Where I Gripe about Healthcare
I got a phone call from a friend of mine this morning. She is in the hospital. She thought her MS was acting up but knew that she had to go another 13 months before her insurance would pay for any treatment. She had to be treatment free from any MS related symptom in order to get coverage. So that has meant that she has been ignoring these symptoms (numbness on her left side, blurry vision, headaches). It got bad enough that she went into the doctor yesterday anyway. She found out she was having signs of a STROKE. She is 32 years old and healthy.
The bad news? She almost waited too long due to her stupid insurance. The good news? Her insurance will cover this. It's a crazy world when doctors no longer dictate treatment for a patient.
Took the youngest in for a routine physical this morning. I can do that because I have good insurance. My co-pay is only $15. Doesn't matter if we are having a routine physical or chemotherapy. Always costs the same.
The pediatrician wanted to check his blood work so we trudged down to the lab. There posted on the wall was a form for Newborn Screenings. Scrawled across in pen was the word "Exsample". Let's hope they are just conducting blood tests down there and not spelling tests. Yikes.
The bad news? She almost waited too long due to her stupid insurance. The good news? Her insurance will cover this. It's a crazy world when doctors no longer dictate treatment for a patient.
Took the youngest in for a routine physical this morning. I can do that because I have good insurance. My co-pay is only $15. Doesn't matter if we are having a routine physical or chemotherapy. Always costs the same.
The pediatrician wanted to check his blood work so we trudged down to the lab. There posted on the wall was a form for Newborn Screenings. Scrawled across in pen was the word "Exsample". Let's hope they are just conducting blood tests down there and not spelling tests. Yikes.
posted by DebbieDoesLife at
11:50 AM
3 Comments:
One of the problems with MS is it has so many symptoms. My sister has MS. She went to a new neurologist recently who determined she was also suffering from Pernicious Anemia. All the symptoms of the Pernicious Anemia are also symptoms of MS. Fortunately, the anemia is easily treated.
By
Anonymous, at 6/25/2007 12:59 PM
It's crazy how insurance companies have caused health care costs to sky-rocket. It's outrageous how many seniors and children don't have access to basic healthcare, even well checks.
I think socialized healthcare is the only way to go. Why can other countries provide their citizens with quality health care, but the US charges an arm and a leg and still only half the citizens are covered?
I hope your friend is doing better.
By
PEACE, at 6/25/2007 4:16 PM
I feel your friend's pain regarding MS treatments and insurance. Some of our career decisions have been based on whether or not my wife's MS will be covered, instead of deciding whether whether the job is good for us or not.
By
Spamboy, at 6/27/2007 10:24 AM
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