Migraine

I just wanted to call my PCP for an appointment to get a prescription for neck massages as suggested by my neuro. I won't see her until April and I would like to start the massages sooner rather than later and be able to submit them to my unreimbursed medical account. I get the appointment for Friday and the receptionist than asks what my insurance card says, does it show the new medical group she belongs too? What new medical group I say? Didn't I get a letter? I love letters from insurance companies. I told her I might have gotten it, but I don't recall anything. She explains they have changed medical groups and since I'm part of an HMO I need the new card. I can deal with that, but what about my neurlogist, is she part of the new medical group. I love my neurologist.

I call my insurance. They think she's part of the medical group my PCP is. I'm so confident getting an answer like "I think" from them. Oh, and I will need a new referral to the nerulogist since it's a new medial group. So I call the neurlogist to verify they are part of the medical group the PCP is and yes they are.

I got to spend a lovely 30 minutes in a state of panic over losing my neurlogist and my PCP as I like both, though the neurlogist would trumph the PCP at this point. This is the second time in 18 months she has changed medical groups. It does cause problems like this. Last time I ended up paying out of pocked for the neuro I was seeing as the medical group would not authorize seeing an out of group speicalist.

All is well, but thank goodness I called for the other appointment. I can now get the referral at the same time too.

The joys of insurance. As if work and 2 teenagers don't give me enough stress.

Cindy

I have no faith in insurance companies and their "letters" notifying you of anything.

I've called mine on a couple things, they are like didn't you get your EOB - I'm like - you guys never send me an EOB (explaination of benefits) which YOU SHOULD for EVERY CLAIM YOU PAY or DENY - because it is my right as their member to get it and see what they are doing with MY claims....no they don't send it, they say "we see we sent you one" but they never really do.

I think it's a conspirocy to drive up healthcare costs when it's really not needed - UGH, can't talk about it anymore - getting too frustrated and I have to work on this for a living!

Anyway - yeah, nice that they notified you. Typical But they can send you every other thing you don't need right? Like a holiday card or some fluff like that!

Ok really I'm off my

Well Cindy I may pick up the Eileen put down. I've had 5 or 6 different insurers thru the years, some better for some things, some worse, but my conclusion is - their main purpose is to make a profit and taking care of our health care is a very low priority for them. I will say I am not a socialist, I think a capitalist system works fine, by and large, I'm in business and need to make a profit to survive, too. But I couldn't live with myself if I wasn't seeking to help people in what I do for a living. I want to thrive only by helping others thrive! Somehow I don't think that's a core value for the health insurance companies I've encountered!

So hey, if you don't get to stay with your neurologist, what do they care? (I'm glad it worked out, though.)

I have lost thousands upon thousands through the years in unfiled claims or appeals - because it's so exhausting and aggravating dealing with it on top of work, parenting and illness. If the insurance companies didn't set it up that way on purpose ("Heh, heh, we'll make it so frustrating they just won't file!) they sure are doing a good job looking like they did!

(Too bad that Megs is so shy and retiring in her opinions!)

UGGG Cindy
Insurance companies really are a big pain!! Mine will only let me see Drs in their group too and its like pulling teeth to try to get to see anyone else! Also, all the drs in the group seem trained to do is feed their private pharmacy! OHH your not feeling well?? GO to pharmacy and take this pill. Oh that one didnt work? go take this one now. ARRRG> I have spent SO much on pharmacy copays! I swear they operate just to feed their wallets! and do the drs prescribe generics? NOPE even though they are half the copay price of non generics! Even when I ask.. its often, nope we dont carry the generic form of that, or its meds that HAVE no generics. Swear drs do that on purpose.

Oh and forget appeals and claims! I have tried so many times to deal with those! ARG the red tape, and they just deny the appeal anyway with no real reason.

OOPS! ya got me started ok im off now.

Anywho, Im glad that it all worked out, and you get to keep your same Drs!

Tawsha

You all are wonderful. I don't know what what have happened had I not just happened to call for an appointment. No neuro referral. Their billing would have been messed up. I should have had a new card by now, but I didn't. I guess there was someone watching over me on this one I didn't think there were insurance angels. Who knew!! My therapist and I spent most of the time talking about insurance, migraines and what happens if I change jobs.

Cindy

Cindy,

Insurance companies are terrible . I am so sorry you had to go through this. Can I just get on everybody else because I feel exactly the same way!! I am so glad this work out for you and believe me I know how you feel!!

Dar

Keep how greedy insurance and pharmaceutical companies are when you vote in November. Keep in mind some candidates would regulate the insurance industry, and some would not. Not that healthcare should be the only thing on your mind, but it is an issue.

Also, no matter how bad your insurance company is, just be grateful you have one. I can't imagine having chronic migraines w/o insurance.

Just a little perspective