medical nightmare after another and I'm just so over it. I've also lost humongous amounts of patience with everyone and everything (not that I had that much to begin with). I just want to feel like myself again and have my life back.
So, here's to praying I can get the injection without any more complications or delays by the end of THIS week and that it works! Please.............
Showing posts with label insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insurance. Show all posts
08 July, 2009
06 July, 2009
Insurance and doctor hell
I won't bore you with the varied and numerous details about trying to get a lab and a doctor work together with ones insurance company when there is a daft blood test that is only done at particular places, but think of a very frustrating thing and then multiply it by 100! I swear, the more ill you are the more difficult it is to get treatment. Something has got to give in this bloody country with health care!
Just to give you an idea - the blood work taken a couple of weeks ago, one set cost over $700 - UHC paid $30 of it. (this was w/ an in-network lab, G-d only knows what would've been charged for an out-of-network lab) WHY CHARGE SO MUCH FOR A TEST THAT IS ONLY $30, if that??? The other set was over $800 and UHC paid $40. Now this is great if you have insurance, but for those millions of people who do not have medical insurance, why are they getting charged these exorbitant costs? It's no wonder you can go bankrupt and lose your home from being sick. Congress better sort this out and properly soon!
So the long and the short of it and what should probably be a few valiums later, I am going to Mt. Sinai tmrw am to the Phlebotomy lab for a bleeding test and a Platelet test. Even though Dr. Wu doesn't have privileges there, they are (Thankfully) letting me have the blood tests done there. Most hospitals won't let you do that - because everyone in the medical field are evil horrid people. Sorry I do have a few dr's I like but at the moment I hate the whole field.
Oh - and the pins and needles are worse so nerve damage is progressing - hopefully by the time we sort this out it won't be permanent. ARGH!
Just to give you an idea - the blood work taken a couple of weeks ago, one set cost over $700 - UHC paid $30 of it. (this was w/ an in-network lab, G-d only knows what would've been charged for an out-of-network lab) WHY CHARGE SO MUCH FOR A TEST THAT IS ONLY $30, if that??? The other set was over $800 and UHC paid $40. Now this is great if you have insurance, but for those millions of people who do not have medical insurance, why are they getting charged these exorbitant costs? It's no wonder you can go bankrupt and lose your home from being sick. Congress better sort this out and properly soon!
So the long and the short of it and what should probably be a few valiums later, I am going to Mt. Sinai tmrw am to the Phlebotomy lab for a bleeding test and a Platelet test. Even though Dr. Wu doesn't have privileges there, they are (Thankfully) letting me have the blood tests done there. Most hospitals won't let you do that - because everyone in the medical field are evil horrid people. Sorry I do have a few dr's I like but at the moment I hate the whole field.
Oh - and the pins and needles are worse so nerve damage is progressing - hopefully by the time we sort this out it won't be permanent. ARGH!
25 June, 2009
Humpty Dumpty strikes again
ARGH! I just want to scream! Or jump off a roof, or in front of moving bus, but there's that daft thing in my head called a conscience that won't let me. I CAN NOT TAKE THE PAIN ANYMORE.
Tomorrow will be FIVE WEEKS of agony with this neck thing. And it's bad. I can handle "normal" pain, after all I've been through I definitely have a very high tolerance, G-d knows, but this is slowly driving me delirious.
