Posted 8/9/2007 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Erin,
First off im really sorry you're having a hard time these days, and I want you to know that there is light on the other side of the tunnel...I was thinking perhaps you can modify your diet...and include organic food, and whole grain breads...You can also add Omega for your Joints, and Papaya or Papaya enyzme to help with your Chronhs...(I know adding organic foods can be pricey but it has help me Manage my Ra more Effienctly...who knows
maybe it can help you)).
As for The medicaid issue, I completely understand how you feel, its like u have insurance, and its just as good as any other insurance, Yet the system can control who u see, and who u cant
see, Believe it or not, there are many great available specialist out there that will accept you're insurance, and There is a clause in a medicaid insurance & Medicaid Hmo that may be of benifet to you; You can ask u PCP to get Prior Authorization to see a Specialist even if the specialist doesnt accept the plan if you can prove to the insurance company that there aren't any specialist in the limits of your regional area...Then by law and with Authorization, the Doctor or Specialist cant refuse u and must accept the medicaid payment in full, however Every state may
vary....but I do know it can be done especially if the specialist is in a hospital setting which might make it alittle easier to get seen..
I work in the medical Field, and I verify health insurance for various insurances for Patients that need treatment, soo there is a way of getting treatment.....But my question to you Erin, is your Medicaid a straight medicaid or is it an HMo like Fidelis, Centercare, Hip or many others, let me know, and if you want I can try to help you in getting u the specialist that you need...
In the mean time, I just wanted to let you know, that with all that u have been through, just know that eventually you will be able to manage your pain & I understand you're strong feelings about the Predisone, it does take its toll....I guess all and all, we just have to keep insisting to your PCP's what works for you, and what doesnt work...
As for the Copays, there are such programs that can assist people who are on a budjet, sometimes can get the copays waived or atleast help supplement you with the cost, ask your doctor about these programs, and alot of times, if your doctor is good, they can also compose a letter to your medicaid insurance to try to work something out with you as far as cost is concerned...as long as ur doctor can provide suffient documentation, and constant persistance, usually medicaid can offer u some additional help...
Every state, has it different rules on Health insurance whether it be HMO, PPO, EPO, or Medicaid, & Medicaid Hmo's, however theres always a loopol that u can work in your favor, its just unfornate that these health insurance companys dont always provide the patient with the needed information.....So hang in there Erin, and If I could, I would give you the biggest hug, cuase with everything that I read about ur Diagnoses, I do know that ur going through alot, I hope the information I provided has help you, I wish I knew more about the Medication dilaudid, however I do believe that the injection version would probally work faster being that it is in liquid form, and I would insist to your PCP, if u can increase the dosage being that you said it helped.....
For me there was an issue with pain, and I ask the dr if he can increase my dosage, soo what he did was he re-wrote the prescription in a way that I had a 3months supple of pain meds, but written as a 1 month supply..Depending on the medication, Your Doctor may be able to do that for u, So if u take 2 dilaudid per day, maybe ur doctor can re-write the RX as 2 tablets every 6 hrs /3 times a day...which is an example....
Again, if u need any advice on medicaid insurance, just let me know, im always here to help....I hope you feel better.....and have more better days....
with love
BabZ
P.s--Im sorry if I wrote soo much, but after reading what you wrote, my heart really goes out to you, and I really hope that u can find the specialist & the right Medication combo to battle ur discomfort and Pain....