Guest guest Posted November 4, 2005 Report Share Posted November 4, 2005 Ken, You are certainly on the right track. Putting your requests in writing constitutes a formal request, whereas telephone, etc., does not. I've begun putting nearly everything in writing now! Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2005 Report Share Posted November 4, 2005 Ken, If you have exhausted the possibility that your current insurance will cover the visit, you can still make an appt. with any of the doctors you mentioned. When I called Dr. Bridwell and Dr. LaGrone, I was asked a series of questions - Why are you seeing the doctor? to this I replied, pain in low back after Harrington rod surgery When was your surgery? How long have you been in pain? Apparently, I answered the questions sufficiently because I got appointments with both of them. While my insurance did pay for Dr. Bridwell, it did not pay for LaGrone. So, I had to cover travel, lodging, and the visit. I had current films (x-ray and CT/myelogram) and old films (x-ray, CT, MRI) and took all of it with me. Because I was paying out of pocket, Dr. LaGrone did not take any additional films while I was there. It was worth every out of pocket penny to get this opinion - even though I am not having surgery with the man. So, it is really up to you. I will add that the sooner you call, the sooner you'll get in...duh. It took me almost a month to get in to Dr. Bridwell (which was fine since I had to take off work, book a flight and make hotel reservations). The process started at the end of June and my surgery will be in December. Now is the time to get the ball rolling if you want to do something as soon as your insurance will allow. There's my feedback. kam > > Hello everyone, > > Taking your advice in requesting my medical records... I have decided to write my PCP " doctor " a letter requesting he help me in obtaining my medical records... In this letter I am also going to ask him to help me come up with a plan to see one of the specialists that everyone is recommending... (Hu, Bridwell, La Grone...... etc) > > As far as Insurance goes: If one of these doctors is not part of my IPA, how will I get to see them? If I wait til my insurance changes to a PPO it will take 9 months... Any Ideas?? > > If you have any suggestions for me - please feel free to chime in... or > Feel free to email me privately.. > > Thank you!! Ken. > > > > > --------------------------------- > FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2005 Report Share Posted November 4, 2005 Dear Ken, I do a lot of work for my surgeon here in Denver, I'll see if he'll look at your X-rays if you are willing to send them. I'll give Lee his assistant a call today, I'm sure they'd do it for me for free. That would give you an idea where you are, and what surgery you'll need till you get your insurance settled. Let me know if you'd like to do that! Colorado Springs [ ] questions.... Hello everyone, Taking your advice in requesting my medical records... I have decided to write my PCP "doctor" a letter requesting he help me in obtaining my medical records... In this letter I am also going to ask him to help me come up with a plan to see one of the specialists that everyone is recommending... (Hu, Bridwell, La Grone...... etc) As far as Insurance goes: If one of these doctors is not part of my IPA, how will I get to see them? If I wait til my insurance changes to a PPO it will take 9 months... Any Ideas?? If you have any suggestions for me - please feel free to chime in... or Feel free to email me privately.. Thank you!! Ken. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2005 Report Share Posted November 4, 2005 Hi Ken, Sometimes insurance will pay for an out-of-network doc if you can show that there is no one within the plan that can provide the same necessary expertise/service. It requires some kind of appeal to the insurance co. I don't know how to do that or whether such an appeal would work with your plan. But, I bet that the office of Bridwell, La Grone And/or one of the others would know. Bonnie [ ] questions.... Hello everyone, Taking your advice in requesting my medical records... I have decided to write my PCP "doctor" a letter requesting he help me in obtaining my medical records... In this letter I am also going to ask him to help me come up with a plan to see one of the specialists that everyone is recommending... (Hu, Bridwell, La Grone...... etc) As far as Insurance goes: If one of these doctors is not part of my IPA, how will I get to see them? If I wait til my insurance changes to a PPO it will take 9 months... Any Ideas?? If you have any suggestions for me - please feel free to chime in... or Feel free to email me privately.. Thank you!! Ken. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2005 Report Share Posted November 4, 2005 Dear Ken, Talked to Lee at Dr. Kumar's office, she said just call her and they'll set up with you where to send the X-rays if you like. There is no cost for the consult, he's a dear man who worked miracles on me. Call Lee Sherry at 303-860-1500 and tell her you are in Kirkaldie's Flat Back group. Dr. Anant Kumar 1601 19th Ave Ste 4000 Denver Co, 80218 You can reach me at 719-598-8015 if you have any questions! Hope this helps! Colorado Springs [ ] questions.... Hello everyone, Taking your advice in requesting my medical records... I have decided to write my PCP "doctor" a letter requesting he help me in obtaining my medical records... In this letter I am also going to ask him to help me come up with a plan to see one of the specialists that everyone is recommending... (Hu, Bridwell, La Grone...... etc) As far as Insurance goes: If one of these doctors is not part of my IPA, how will I get to see them? If I wait til my insurance changes to a PPO it will take 9 months... Any Ideas?? If you have any suggestions for me - please feel free to chime in... or Feel free to email me privately.. Thank you!! Ken. