I returned to work yesterday for the first time in about six weeks. It was only half a day, but it felt good getting back in a routine again.
Can’t win for losing
When I first started to look for a back doctor, the first thing I researched was to find one “in network” so I could save on cost. When surgery was required, I verified the hospital was an “in network” facility, again, to save on cost. Yesterday, I received a bill from the internist I saw an hour before surgery which was about $1,100, a lot more than I was expecting. I dialed up the insurance company and they explained it was that high because I chose an “out of network” doctor. I told them I didn’t really have a choice in the matter and verified I chose an “in network” surgeon and hospital, but I had no role in choosing the internist. Heck, I had no idea I would see an internist. The insurance company said they’d review it and they may possibly adjust it so I’ll be paying the “in network” cost, which is about $115. The process would take about seven to ten business days and before ending the call, they emphasized I should have sought an “in network” doctor. I guess she didn’t pick up on the part that I had no idea I was going to be seen by an internist and I did my due diligence in picking an “in network” surgeon and facility. She also suggested I call the doctors office and try to negotiate a lower fee.
You may recall I wrote something similar when DaughterGeeding went to the ER last year. The hospital was “in network” but the doctor who treated her was “out of network” and we were charged an extra $400. The insurance company stated they were willing to pay the “out of network” charges since we didn’t have a choice in what doctor we saw.
Man, I really feel for those suffering from major illnesses like cancer or ALS and have to worry about this petty insurance stuff all the time. Speaking of which, we have a friend whose husband needs surgery for a rare form of cancer but can’t find an “in network” surgeon in the area. “Someone with experience in the matter”, told them to go to the ER about the problem who would admit them because of the severity. Because they don’t have a choice of the surgeon, they would get the “in network” price. I doubt that would work, but it stinks people have to try to do these things.
I’d love to own a house with a front porch.
I followed up on a Reddit tip to search for “divorce” in Craig’s List to find cheap stuff for sale. I found a plethora of vehicles for sale and filtered them out. One of the first results was a puppy. That made me sad. However, WifeGeeding is getting an upgraded engagement ring for Mother’s Day.
I can never remember if it’s “Mother’s Day” or “Mothers’ Day” and always have to look it up. I always reason it out to be the latter since all mothers are being honored but I’m wrong.
I’m a firm believer we need to go to a single payer healthcare system. Medical billing and insurance companies are a racket. Fighting for your life and fighting with them at the same time is deplorable. If you’re unlucky enough to be critically ill long term, it can bankrupt you.
I share your frustration regarding healthcare and agree with RPM. My wife has MS, and our single biggest concern is her long-term care and how we’ll be able to afford that. It’s sad to say, but I watched the Senate’s healthcare vote last summer live on CSPAN, and when Sen. McCain came in and voted no, I literally wept. At 12:30 in the morning, on a weeknight, I was watching a Senate vote. Why? Because that single vote could have reduced my wife’s life span and financially ruined my family. For some reason (hint: it’s $$$$), this country has decided that–as the “greatest country in the world”–we can’t do what the vast majority of other developed nations have done, which is provide healthcare for our citizens. Of course, we’re in such a state now that even when options are provided to allow for improved healthcare for citizens (Medicaid expansion), our leadership would rather allow the people they serve to be sicker and die sooner, all for politics. Generally, this is the stance taken by right-to-life “Christian” politicians, I’ve noted. Hopefully, when I need it, my insurance will still cover the physical effects of long-term anxiety.
I built a new house 3 years ago but my previous house had a long front porch that spanned from one side to the other. During the spring, late in the day during Summer and the Fall, I would sit out there for hours on end. I love my new house but wish I had picked a house plan with another porch! Best medicine for the soul and I miss it daily!
I’m a firm believer we need to go to a single payer healthcare system. Medical billing and insurance companies are a racket. Fighting for your life and fighting with them at the same time is deplorable. If you’re unlucky enough to be critically ill long term, it can bankrupt you.
Glad to hear you’re feeling better.
I share your frustration regarding healthcare and agree with RPM. My wife has MS, and our single biggest concern is her long-term care and how we’ll be able to afford that. It’s sad to say, but I watched the Senate’s healthcare vote last summer live on CSPAN, and when Sen. McCain came in and voted no, I literally wept. At 12:30 in the morning, on a weeknight, I was watching a Senate vote. Why? Because that single vote could have reduced my wife’s life span and financially ruined my family. For some reason (hint: it’s $$$$), this country has decided that–as the “greatest country in the world”–we can’t do what the vast majority of other developed nations have done, which is provide healthcare for our citizens. Of course, we’re in such a state now that even when options are provided to allow for improved healthcare for citizens (Medicaid expansion), our leadership would rather allow the people they serve to be sicker and die sooner, all for politics. Generally, this is the stance taken by right-to-life “Christian” politicians, I’ve noted. Hopefully, when I need it, my insurance will still cover the physical effects of long-term anxiety.
I built a new house 3 years ago but my previous house had a long front porch that spanned from one side to the other. During the spring, late in the day during Summer and the Fall, I would sit out there for hours on end. I love my new house but wish I had picked a house plan with another porch! Best medicine for the soul and I miss it daily!