I am sad to report that the shoulder cortisone injection and the trigger point injection did absolutely NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING. I emailed Dr. Panagos on Monday and didn't hear back, he's busy I get it but I'm being a selfish person for once and need help. Tuesday I rang his office, and his assistant said he was on the phone but would ring me back directly. Unfortunately he didn't get to until Wednesday am. He did leave a message apologising and I rang him back as soon as I received it. He asked me a bunch of questions and agreed that something needs to be done. I have no life, I get to work, by about 16.00 I'm dying in agony, then I go home directly after work and lay on the couch until bedtime, and in the middle drink wine and take klonopin hoping it will help me sleep. I still can't even lie flat on my back. Anyway I digress. Dr. P said he had put a call into Cornell for a consult as he wants me to have the spinal epidural in a hospital setting. I'm ok with waiting an extra day or two so it's done correctly but I need to know that it's going to be done soon. He said he'd ring me back and I told him I'd be in the office until 16.00 and then had a hand dr appointment and he could ring me on my mobile. Sadly I did not hear from him at all. I ended up sending him an email around 20.30 asking if he had "any news at all???". My mother laughed at that. Hey, I'm desperate. I did ring his office about 20 minutes ago and spoke to his assistant. She said he was doing a procedure and would get to him as soon as possible. I said even if he just has a message and she rings me back, I just need to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel because I'm in misery. I did apologise for being completely brain dead as all this pain has made my brain turn to mush, even more than normal!
On another note, I saw Dr. Melone yesterday. I've been putting off this appointment because last year he said if the cortisone injection didn't work I'd have to have surgery. After my trip to London though and only using my big camera for 3 days, then suffering for a week after, I had to sort something out. At least the surgery is much more minor that the last 4, and the recovery seems to be quicker. I will have a splint on but will be able to use my fingers and go back to work in a day or so. I need to find out how long it will take for my hand to be in "working order" as well as if I will need PT after. Both from a time and health insurance perspective, since they only give you a very limited number of PT visits TOTAL per year. That might work for regular people but not the special ones! I also can't schedule it till I have this back thing sorted out. I can't believe I have to have another hand surgery. It didn't really sink in until today.
Anyway that is where I am at the moment. At least I have a gorgeous new niece and brilliant nephew to divert me on occasion.
Tomorrow will be FIVE WEEKS of agony with this neck thing. And it's bad. I can handle "normal" pain, after all I've been through I definitely have a very high tolerance, G-d knows, but this is slowly driving me delirious.
I am sad to report that the shoulder cortisone injection and the trigger point injection did absolutely NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING. I emailed Dr. Panagos on Monday and didn't hear back, he's busy I get it but I'm being a selfish person for once and need help. Tuesday I rang his office, and his assistant said he was on the phone but would ring me back directly. Unfortunately he didn't get to until Wednesday am. He did leave a message apologising and I rang him back as soon as I received it. He asked me a bunch of questions and agreed that something needs to be done. I have no life, I get to work, by about 16.00 I'm dying in agony, then I go home directly after work and lay on the couch until bedtime, and in the middle drink wine and take klonopin hoping it will help me sleep. I still can't even lie flat on my back. Anyway I digress. Dr. P said he had put a call into Cornell for a consult as he wants me to have the spinal epidural in a hospital setting. I'm ok with waiting an extra day or two so it's done correctly but I need to know that it's going to be done soon. He said he'd ring me back and I told him I'd be in the office until 16.00 and then had a hand dr appointment and he could ring me on my mobile. Sadly I did not hear from him at all. I ended up sending him an email around 20.30 asking if he had "any news at all???". My mother laughed at that. Hey, I'm desperate. I did ring his office about 20 minutes ago and spoke to his assistant. She said he was doing a procedure and would get to him as soon as possible. I said even if he just has a message and she rings me back, I just need to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel because I'm in misery. I did apologise for being completely brain dead as all this pain has made my brain turn to mush, even more than normal!
On another note, I saw Dr. Melone yesterday. I've been putting off this appointment because last year he said if the cortisone injection didn't work I'd have to have surgery. After my trip to London though and only using my big camera for 3 days, then suffering for a week after, I had to sort something out. At least the surgery is much more minor that the last 4, and the recovery seems to be quicker. I will have a splint on but will be able to use my fingers and go back to work in a day or so. I need to find out how long it will take for my hand to be in "working order" as well as if I will need PT after. Both from a time and health insurance perspective, since they only give you a very limited number of PT visits TOTAL per year. That might work for regular people but not the special ones! I also can't schedule it till I have this back thing sorted out. I can't believe I have to have another hand surgery. It didn't really sink in until today.