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2005 Report Share Posted November 6, 2005 Hi Ken: When I originally went for opinions several years ago, I had BC/BS PPO, which made it easy to do so. I saw revision specialists from NY to CA. As the time approached when I knew I needed to move forward with the surgery, I had an HMO. I requested in writing, as well as my PCP, for approval to go out of network, as we felt there was no one in NM qualified to perform this surgery. I did have some red tape to handle, but it all worked out. I was able to have my revision surgery out of network with the surgeon of my choice. A year later when I needed to have the iliac screws removed, I had a different HMO. Went through the same thing, but still was able to go out of network to return to Dr. LaGrone. Keep good notes, log names of people you speak to. Good luck. etteKen Leonard <kclnt777@...> wrote: Hello everyone, Taking your advice in requesting my medical records... I have decided to write my PCP "doctor" a letter requesting he help me in obtaining my medical records... In this letter I am also going to ask him to help me come up with a plan to see one of the specialists that everyone is recommending... (Hu, Bridwell, La Grone...... etc) As far as Insurance goes: If one of these doctors is not part of my IPA, how will I get to see them? If I wait til my insurance changes to a PPO it will take 9 months... Any Ideas?? If you have any suggestions for me - please feel free to chime in... or Feel free to email me privately.. Thank you!! Ken. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2005 Report Share Posted November 6, 2005 Hi ette ~ Thank you very much for the info, .... How are you doing now? Are you glad you had the revision surgery? Thanks, Ken.paulette poirier <paulettep11@...> wrote: Hi Ken: When I originally went for opinions several years ago, I had BC/BS PPO, which made it easy to do so. I saw revision specialists from NY to CA. As the time approached when I knew I needed to move forward with the surgery, I had an HMO. I requested in writing, as well as my PCP, for approval to go out of network, as we felt there was no one in NM qualified to perform this surgery. I did have some red tape to handle, but it all worked out. I was able to have my revision surgery out of network with the surgeon of my choice. A year later when I needed to have the iliac screws removed, I had a different HMO. Went through the same thing, but still was able to go out of network to return to Dr. LaGrone. Keep good notes, log names of people you speak to. Good luck. etteKen Leonard <kclnt777@...> wrote: Hello everyone, Taking your advice in requesting my medical records... I have decided to write my PCP "doctor" a letter requesting he help me in obtaining my medical records... In this letter I am also going to ask him to help me come up with a plan to see one of the specialists that everyone is recommending... (Hu, Bridwell, La Grone...... etc) As far as Insurance goes: If one of these doctors is not part of my IPA, how will I get to see them? If I wait til my insurance changes to a PPO it will take 9 months... Any Ideas?? If you have any suggestions for me - please feel free to chime in... or Feel free to email me privately.. Thank you!! Ken. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2005 Report Share Posted November 6, 2005 Ken: I am feeling great, still thankfull of the fact that I no longer have lower back pain, or tilting forward. I was very serious about trying to get in the best condition possible before going ahead with the surgery, and was diligent about doing my rehab at home after surgery. I still do all my exercises, and walk many miles several times a week, as my time allows. So, yes, I am very happy I had the revision surgery. No regrets. I first discovered I had flatback in 1998, and had the surgery 2005. By the way, I am 55, and feeling better than I have in years! My advise is to do the research, take your time, and you'll know when it's time, and with whom to have the surgery. My best wishes to you. etteKen Leonard <kclnt777@...> wrote: Hi ette ~ Thank you very much for the info, .... How are you doing now? Are you glad you had the revision surgery? Thanks, Ken.paulette poirier <paulettep11@...> wrote: Hi Ken: When I originally went for opinions several years ago, I had BC/BS PPO, which made it easy to do so. I saw revision specialists from NY to CA. As the time approached when I knew I needed to move forward with the surgery, I had an HMO. I requested in writing, as well as my PCP, for approval to go out of network, as we felt there was no one in NM qualified to perform this surgery. I did have some red tape to handle, but it all worked out. I was able to have my revision surgery out of network with the surgeon of my choice. A year later when I needed to have the iliac screws removed, I had a different HMO. Went through the same thing, but still was able to go out of network to return to Dr. LaGrone. Keep good notes, log names of people you speak to. Good luck. etteKen Leonard <kclnt777@...