new.... need advice

[elizabeth]

Hello, i am thirty years old.My story is a little different than most.I have Crohn's Disease and have had radical surgery to control it.My doctors think that my mitral valve was damaged as a result of anemia.I have Mitral Valve Prolapse and mild to moderate regurgitation.My problem is the last time i had an echo done was three years ago.My cardiologist wants me to have one every year.I have an outstading bill with him and my insurance has a pre-existing limit.The pre existing limit lasts a year and will be over in November of this year.I have sob,palpatations,dizziness,pain,i am tired all of the time...etc.I am very frustrated at this point and really do not know what to do.I do not feel like i am taken seriously at all.How can i get the medical care i need?Sometimes i feel like my heart is just going to give out!!!!!!!!!I need that echo done......i was supposed to call in May but,what is the point????I cannot afford it.Any thoughts or suggestions would be a blessing,thank you -- Elizabeth

 

[geebee]

Elizabeth,

Welcome to VR.com. I am sure we can help you through.

I agree, with your symptoms, you need to have some tests run. I think it would be very beneficial to simply go in and talk to your cardio. Just schedule a regular visit and, when tests are discussed, be open and honest about your situation and request some type of payment schedule.

If you are not comfortable with that scenario, make an appointment, have the tests done, and then simply pay what you can each month until the bill is paid off.

If the cardio's office won't see you because of a past debt, find another cardio and repeat the above instructions. Another alternative is an ER visit complaining of SOB, palpitations, dizziness, etc. and you might get the tests done there.

You are entitled to care and entitled to feel better. Sometimes is just takes some creativity. If you have plans to pay things back eventually, it is not deceptive, merely working within your means.

Good luck.

 

[Yaps]

I agee with geebee, and welcome.
If nothing else , go to an ER and let them do the test. You can always arrange pymts later. Love the pup

 

[Ross]

If nothing else, contact your state board of insurance or try some downright negotiating with the insurance company over the alleged pre existing condition thing. They have to prove that it was pre existing and I'll bet they can't!

 

[hensylee]

don't let them pre-exist you, if you can help it. If you fight hard enough they may give in. Like Ross says, go to the state insurance commissioner's office. My sister did that after an eye surgery, the company denied her, but paid immediately when she went to the commissioner. You can also threaten to get a lawyer to make them cover you now. November is six months away and you need help now. SOMEBODY must take you seriously, that's for sure. There will be a lot of discussion coming along for you, I am sure. Between all of us, you might find the best solution and it may work for you. Good luck and blessins......

P.S. I am also an Elizabeth.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

By all means, with those symptoms, you need to be evaluated. If your cardiologist won't help, talk with your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Your PCP can write orders for an Echocardiogram which can be filled by ANY cardiologist. Tell your PCP about your situation with your cardiologist and perhaps he can refer you to another or make arrangements for your cardio to see you.

Assuming you have a hospital that accepts Federal and/or State Funding, they should have an ER that you can use, even if your insurance refuses coverage.

You MUST take the initiative to push the system to give you the care you need.

Good Luck in your quest.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Guest]

I have Crohn's Disease and have had radical surgery to control it.

Whereabouts in SC are you?

I ask because my best friend and her husband live in the Charlotte NC area and has experience with Crohn's Disease through herself and her mother. I don't know how helpful it would be for you, but she would be someone you could talk to for ideas, etc., perhaps.


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
'72,6,9/'81,7.hobbies.chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
"We got mountains to climb" ... Rod Stewart ... 'Broken Arrow'