Anyway that is where I am at the moment. At least I have a gorgeous new niece and brilliant nephew to divert me on occasion.
13 March, 2009
a Friday funny
I had to ring UHC today to follow up with more claims as their process is so insane it takes time every day to make sure everything is being taken care of on their end, by me. I think I should get a paycheck from them. Anyway, whilst I was on the phone I asked the rep about this "30 day Physical therapy" bit they have listed. My PT and I have had to rush as much as we can so we do not use up all of my 30 visits as that's all that is covered for the year. NOT per body part or problem, but in total. I was shocked to learn that. I had thought it was per problem, as that is what it was on my previous insurance.
Here's the funny part, she said that it's only for 30 visits so "the therapist can't lie to you and tell you you're not improving and tells you to keep coming back so they can keep getting paid". HA! More like UHC trying to save money and neglect patients that really need the coverage!
I explained to her that one can usually tell when one is improving or not, and what happens if you G-d forbid have an accident or something goes wrong with another part of your body - and you need PT? She said that you can always write to UHC BEFORE the 30 visits are finished and they will review the case, and you should send in medical histories and a note from the doctor saying why it's medically necessary. I tried not to laugh out loud - as those of us who have tried this after being cut off know there is a minimal chance of you ever getting those additional visits you need. I did mention to her that I found it strange that the insurance companies put weird restrictions on recovery times for specific problems, like if you're in PT for your neck, you should be better within 6-8 weeks, or something along those lines. She actually agreed, but she's also just a rep and doesn't have any control. Still, I had to mention how absurd it is to assume each persons body is exactly like the next persons as it just doesn't work that way.
I truly hate insurance companies................
Here's the funny part, she said that it's only for 30 visits so "the therapist can't lie to you and tell you you're not improving and tells you to keep coming back so they can keep getting paid". HA! More like UHC trying to save money and neglect patients that really need the coverage!
I explained to her that one can usually tell when one is improving or not, and what happens if you G-d forbid have an accident or something goes wrong with another part of your body - and you need PT? She said that you can always write to UHC BEFORE the 30 visits are finished and they will review the case, and you should send in medical histories and a note from the doctor saying why it's medically necessary. I tried not to laugh out loud - as those of us who have tried this after being cut off know there is a minimal chance of you ever getting those additional visits you need. I did mention to her that I found it strange that the insurance companies put weird restrictions on recovery times for specific problems, like if you're in PT for your neck, you should be better within 6-8 weeks, or something along those lines. She actually agreed, but she's also just a rep and doesn't have any control. Still, I had to mention how absurd it is to assume each persons body is exactly like the next persons as it just doesn't work that way.
I truly hate insurance companies................
03 June, 2008
37 weeks post-op
Has it really been that long? Mind-boggling, truly.
Yesterday I walked all the way home. I was definitely feeling it on the way but kept it up. I'm a bit sore today but not as bad as I thought I would be, v. happy about that.
I haven't had a chance to go to the pool yet, but am thinking that I will do that tomorrow. I really want to get in some exercise before I have to have the next surgery on the 20th. I know the doctor said I can go in the water afterwards but I'm not sure how I will feel so would like to get some pool time in now, just in case.
I had to change my appointment with Dr. Kelly that was on the 27th June back to the 18 July. It was the first appointment he had available in a time I could manage. I didn't think going to his office a week after I have the surgery would be good, since he likes bending my legs and hips all over the place. Trying to put off as much pain inducing actions as possible :-)
My bum is still not happy but I'm trying to get through the next 2+ weeks as the doctor had said it would be better to wait a bit. Hopefully (touch wood) I will be able to manage it.
Did get a letter regarding the insurance appeal, and it's in the works. Fingers crossed that I can at least go back to PT for a bit to see what my real strength is and what I should and shouldn't be doing. I know bike riding is not in the near future, but that's not because of my hip!
Yesterday I walked all the way home. I was definitely feeling it on the way but kept it up. I'm a bit sore today but not as bad as I thought I would be, v. happy about that.
