- 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.
- Over 500 Canadian doctors protest raises, say they’re being paid too much (yes, too much) – The group say they are offended that they would receive raises when nurses and patients are struggling.
- This is an old GIF, but I crack up at the Queen getting excited about seeing some cows.
- The New York Times – For Two Months, I Got My News From Print Newspapers. Here’s What I Learned.
- Man, 70, finally gets Eagle Scout rank
