Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 I love that! -Heidi From: NIck Guthe <nickgutheyahoo (DOT) com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] ortho ventTo: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 4:12 PM Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, "second opinion" doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is "in network", if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Ours dedicated one sentence to casting. He said, " Well, there's also serial casting, but I think a night time brace is the best option." Well, yeah. IF it meant it would improve the curve. Heck, we would be LUCKY if it even held it! (Current doc said he didn't think it would have.) He had just seen another patient a month earlier who told him they were going to do the casting. They are currently at 2 degrees and in a brace now. CURED! Shameful for sure. And sad. From: NIck Guthe <nickgutheyahoo (DOT) com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] ortho ventTo: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 4:12 PM Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, "second opinion" doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is "in network", if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 If the surgeon knows about the effectiveness of ET w/ Mehtas modified EDF and isn’t doing everything in his/her power to offer it correctly in their hospital, then YES it’s a crime and morally wrong. I think most surgeons are still stuck in believing that all casting is the same. They really do believe that casting will only hold a curve (not correct it) and just cant imagine applying casts to their infant patients for the next 10 years. That’s why referring to this treatment modality as “Mehtas Early Treatment Method w/ EDF casting,” is so important. If new parents refer to ET as “casting,” that exactly what they’ll be offered….. the wait and watch approach, followed by an old fashioned Risser cast. An unacceptable approach to progressive infantile scoliosis. Mehtas Earky Treatment Method is the GOLD STANDARD of treatment for infants/children with progressive infantile scoliosis. Wait and watch, followed by ineffective bracing, old fashioned casting as a last ditch effort at maintenance, then hardware and repeated surgeries til’ skeletal maturity is not GOLD STANDARD, its last resort. Heres my vent to add to the mix! HRH From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of NIck Guthe Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 2:13 PM To: infantile_scoliosis Subject: ortho vent Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, " second opinion " doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is " in network " , if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Our health care system is so broken………Something must be done. Unacceptable. (my most used word) HRH From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of Tasha Fontenot Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 2:39 PM To: infantile_scoliosis Subject: Re: ortho vent Heidi, That is awful and makes me sick how much they charged for that 10 minute visit! Health Insurance is a joke and most of the doctors are milking it for all they can. I hope you do not have to pay that amount. My husband owns his own business so insurance for us is SKY HIGH! We had to end up dropping he and I last year and just keep the boys on. Each year it went up anywhere from $50-100 dollars and then every time we had a birthday it went up $35! BS!!!! I am here to tell you it is cheaper for me to go to the doctor and pay out of pocket than it is for me to pay a monthly insurance premium and an office visit. My mammogram this year I got a 55% discount because I DID NOT have insurance. So I am all with you sister. It is morally wrong and yes I feel it is a crime. Tasha Mommy of 4 year old twin boys- and Fort Worth, Texas is currently in a brace at night. Casting 14 months. From: NIck Guthe <nickguthe> Subject: ortho vent To: infantile_scoliosis Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 3:12 PM Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, " second opinion " doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is " in network " , if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 I feel the same way and I know we are not alone! HRH From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of Tasha Fontenot Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 2:42 PM To: infantile_scoliosis Subject: Re: ortho vent OK sorry I went off on insurance when I don't think you were. I just went back and read your post again. Oh well I guess you all know how I feel about insurance now. Tasha Mommy of 4 year old twin boys- and Fort Worth, Texas is currently in a brace at night. Casting 14 months. From: NIck Guthe <nickgutheyahoo (DOT) com> Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] ortho vent To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. com Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 3:12 PM Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, " second opinion " doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is " in network " , if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 A crying shame for all the children with prog. i.s. that go through his office. HRH From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of jill wienke Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 3:38 PM To: infantile_scoliosis Subject: Re: ortho vent I agree. Our otho here KNEW ABOUT ET and didn't discuss it. I want to yell at him, " Shame on you! " UGHHHHH From: NIck Guthe <nickguthe> Subject: ortho vent To: infantile_scoliosis Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 4:12 PM Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, " second opinion " doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is " in network " , if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 I have had surgeons tell me that the pioneer of ET fixed the children with potions and powders, that she airbrushed the before and after x-rays and that ET was a lie and a hoax! ET was dismissed 100% prior to the article being published, but now the good guys are experiencing first hand what properly applied ET can achieve for their young patients and ET can longer be swept under the rug. Not with parents demanding it for their children. Parents demanding properly applied ET is an essential ingredient to making ET available to all who need it. HRH From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of