I haven't had a chance to go to the pool yet, but am thinking that I will do that tomorrow. I really want to get in some exercise before I have to have the next surgery on the 20th. I know the doctor said I can go in the water afterwards but I'm not sure how I will feel so would like to get some pool time in now, just in case.
I had to change my appointment with Dr. Kelly that was on the 27th June back to the 18 July. It was the first appointment he had available in a time I could manage. I didn't think going to his office a week after I have the surgery would be good, since he likes bending my legs and hips all over the place. Trying to put off as much pain inducing actions as possible :-)
My bum is still not happy but I'm trying to get through the next 2+ weeks as the doctor had said it would be better to wait a bit. Hopefully (touch wood) I will be able to manage it.
Did get a letter regarding the insurance appeal, and it's in the works. Fingers crossed that I can at least go back to PT for a bit to see what my real strength is and what I should and shouldn't be doing. I know bike riding is not in the near future, but that's not because of my hip!
27 May, 2008
Recap & 36 Week Post-op
So the test run in Tampa went fairly well. My right hip was pretty amazing, especially since I have not been in the pool for two weeks! Unfortunately my left hip has really been hurting the last couple of days. I do not even want to consider what we may need to do at this point. I mentally can not handle the idea of another surgery, at least not presently.
So, we did a lot of walking around mixed with driving every day. I think the most walking I did though was on Thursday. I am definitely happy that the right hip did so well. I was also shooting with my Hasselblad so was bending over and kneeling more than I have in a long time. I was a bit sore but nothing too bad. It helped that I iced it after the long walk on Thursday.
My wrists were a different story. My left was hurting from using the H and my right, well, it just doesn't like me anymore and constantly likes to hurt me. Another surgery I'm not ready to contemplate, so we will pretend it's all fine. Jeepers, I feel like Humpty Dumpty!
There was a message on my VM at work from Friday from someone at the Clinical Appeals Department at Oxford. I rang her back but she wasn't there. Can't wait to hear what she says. I guess they received my letter from last week!
It's good to be home though. Florida is nice, but for a visit. I could never live there. I am definitely a city girl!
PS-I've added some photos from the trip on my Flickr site :-)
So, we did a lot of walking around mixed with driving every day. I think the most walking I did though was on Thursday. I am definitely happy that the right hip did so well. I was also shooting with my Hasselblad so was bending over and kneeling more than I have in a long time. I was a bit sore but nothing too bad. It helped that I iced it after the long walk on Thursday.
My wrists were a different story. My left was hurting from using the H and my right, well, it just doesn't like me anymore and constantly likes to hurt me. Another surgery I'm not ready to contemplate, so we will pretend it's all fine. Jeepers, I feel like Humpty Dumpty!
There was a message on my VM at work from Friday from someone at the Clinical Appeals Department at Oxford. I rang her back but she wasn't there. Can't wait to hear what she says. I guess they received my letter from last week!
It's good to be home though. Florida is nice, but for a visit. I could never live there. I am definitely a city girl!
PS-I've added some photos from the trip on my Flickr site :-)
19 May, 2008
I don't like Mondays...
but then again, who does? I had a pretty bad night - couldn't fall asleep for hours. I guess even a one hour nap messed it up for me. But I needed that nap!
Here's the update:
Friday I went to the dr's office at NY Pres, and I arrived a bit early. I was told that they had NO record of my appointment, but they could fit me in. That turned into two hours later so that I didn't even have a chance of coming back to work. Stressful. The good news was that the incision is healing and no more abscess it seems. Bad news is I can't go swimming until it is completely closed, which takes normal people about two weeks, so we can safely add on at least one more week to that for me. I'm upset about this because I'm going to Florida this week for a holiday, but most importantly, I can't do my PT!!! And my right hip is so not happy about that. Besides the fact I've been leaning way too much on the right with all this going on, I can't even do any at home PT because of pain/discomfort. Yesterday I iced my right hip for over an hour till it was quiet. I can't wait for the wound to heal so I can get back to work.
