How do you tackle harsh insurance companies ..?I need a revision .
Any insights.

QuoteHow do you tackle harsh insurance companies ..?I need a revision. - atl2013

Have you printed out a list of In Network Ortho Surgeons from your insurance carrier's patient website?

Once that's done, then I'd suggest you google the surgeons' CVs (curriculum vitae).  I'd also check out the Out of Network doctors because once you've met your out of pocket maximums, deductables, etc., they're often only nominally more expensive than the in–network guys.


                                  THEN PRESS THE 'EASY' BUTTON.

Next, call their offices to confirm they accept your insurance.  Regardless of network status though, ALL Ortho Surgeons have dedicated staff who will then do all the legwork for you with the insurance companies in obtaining surgical approvals.

Practically every Hippy here has gone through this, so take heart that you’re helping so many others by sharing your surgeon selection process.  You’re not only sharing your story, you’re literally writing your own personal plan for success here. 

Hang in there ATL2013, and please keep us posted on your surgeon selection.

2 Fore

Hey All.......Just been running around doing test now for metal poisoning,have been to see surgeon...waitin for insurance to give all clear for  MRI so doc can see extent of damage .
He said I need total hip now so that sucks ,just anything to reduce the pain I'm in helps.
The opportunity to have my life back  again makes it all worthwhile ..

Wish me luck everyone..........This is the second beginning.

Quotewaitin for insurance to give all clear for  MRI so doc can see extent of damage - atl2013

Hey atl,

So glad to see you are now at the phase of getting your MRI and other testing!  May I make a suggestion as to what kind of MRI you get?

I strongly recommend you ask your surgeon to order the MARS (Magnetic Artifact Reduction Sequences) Type of MRI.  It is specifically designed for metal artifact reduction for MRI of metal prostheses and implants.

MARS (Magnetic Artifact Reduction Sequences) Type of MRI

Patients suffering from pain after receiving hip or knee implants may have soft tissue disease. MRI is ideal for soft tissue sensitivity, but the metal implant causes magnetic field disturbances leading to an artifact which complicates image interpretation. Metal artifact reduction sequences (MARS) are less sensitive to metal artifacts.

Do NOT accept substitution by your Ortho or MRI facility as they will tell you they can adjust their old style MRI machine to be just as good as a MARs!  They don’t want to lose your business.   Also, your surgeon may not know where to obtain the MARs MRI.

You can find the diagnostic imaging services facility who offers the MARS by calling the Emory University Hospital or another hospital affiliated with a leading Atlanta Medical University.  You may have to call around your metro Atlanta area, but it’s worth it.

Godspeed and Good Vibes,
2-4

Hey 2-4 ,the surgeon DID  request for me to get the MARS ..So I was pleased with that ,the situations stands with me waiting now for the insurance approval to have it done,,,so I was told to check back if I didn't receive a response by tomorrow.
I  will be giving them half a day then will call to check up ...the surgeon's clinical explained they may fool around to get me to go somewhere where its cheaper but I  wont settle for anything less than what I'm to get,however,I hope it isn't as stressful as I've have the surgery done and just need the corrective surgery done now.Only God knows what they'll say.
I am so ready to work in recovery and I am just hoping I get no problems ,however I am optimistic as its insurance we're speaking of.
2-4 thanks again for your advice..it certainly helps and is appreciated!
Also, I hope all well with you and everyone in the chat ..or... perhaps light at the end of the tunnel soon.
Don't give up!!!!!

ATL2013

Regarding the rash, it did disappear after a few weeks.  I put it down to the severe weaknesses I had in my abductor muscles.  However one surgeon did panic.  You do have to keep things in perspective and regard all information as questionable unless given in writing by someone with great experience such as Dr Gross.
I believe I have now discovered the reason for all my problems, Sacroiliac joint dysfunction which relates back to a fall from my horse in 2006.  This is a much under diagnosed condition and I have heard that failed back operations have been due to this condition not being diagnosed.  I may if my treatment is successful add hip operation to that!!
Hope things go well for you.
HH

Hey ALL

@ happyhopper :So sorry to hear of your fall from the horse...I use to do  EQUESTRIAN  so i can tell you a fall from so high would never be a good thing,especially if the horse didn't  have a fondness for you.(joke).
Hip problems not diagnosed properly can lead eventually to trouble later in life,most so , if you are continuously  playing sports or impact activity.
I keep on hearing knees and hips are together so thats why most top surgeons do both,the IT BANDS,Burisitis,Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction PAINS are part an parcel... back pains are present during all these conditions. Weak Abductor/Adductor muscles make everything so complicated-its absolutely essential you work on those daily ,whether gym or physiotherapy.It takes a lot of effort to rebuild after having been so energetic all my life even I found it very hard ..slow to build them back.
I  hope you get better real soon .
HIPPYS BEWARE!!!!
Lots of amateurs doctors are out there..you have to do surgeries to get experience ..they cut nerves leading to so many problems.."NOTE FOR ALL "TO BE" HIPPYS" -FIND A VERY EXPERIENCED HIP RESURFACING SURGEON"...It'll be your best "Future"  Life Investment.

On another note :Seems the rash I have is from the metal on metal implant,I have to get it removed asap or it could become very troublesome.The ions are very high and thats not good which could lead to infection which then will require two surgeries to correct my problem,I'm awaiting  a call from my  surgeons'clinical  assistant to do a follow up with another test now they asked me to do also...It's all very disturbing to be tossed around the way I am at the moment but its for the better...Surgery is a must but double surgery ..head spinning!!!!
So glad I HAVE YOU GUYS TO GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT.

ATL2013






















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QuoteThe ions are very high and thats not good which could lead to infection.... atl2013

Hey Atlanta!

Infection is just about the scariest thing, so I'm wondering if your Ortho has ruled it out by now?  What tests did he run to ascertain you are free of infection?  If you don't have infection, your odds are so much higher, and I'm hoping that is the case with you.

Atl, because of your rash did your Ortho also rule out metal hypersensitivity or metal allergy with a Metal - LTT test?

I'm so glad to see you're keeping us in the loop, and it sounds like you're getting answers which is a good thing.  This IS very scary, but I can tell you are taking the bull by the horns.  Yeah, I applaud you for that.  You are helping me process through my own path and really all of us Hippies by sharing your journey.

Thank you,
2fer