NIck Guthe Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 3:56 PM To: infantile_scoliosis Subject: Re: ortho vent You know what, Jill, my last post was about (technically) the 3rd ortho surgeon we saw- the 1st did not treat scoliosis at all (kept us watching and waiting for 4 precious months)- and the 2nd ortho surgeon we saw knows about EDF casting and to be honest-- he was a very nice man, but he said he did not do it, we'd have to go " out of state " for it, and that it was " kind of like religion, you either believe in it or you don't " . In other words, he made it sound like something kooky, crazy parents do...which made us dismiss it, until, thank God, we found ISOP. And this doc well knows about the treatment, we know that for sure. Morally wrong, he cannot plead ignorance. -Heidi From: NIck Guthe <nickgutheyahoo (DOT) com> Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] ortho vent To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. com Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 4:12 PM Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, " second opinion " doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is " in network " , if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 There is no turning back once your child has had surgery. Surgery should be offered ONLY as a last resort, after all other non surgical options have been exhausted. I bet his response would have been different if it was his child. He would already be on his way to SLC or England to get a properly applied EDF cast. No doubt about it! HRH From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of Krista Sloan Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 4:07 PM To: infantile_scoliosis Subject: Re: ortho vent I got that...vibe from a San Francisco MD. He said to me.. " Why would you want to do months of casting when I can just do the surgery " ?? Gee...maybe because my baby was 15 months old at the time, and spinal fusion on a baby sounds really scary!! So frustrating. ~Krista From: NIck Guthe <nickgutheyahoo (DOT) com> Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] ortho vent To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. com Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 4:12 PM Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, " second opinion " doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is " in network " , if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Very well said…. I think the biggest factor of all is lack of education. HRH From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of NIck Guthe Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 4:36 PM To: infantile_scoliosis Subject: Re: ortho vent WORSE than sounds scary, it has a 100 percent complication rate, requires surgical adjustments every 6 months if there are no complications- but with a 100 percent complication rate, how often does that happen? This is info I have thanks to . AND, the complications are metal staples being lost inside the child's body, requiring exploratory surgery, things fusing where they should not be fused...deformity, pain, and the body cavity being too small to support the child's growing organs, which can result in permanent organ damage and/or death. I would do the surgery if it were the best option for my child, please let me be clear about that, but if there is an early treatment, EDF casting option-- seriously. How could doctors not suggest and encourage it? Because of the money, lack of knowledge, and because they want to operate. Surgeons want to operate like race car drivers want to get on the track. No disrespect to surgeons, I have needed you in the past and will surely need your brilliance and talent again, but not when there is a better option for our kids!!! -Heidi From: NIck Guthe <nickgutheyahoo (DOT) com> Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] ortho vent To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. com Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 4:12 PM Hi everyone, We got a phone call this morning from a major hospital here in L.A. that we owe a bill for an ortho, " second opinion " doc visit- one 10 minute visit- for 550 dollars. This ortho saw Bex only once for around 10 minutes, there were no x-rays taken, he didn't even remove his clothes for an exam. He also suggested an unneeded 3rd MRI, when we had 2 ones done already, and almost caused us not to take the cancellation slot we got from Shriners in SLC- which would have been a vital mistake for our child's health- as his curve progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in 6 weeks. We would have lost more weeks of precious time, as his condition worsened, had we taken this highly respected ortho's advice. We wouldn't have gotten Bex into the first cast as soon as we did if we took this doc's suggestion of the 3rd MRI, which I'm pretty convinced he only suggested because he thought we had the time (the cancellation slot had not opened yet at SLC), and he personally asked us about our insurance in the room, so he knew we could cover it. We will be looking into what we really should pay through our insurance co., but wanted to make the point to always check if a doc you are seeing is " in network " , if you're using your insurance. We just asked if his office took Blue Cross, and they said yes. That means yes, they'll take whatever 100+ dollars Blue Cross will pay, and then we are responsible for the rest. Had we gone to him for multiple visits, we would've been quite surprised to get bills for thousands of dollars, so do ask what their basic office fee is, if it's not a Shriners type hospital! We are so grateful to be at Shriners. Also, just a friendly reminder that just because a doc is highly respected, does not mean his or her opinion is right for your child. It kind of steams us to pay for a wrong and even dangerous opinion. And on that note, is it not a crime that some (most) orthos suggest only years of bracing and surgeries for our kids, when casting can be an early cure? They are not cars, they are HUMAN BEINGS! It seems like they're willfully milking the insurance cos and families for years of payments- when many children could be cured by pre-school, with non-surgical EDF casting. Unless there is no better alternative to surgery, it's a crime and it's morally wrong. Best to all- Heidi (Bexon's Mom, 23 months old, in 2nd cast from SLC) My biggest point here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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