I have to ring the NYS people about this external appeal because their paperwork is so confusing. Hopefully I will be able to get it out before I leave on Wednesday so I don't have to think about it.
I haven't worn my splint in over a week, and I'm sure I'll pay for that. The hand is already not too happy but seriously, I need a break from some of this stuff. It's mentally exhausting me.
I will just be focusing on my trip for the next couple of days and, G-d willing, it will all go smoothly! Otherwise I might be writing these updates from an asylum :-)
Happy Monday!
Here's the update:
Friday I went to the dr's office at NY Pres, and I arrived a bit early. I was told that they had NO record of my appointment, but they could fit me in. That turned into two hours later so that I didn't even have a chance of coming back to work. Stressful. The good news was that the incision is healing and no more abscess it seems. Bad news is I can't go swimming until it is completely closed, which takes normal people about two weeks, so we can safely add on at least one more week to that for me. I'm upset about this because I'm going to Florida this week for a holiday, but most importantly, I can't do my PT!!! And my right hip is so not happy about that. Besides the fact I've been leaning way too much on the right with all this going on, I can't even do any at home PT because of pain/discomfort. Yesterday I iced my right hip for over an hour till it was quiet. I can't wait for the wound to heal so I can get back to work.
I have to ring the NYS people about this external appeal because their paperwork is so confusing. Hopefully I will be able to get it out before I leave on Wednesday so I don't have to think about it.
I haven't worn my splint in over a week, and I'm sure I'll pay for that. The hand is already not too happy but seriously, I need a break from some of this stuff. It's mentally exhausting me.
I will just be focusing on my trip for the next couple of days and, G-d willing, it will all go smoothly! Otherwise I might be writing these updates from an asylum :-)
Happy Monday!
09 May, 2008
Oxford sucks!
I received a letter from them when I got home on Wednesday night. They denied my appeal, so now I have to appeal that with the state. I'm so frustrated! I really don't get how they can make a judgement on criteria that was last examined in March! Things have definitely changed since I've been on the Mobic. I hate to admit it but I guess sometimes rat poison does do some good. I really don't want to take this for an over-extended period though. It's destroying my stomach.
Between that, this weather and some new medical mystery that has appeared I'm feeling pretty crappy physically. In all other respects though I'm good. I've been enjoying myself immensely lately. Last night I went to an gallery opening for Christopher Orr. His painting were very interesting. On my way out the lift operator said there was a huge opening in the main gallery so he dropped my off by the back entrance so I could go in without any hassle. :-) The art was not really to my taste, but it was nice they had food out as I was feeling a bit peckish. I also happened to meet a guy who owns a gallery and we got to talking about things so I will definitely keep him as a contact. Afterwards I went to a brill restaurant, Pipa, down by Union Square. I highly recommend it, food was delish and the sangria was pretty good too. After we went to Union Bar and just vegged on the couch. The music was nutty, one minute they'd have cool stuff on, then horrible rap thrown in - the dj was schizophrenic - but it was fun. I did miss the pool yesterday but will hopefully be able to go tomorrow, assuming all works out at the doctors today. I had to hunt down a doctor that could see me as my internist is out till Monday, so fun fun, an appointment at 2. Hopefully they'll suss out what is wrong. Like I said the other day, if it isn't one thing... Then again, I can't say my life is dull. Ha ha!
