November 12, 2024
Upon returning to Arizona, I made an appointment with my doctor to check me out because of my stomach pains. (The hole in my head from the branch on the 7th has healed) They could not get me in until the 14th of October – five days away. (I was calling on the 9th)
After describing the issue, my doctor examined me and poked and probed my abdomen – from the front, from the back, from both sides. He was most concerned about my liver and kidneys, and they drew blood – three vials of blood – and did tests. He gave me an order to get an ultrasound done at a place called SimonMed.
I called them for an appointment and the first appointment they had was on October 30. More than two weeks away! I could have gone to one of their locations other than the one closest to me, but the earliest at any of these other locations was the 28th. If this was serious, I could be dead by then!
The next day, I got a text from my doctor’s office that the blood tests all came back great, that they found no issues, but the doctor would still like me to get the untra sound!
On the 30th, I showed up at the SimonMed office, and they told me that there would be a $179.00 charge, in addition to my insurance! I don’t think so! I left and went home. Then I called my medical insurance company. They told me that there should be no additional charge! My insurance company called the people at SimonMed and verified that according to my insurance coverage and their contract with my insurance company, there was no charge – not even any co-pay! They also set up a new appointment – for November 12th!
I went back to my doctor’s office and talked to the office manager. I told them that I did not like SimonMed, and she replied, “Nobody does!” I asked if they could use anyone else other than SimonMed, and she said that SimonMed was the only medical imaging company on my insurance. I asked about Scottsdale Medical Imaging Labs, a company they had used before and was on the first floor of their building, but I was told that while SMIL was able to get patients in within a couple of days, they no longer had a contract with my insurance company!
So, today, the 12th, I showed up at SimonMed for my appointment, and after I told the receptionist my name, gave her my insurance card and my ID, (the same ID I need to vote), she checked for my appointment and said, “There will be a $179 additional payment.”
I replied that I had spoken with my insurance company and they assured me that there would be no additional payment needed. She frowned, and said, kind of under her breath, “Hmmm . . .I ALWAYS collect SOMETHING!”, before turning back to her computer and pushing some keys. Then she said to me, “Well, you’ll have to take a seat while I CHECK on this!”
Ten minutes later, she said, “There will be no charge! Someone will be with you shortly!”
I wonder how many patients blindly allow them to overcharge them?
Yes, I’m just complaining!
I got the ultra sound and they are sending the results to my doctor. It will probably take them two weeks, just like it took for them to set up an appointment! By then, I’ll be back in Hawaii!
TTFN
Update:
November 20, 2024
The doctor said that the ultrasound indicated something called a “fatty liver”, definitely gallstones, and a cyst on my right kidney!
He wants me to schedule a CT scan for further diagnosng, and to see a surgeon!
I have an appointment fot the CT scan and the surgeon preliminary appointment on the 20th of December.
It sounds like I am at death’s door. Thank goodness I have Health Professionals to see me through – but through in which direction?
TropicalCastaway 