My experience with the great American health care system.

VMI Dem

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Aug-20-09 09:50 AM
Original message

My experience with the great American health care system.

My doctor has strongly suggested that I get a colonoscopy for a few years. I am considered high risk due to family history (father died of colon cancer at 42). I finally decided to go ahead and have it done and the first thing I did was check my insurance. Wow...they would pay a whopping $100 toward the cost of the procedure. It was considered preventative and they would only cover it at the 80% level if it was diagnostic.

So I didn't get the colonoscopy.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Captain Hilts

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Aug-20-09 09:54 AM
Response to Original message

1. There you go, Keydet. nt

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Warpy

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Aug-20-09 09:55 AM
Response to Original message

2. Just make sure you get frequent tests for occult (hidden) blood

You get some paper test packs and a popsicle stick for scooping and do it on three consecutive days. The doc's office reads the test.

It's not nearly as good as colonoscopy, which can not only diagnose precancerous lesions but also scrape them off, but it will tell you if you're starting to have a big problem.

I haven't had preventive care in over 20 years because I was declared uninsurable in 1987.

It's a great feeling knowing you have been declared not worth saving.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Demoiselle

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Aug-20-09 09:55 AM
Response to Original message

3. WHAT?!!!!

You mean they'd only pay for 80% of it if your doctor already had good reason to believe you have cancer?
Can you fight them on this?
I know private insurers are thugs..but that is just crazy.
I am so sorry you have to go through this!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

peace13

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Aug-20-09 09:57 AM
Response to Original message

4. My friend took his company up on their 'free' preventive colonoscopy

When a polyp was found and sent to the lab the insurance company called that diagnostic and then charged the patient the deductible of $2500.00 for the procedure. It turns out they get ya both ways. I hope your doctor can help you get this test!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

CurtEastPoint

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Thu Aug-20-09 10:03 AM
Response to Original message

5. I hate lying but tell them you have blood in your stool now. n/t

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Sat Apr 20th 2024, 04:15 AM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.