Between that, this weather and some new medical mystery that has appeared I'm feeling pretty crappy physically. In all other respects though I'm good. I've been enjoying myself immensely lately. Last night I went to an gallery opening for Christopher Orr. His painting were very interesting. On my way out the lift operator said there was a huge opening in the main gallery so he dropped my off by the back entrance so I could go in without any hassle. :-) The art was not really to my taste, but it was nice they had food out as I was feeling a bit peckish. I also happened to meet a guy who owns a gallery and we got to talking about things so I will definitely keep him as a contact. Afterwards I went to a brill restaurant, Pipa, down by Union Square. I highly recommend it, food was delish and the sangria was pretty good too. After we went to Union Bar and just vegged on the couch. The music was nutty, one minute they'd have cool stuff on, then horrible rap thrown in - the dj was schizophrenic - but it was fun. I did miss the pool yesterday but will hopefully be able to go tomorrow, assuming all works out at the doctors today. I had to hunt down a doctor that could see me as my internist is out till Monday, so fun fun, an appointment at 2. Hopefully they'll suss out what is wrong. Like I said the other day, if it isn't one thing... Then again, I can't say my life is dull. Ha ha!
28 April, 2008
Post - weekend update
Today I feel horrid. The weather is horrid. Today is the first day in a while that I am slightly gimpy with the right hip. I shouldn't really be complaining though. I didn't sleep last night, and I also realised that I had forgotten to take the Mobic on Saturday and Sunday. Oops. Friday night I was out, and didn't get to sleep till late, and same as Saturday. Why is it no matter how exhausted I am I just can't sleep? Drives me nuts.
I walked quite a bit on Saturday, trying to see how I would do. I thought I did pretty well for the amount of walking I did. I pushed myself at the pool yesterday. Have been trying to walk faster and also added arm exercises. My back and shoulders are so sore today. I don't mind being a bit sore, just wish my whole body didn't ache so much today. Sadly I don't think there is one part of me that doesn't hurt. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
I had totally forgotten I had an appointment with the rheumatologist today. Thankfully I looked in my calendar and saw it. I hope she doesn't get mad that I am still only taking one Mobic per day. I just don't see the reason to take two as one is destroying my stomach, and I've been taking two acid-reflux pills a day to try to help. I also hope she doesn't examine me physically, because if someone touched me right now I might have to kill them. Ok, maybe not kill - permanently maim perhaps?
I am going to the NYPL tonight for another function. A friend invited me to some readings that are to be done by Ethan Hawke and others. I'm not a huge EH fan, but he was decent in "The Coast of Utopia" last year. Should be good though I hope I'm feeling better before that. Perhaps I can get a nap squeezed in somehow.
My right hand/wrist is a mess - even with wearing this bloody splint every night. I am dreading the thought of surgery - I know I've probably said this before - but will put it off as long as possible. I'm so over the medical profession.
I sent an email to the PT people today to see if they a) did ever get the letter off, b) if the insurance co actually received it this time and c) if there was anything else they suggest doing in the pool. Hopefully I will hear back with some (touch wood) good news.
I walked quite a bit on Saturday, trying to see how I would do. I thought I did pretty well for the amount of walking I did. I pushed myself at the pool yesterday. Have been trying to walk faster and also added arm exercises. My back and shoulders are so sore today. I don't mind being a bit sore, just wish my whole body didn't ache so much today. Sadly I don't think there is one part of me that doesn't hurt. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
I had totally forgotten I had an appointment with the rheumatologist today. Thankfully I looked in my calendar and saw it. I hope she doesn't get mad that I am still only taking one Mobic per day. I just don't see the reason to take two as one is destroying my stomach, and I've been taking two acid-reflux pills a day to try to help. I also hope she doesn't examine me physically, because if someone touched me right now I might have to kill them. Ok, maybe not kill - permanently maim perhaps?
I am going to the NYPL tonight for another function. A friend invited me to some readings that are to be done by Ethan Hawke and others. I'm not a huge EH fan, but he was decent in "The Coast of Utopia" last year. Should be good though I hope I'm feeling better before that. Perhaps I can get a nap squeezed in somehow.
My right hand/wrist is a mess - even with wearing this bloody splint every night. I am dreading the thought of surgery - I know I've probably said this before - but will put it off as long as possible. I'm so over the medical profession.
I sent an email to the PT people today to see if they a) did ever get the letter off, b) if the insurance co actually received it this time and c) if there was anything else they suggest doing in the pool. Hopefully I will hear back with some (touch wood) good news.
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