OK. It's official. "Healthcare" in the US is so FUBAR that it almost does not exist.

I have a chronic health condition that requires me to have blood work and a complete physical every three months on a routine basis.

Yesterday, I went to my appointment for this physical.

While I was being examined, I informed my doctor that I had some kind of skin infection on 2 different areas of my body.

My doctor informed me that he could examine and treat only one of the areas, and that I would have to make another appointment to have the third area examined and treated.

I expressed my surprise and dismay.

I was informed that insurance regulations for my particular provider state that one appointment will only cover a maximum of 2 problems. Any additional problems had to be taken care of in a separate appointment, or by a trip to the emergency room.

My doctor took "pity" on me, and looked at all of my problems in yesterday's appointment...but I was again admonished as I left..."Remember...2 issues per visit".

This situation is so fucked up, on so many levels, that when I woke up this morning, I was certain that the whole thing was a dream...but it wasn't.

"First, get a million dollars, and then...."

The RW politicians and their supporters all say that we have the best health care system in the world.

They wouldn't lie would they? :sarcasm:

On a serious note, I hope that things turn out well for you. I know what it's like to live with chronic health issues and the sometimes infuriating dealings with the healthcare industry.

...twice as much, for the drugs. We HAVE to "order a 3-month supply" from Medco - or the insurance covers only 50% of the cost of the prescription. And Medco charges TWICE as much as our old plan did (ie: the co-pay that used to be $10 is now $20). Multiply that times three months - and that's $60 for a prescription that USED to cost $10.

I don't USE any drugs in "3-month supply". Meaning - one I use lasts 3 months PER bottle. Medco would probably force me to buy THREE bottles ($60). It's cheaper for me to pay %50 and just get my one bottle per 2-3 months.

Another Rx lasts me ONE YEAR per tube. The stuff costs $350 though. I pay $35 now. But in the future, I have to pay a $100 "deductible" per year AND 50% of the cost of that prescription ($150). OR, buy THREE tubes of it from Medco for $100 for a total of $300 (then they'd probably force me to buy another three tubes in 3 months, even though I'd not even gotten through the first one!).

It's cheaper - again, for me to just get it at a pharmacy and pay the goddamned $250/year for the thing.

The effing DRUG and INSURANCE companies OWN THIS COUNTRY. The government, the doctors, and US. And WHO is stopping them? NOBODY.

If it's the same skin infection on two different areas, why would he even have to tell the insurance company that he LOOKED at two areas? Why would that matter? If it's the same infection, it's one problem. If someone has a poison ivy rash on both legs that's not two problems, it's one problem that affects two limbs. Any medication given for the infection would treat both areas. The "problem" is the infection, NOT the body part! :eyes:

if it's the same skin infection on two different areas- treating one area should take care of the other as well.