> wrote: Hello everyone, Taking your advice in requesting my medical records... I have decided to write my PCP "doctor" a letter requesting he help me in obtaining my medical records... In this letter I am also going to ask him to help me come up with a plan to see one of the specialists that everyone is recommending... (Hu, Bridwell, La Grone...... etc) As far as Insurance goes: If one of these doctors is not part of my IPA, how will I get to see them? If I wait til my insurance changes to a PPO it will take 9 months... Any Ideas?? If you have any suggestions for me - please feel free to chime in... or Feel free to email me privately.. Thank you!! Ken. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2007 Report Share Posted November 12, 2007 Hello Deneen! I tend to catch a lot of colds and respiratory infections and am currently trying to kick a 2 month bout of bronchitis. I take Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine and have Fibromyalgia as well. I stopped the Sulfasalazine as soon as I began taking antibiotics as directed by my rheumatologist. --- glokay20022002 <glokay20022002@...> wrote: > Hi! > > I take paxil, and it seems to help alot with the > depression that > comes from having ra. It does make you sleepy, so I > take mine at bed > time. Your rheumy should be able to prescribe what > is right for you > as not all things work the same for each person. > > Hugs from Ok.....Gloria > > > > > Hey everybody! > > > > I hope all is well with you guys and pray that > everyone is pain- > free right now! > > > > I was curious though. Does anyone with RA > experience frequent colds > and sickness? I know that our immune system is not > exactly up to par > right now, however, I continue to get sick and when > I do it takes > FOREVER for me to get rid of them! I was wondering > if I was the only > one experiencing this. > > > > Also, I was thinking about taking some > anti-depression meds. I have > been taking this pain and the whole situation really > hard right now. > I currently do not work and I haven't been taking my > meds for over > two weeks and I feel more pain gradually getting > worse everyday. Get > this.....I applied for a job at a hospital where I > live, and my > rheummy said I was unable to perform the duties > expected of me so he > faxed paperwork to the job and I didn't get the > position!!! I have > been looking for work since then. I think he wants > me to be on SSI > but I am only 25! I can still work and do normal > things (with meds)! > Anyhoo, ever since that incident I have been > extremely depressed. If > anybody else is taking something and recommends it, > I will definitely > try it out! Currently, I only take Methotrexate (8 a > week). > > > > Last question.....FOR LADIES ONLY!! > > > > Does anybody experience yeast infections with > Prednisone?! I REFUSE > to take that stuff again! I took it for 2 days a > couple of weeks ago, > and is now catching pure you know what! > > > > Thanks for reading! > > > > ~Deneen > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2007 Report Share Posted November 12, 2007 Hey everybody! I hope all is well with you guys and pray that everyone is pain-free right now! I was curious though. Does anyone with RA experience frequent colds and sickness? I know that our immune system is not exactly up to par right now, however, I continue to get sick and when I do it takes FOREVER for me to get rid of them! I was wondering if I was the only one experiencing this. Also, I was thinking about taking some anti-depression meds. I have been taking this pain and the whole situation really hard right now. I currently do not work and I haven't been taking my meds for over two weeks and I feel more pain gradually getting worse everyday. Get this.....I applied for a job at a hospital where I live, and my rheummy said I was unable to perform the duties expected of me so he faxed paperwork to the job and I didn't get the position!!! I have been looking for work since then. I think he wants me to be on SSI but I am only 25! I can still work and do normal things (with meds)! Anyhoo, ever since that incident I have been extremely depressed. If anybody else is taking something and recommends it, I will definitely try it out! Currently, I only take Methotrexate (8 a week). Last question.....FOR LADIES ONLY!! Does anybody experience yeast infections with Prednisone?! I REFUSE to take that stuff again! I took it for 2 days a couple of weeks ago, and is now catching pure you know what! Thanks for reading! ~Deneen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2007 Report Share Posted November 19, 2007 > >Nice to meet you Deneen. I am also 25 with RA. I have been on Prednisone and yes experienced one yeast infection. Not on that now but I know that infections with steroids are very common. Actualy they can be just because of our immunes (like you said). I take meto. combined with plaqunil and enbrel. Still suffer from quite a lot of pain. I suffer from quite a lot of depression and anxiety from the illness. I have tried anti-depressants and found for me they did not help but am in constant debate about trying others. I do however take Celexia for anxiety and they do help to some extent. Take the edge off a little without some of the anti-deppessant effects. Hope your feeling well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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