Rantaholics

Maybe because I work in the medical imaging industry that I am particularly sensitive to this matter, but since I last checked I was still human, so my frustration is part and parcel of every one's else. Quite simply the quality and care of our health care practitioners and the equally evil insurance companies has gone to hell in a hand basket.
I won't even begin to elaborate how I had to get all the pre-authorizations for surgery which I knew was approved already. After making endless phone calls, and writing down details of the conversation where the insurance company stated over the phone the surgery was covered, EXCEPT (and this is the real killer) they would not give me a reference number for the call, or an email address to confirm in writing. I managed to get a fax number and faxed my entire transcript of conversations of medical coverage and requested response-mail, fax, email and my response-nothing. Then after the surgery, they still wind up billing us for the entire amount. After numerous phone calls and letters we finally have it resolved. The whole process made me so sick-yes adding insult to injury.
My latest annoyance is with a doctor who insisted I would benefit from a in-office procedure to help with my rosacea outbreaks. The doctor explained it in such a manner that there is no down time and there might be some redness. Well, it was much worse than that. Best way I can describe it, think cabbage patch doll. Very attractive look. I knew I would be red (not quite this puffy). Days later my face still resembling a cabbage patch doll look, I had to go into the office.

My doctor seemed indifferent when I mentioned I was mortified to show my face and work & had to cancel meetings and various events due to my facial condition. Hey, I know what I look like and while I am not much too look at I don't need it advertised in technicolor. After about 10 days, the swelling subsided and left with inflammed stripes on my face (think Indian war paint). Apparently this is due to bruising during the procedure and it can happen (wow I wish I know that ahead of time!) Again my doctor didn't want to see me since I arrived again at the office sporting the Indian paint look. I explained I wasn't going to pay for the balance of the treatment and had I known I would look as bad as I did, I would never agreed to it. I suggested they create a handout for patients, explaining all the possible side effects, not just the pre-printed corporate brochure stating how perfect this procedure it. That sentiment was ignored. And while this procedure was not covered by insurance, she did send me a bill for a co-pay! (which I again explained I would not pay it). So now I am left with the option to help fade the bruises (which I am paying for). Now its been 5 weeks and hoping the prescription I paid for will now fix the bruising.


There is no morale to this story, and not much of happy ending and you wanna bet I am going to get a bill from my insurance company for this? You bet I will. Ah the fun never ends. Time to play in traffic.