Pain Clinic?

Hello margalow!


I'm wondering if you can go back to you're PCD and explain the situation to them and see if they will script you're med's for you?

I see that back in March of last year you asked for some help with med cost, and some of the members gave you some pretty good alternatives to look at.
Did those work for you?

If you are set with medications that are working, but are struggling with the PM office cost, then you're PCD should be able to script them for you.

You were paying $1200 just for the office call? WOW!

Hopefully some of the other members will be along to suggest a better source for you.

Take care,

SE

My PCD said I have to go to pain management for my pain meds. Don't know why, if this is the law in this state or what. I am going back to him today to discuss these problems.
From the best that hubby can ascertain from very confusing on-line info (it was the weekend. Phones not working at insurance company, of course) the office visits are around $700 and the urine testing is 1200! This is every single month. (I've always tested clean - Rx only) I went back to my PCD last year and said they were charging too much. He said "that's what they all charge." My hubby, who is so wonderful and knows what I've gone through to get some relief just told me not to worry about it.
Well, in less than three months the pain doctor used up all of our $2500 health acct!!! Went to pick up one RX and it was 150.00. Now all has to come out of our pocket. Hubby says we just can't do this anymore. I have a hard time believing that they ALL charge this much. But also afraid that if it is true, how do you find another doctor? I could fly somewhere else and get it cheaper! I've gone to my PCD for over 20yrs. so I trust him. Hubby didn't really share any of this with me last year. He just paid what he had to pay. He is a sweetheart who doesn't want to see me suffer. But all sweethearts have their limits. I don't understand this system. Why are there so many other people in the office? Am I just a chump?

Actually, I don't understand it exactly either. When my husband gets home I'll ask him to clarify it a little more. You can now see my frustration as I try to explain this insurance plan everywhere I go.
My husband says hardly anyone else has our plan, and that I don't doubt.
But, basically the bottom line is yes, the office visit and urine testing together are 1900 a month (can that be right? Does anyone else on this board pay that?).
I got a referral to another doctor today and hopefully will get to someone more affordable. But according to my husband, it will be out of our pocket now...at least for awhile. (I'll explain more when I know more). But all I know is that he is upset and at the end of his patience with the whole thing.
Getting something for pain in this state has been pure hell. Years of trying everything. Now I get just enough medication that I can make it through the day. If a person only knew what I've been through trying to prove my pain is real and has almost brought me to the brink....well let's just say to the brink.
I don't waste the privilege of having my pain reduced. I am actually in the process of getting certified as a personal trainer for some exercises developed especially for people who have back pain, fibromyalgia, or arthritis (hopefully I will be certified in the next couple of months). I started a class for free at my church. I have about 12 faithful members. I can no longer work a regular job as a nurse, but I am thrilled to be able to help people in this way! It once again makes me feel like I have a purpose.
But, I shudder to think of going back to a life with no medication for this pain.
There is a great deal of shame put upon pain sufferers who need medication, at least in this state. Here you are supposed to pull yourself up by your cowboy boots, take a Motrin, and get back on the bull.
If only I could....
But anyway, didn't mean to go off on my soap box.
I'm just hoping with my whole heart I have finally found a doctor who cares about me at least as much as he does my wallet.
It is good to have a place to vent.
But I'm going to be positive. Gonna keep on keepin' on! :)

Thank you for your quick responses.
I am going to write down the name of those websites.
I just got an email from someone who said the new doctor I am hoping to get into is very affordable and compassionate.
Here's to hoping I get into him.
I'm praying my future as a person trainer works out. I want to use my talents and experiences to help others as they find their way through the maze to relief.
There are evidently some docs who just want to bleed the insurance companies dry.

I have NEVER heard of a Pain Management Clinic charging that much for an office visit...even with UA's. My drug tests only cost...at the most....$200...and that's only every few months...and that's not saying what my insurance actually pays for them...only $50... and if your PM Clinic is charging that much I think I'd look for another one...that is so insanely HIGH that I can't even comprehend it...

Is this a legitimate place? or is it one of those places that is only in it for the money....just asking...I've known of a few but even they don't charge more then $300 a month without meds.

Wow!!!

Rhonda

Wow this is high!

My pain clinic is known as the best in the USA and they do charge $700 (thats facility and doc), but I usually pay 10%. I go in every 3-4 months. My medication without insurance is around $80 total, with insurance $30. Can they switch you to a less expensive medication? I know they put me on a $100 morphine one time but I told the doctor I could not afford that so we switched.

I checked and my urine test was $250 and I only took it once.

Seems very strange that they are charging you so much!