Unbelievable mess

[Cary]

Hi everyone
My husband was scheduled for surgery on March 1. After meeting with Dr. Isom and staff over two weeks ago, we get a call tonight from his financial person telling us that he doesn't accept medicare and hasn't for a year! Unbelievable. We walked into reception, Dirck handed the receptionist his medicare card, spent two hours with everyone and several days before the surgery we get this call? Our other insurance will only cover what medicare does-basically a waste. We will probably go with another doctor in that group who does accept medicare. Too bad, it was 8:30 at night, and this woman could not reach anyone (?) to confirm whether we can keep the same surgery appointment or notwith a different surgeon. This is just too stressful. Sorry to unload like this.
Cary

 

[Missy]

Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.
I hope you get a doctor that takes the insurance.
I know it is frustrating for you, as if you didn't have enough to deal with. I will be thinking about you both. Post and let us know what happens.

 

[bvdr]

Cary,

I'm sorry and I truly feel for you! It is a stressful time now anyway so this doesn't help. Sometimes these things happen for a reason so try not to let this become what you focus on these last few days before his surgery.

I guess if there is a silver lining it is that they did let you know before the surgery. You sure wouldn't want to have some nasty surprise shortly after getting home from the hospital. I spent some time before my surgery making sure everything was in good order and, as much as one can be, was sure my insurance was going to provide coverage.

Be prepared though for a possible date change. Surgeons often have set days and hours of OR time and then fill in the schedule. Most surgeons I have known were quite possessive with their time. Maybe things have changed but be prepared anyway.

 

[Cary]

Once again, thanks for everyone's kind input. We got a call this morning and Dirck is still scheduled for Tuesday, March 1. I can't wait for the surgery to be over.
Cary

 

[perkicar]

Once again, thanks for everyone's kind input. We got a call this morning and Dirck is still scheduled for Tuesday, March 1. I can't wait for the surgery to be over.
Cary

Did they just switch you to a different surgeon in the practice? Will you get to meet with him before the surgery day?
Sorry you had to go through such a hassle, what a nightmare. I'm still waiting to get me bills from last week, I'm sure it's going to be scary.

 

[tobagotwo]

There's always someone waiting in the wings to pull your chain...

If it weren't for the unceasing nature of medical insurance bureaucracy, that woman would be unemployed. Does she take coupons?

It's a blessing you have kept the date. It's hard enough to get ready for once. Relax, now. You've had your bad luck.

Be well,

 

[Cary]

There's always someone waiting in the wings to pull your chain...

If it weren't for the unceasing nature of medical insurance bureaucracy, that woman would be unemployed. Does she take coupons?

It's a blessing you have kept the date. It's hard enough to get ready for once. Relax, now. You've had your bad luck.

Be well,

Thanks for your reply. I am seriously thinking of writing a letter to Cornell telling them of this nonsense. I certainly hope that's the end of the "bad luck".
Cary

 

[Bionic Man]

same thing

same thing

I had a similar thing with my first hospital/surgeon just with normal insurance. One hospital didn't take it (of course the one I was scheduled for surgery at). We spent the next 3 weeks looking for a new doc and finally found a good one and a hospital that took our insurance.

Not only that but we were in a sign-up period and technically uncovered (to be covered retroactively). We fough with them up until the night after my surgery but they finally got the paperwork pushed and did pay stuff.

Insurance issues are no fun!!

David

 

[McCln]

The receptionist should have realized this in the first place before anything was set up. I hope you have better luck in the search for another doctor. It is hard when searching for one that will accept new medicare patients. It is the was the federal goverment will make payments that make it hard to get a doctor for a medicare patient. Good luck and keep us posted.