update on my leg

[ellenrr]

Today I went to another doctor. (after 2 doctors, one pain management clinic, one acupuncturist).
His thoughts- maybe Lyme, maybe a tear in the meniscus (knee).
So I got to get a Lyme test, and an MRI for the meniscus.

Lyme test first. Everything is so major, bec. I can't get around on my own. Have to ask for a ride to the lab for the Lyme test, and I don't like to ask for things.
gotta think back and call on one of those folk, who said, "Let me know if you need anything."

sigh.
thank you for listening.

[intaglio]

1. Take care

and insert rant about how healthcare should offer such tests without charging the sufferer.

[ellenrr]

2. yes. and ideally we would offer people a way to get to the tests.

all this is possible . It is a logical possibility. Just not on the political agenda.

I do not have to pay for the test bec. I have Medicare.
which is a huge thing!

Until I reached Medicare age, I had no insurance for over 20 years. I used a clinic. and I was lucky, in that I had no major conditions.

I had xrays that I had a co-pay of $16.00, but the total fee charged to medicare was over $700!
That is crazy. Even if I'm not paying for it, someone is.
And we know who is getting rich.

White I sat in the waiting room, I would estimate about 16 people per hour were getting x-rayed!
Think about that money someone is raking in.

[DURHAM D]

3. They may charge Medicare $700 but the provider won't

receive that. Medicare will pay them more like $65. You will get a report later and you can see the actual payment made by Medicare to the clinic. iows- What Medicare is charged is irrelevant.

[winter is coming]

4. I hope this gets resolved soon.

I will say that it's been my experience that when it comes to giving people rides (to the doctor, the airport, wherever), the person receiving the ride always seems to think it's a bigger favor to ask than the person who's giving the ride. Ask for help, and don't feel bad about doing so. You'll likely pay it back or pay it forward down the road.

[ellenrr]

5. thanks! nt