Topic: Does everyone pay for their LLMD out of pocket?
BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
Mine doesn't take insurance which I'm sure most don't. I paid $xxx for the appt (in NYC) and kind of annoyed with them slapping me with another $xx on top of that for drawing my blood to send to Igenex. I would think the blood draw should be included in the huge amount I paid for the appt. I don't want to be taken advantage of..it's so expensive
They also charge for follow up appointment to hear your results and discuss treatment. $xxx. Does that sound about right or is that crazy?? I am a single 30 yr old woman with no financial help from anyone.
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
It sounds about right and it is expensive. I can't afford it either. They probably charge a lot because they have to protect themselves from lawsuits - might not even be able to get mal practise insurance, and they are in the line of fire of the CDC and losing their liscense to practise medicine. I had to give up on the one I saw as every question by telephone was a hundred dollars at least. After 3K I just quit. But now I am happy to know there is a less expensive one to try which is even closer than where I went before.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
It can be expensive and yes, it was out of pocket for me.
Just a note, please don't discuss details of pricing on the board. I'm going to edit out the exact amounts. I realize it's inconvenient, and I'm sorry for that.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I'm your age and in your position, so I feel you. My LLMD's office has been raising prices and charges fees for filling out blood work orders and other things that add annoying amounts to my total.
The practice does offer phone consults that are a good value (I'll refrain from details as per the moderator request).
The initial cost was the worst. Now I don't need to go that often and can rely on phone consults for much of my needs.
I think of it as a good investment since I was losing the ability to work. I went down to part time for treatment and after a year, went back to full time. Without treatment I suspect I'd be fully disabled by now.
Personal choice, but I'm glad I've stuck with it even though I do at times feel crabby about the cost.
Posts: 455 | From Was in PA, then MD, now in the Midwest | Registered: Nov 2008
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
I pay upfront, but my insurance reinburses 60%.
I feel that my LLMD charges a very a fair price, considering he spends a good deal of time with me at each appt, compared to most other doctors.
Also I take into consideration he is the only doctor that has been willing to help me at all.
posted
I believe very few LLMDs accept insurance. I know, it gets very expensive paying for the visits out of pocket.
My lab work (but not igenix) and prescriptions are covered by my insurance though so this is a help.
Posts: 490 | From TX- Go Cowboys! | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
Im with wonka, I see a LLMD in Maryland.. (Dr F)not sure if its the same one but...
When I first went I almost died (although I really was almost dead-sick lol)when I realized how expensive it was.
Inital visit, lab work, meds, supplements, follow up phone consults yada yada yada (I had to use my house payment to pay for visit)
My LLMD doesn't accept insurance--I'd be quite surprised if any do as per started by reasons above from nefferdum
My point is, Im a single mom on VERY limited income, I have had to cut back at work as well to only a few days a week.
But as far as im concerned My LLMD is worth his weight in GOLD.
I wish I could shout to everyone who he is because as far as I'm concerned he is as close to a saint and has certainly been a saviour for me.
He is kind, soft spoken and takes his time.
Since my inusrance quit paying for my meds (already doesn't pay for anything else) he has worked hard with me to find treatment at the lowest cost possible.
I am totally with wonka...I am still very sick but when I first started seeming my Dr (April 2009) I was as close to "death" as you could be..I could not function etc but I had to work as to not lose everything.
If it wasn't for my Dr I wouldn't even have some "good" days and I am VERY sure I wouldn't even be able to work a little.
Yes it is UNBELIEVABLY expensive (but so is all the money I spend before realizing what I had) and considering what I've seen from others my Dr seems reasonable.
So, some how try to work it out, as I would be LOST LOST without my LLMD.
I pray ALOT and God always seems to work things out.
Good Luck,
Karen.
P.S. My LLMD's wife is also the Sweetest, kindest person you would ever want to meet.
They both TRULY CARE about their patients..at least they have for me.
[ 01-30-2010, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Karen Mc ]
Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
I'm super pumped, my LLMD just dropped Medicare patients today. Pay out of pocket or ....peace out. So, looks like my broke *** is going to accumulate more debt.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
I also pay out of pocket.
My insurance does not reimburse me for Dr visits.
My insurance also does not include a prescription plan.
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
I am fortunate my LLMD does accept my insurance and my labs and meds are covered as well. I talk with him almost weekly to update on where I am at. He calls me back the same day. No charge.
I am recovering but not well yet. Time will tell.
Posts: 207 | From NH | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
I am very lucky. My LD takes my insurance. $5.00 co-pay. He is great. Kris
Posts: 520 | From Maryland | Registered: Jan 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
my doc does not take insurance. and yeah it's expensive, but he did have me down to about every 2-3 months so i could budget for it.
thank heavens, i have prescription meds and i get generic at walmart. i had biaxin and all that filled every 90 days so that's good.
he does not do any phone consults at all!! the bloodwork was covered but i still had to pay a good chunk.
however, i went to the ER for my diverticulitis in december and i'm still getting bills. now that's truly expensive!!!
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
I pay out of pocket as well, although I think my LLMD is fairly reasonable as far as cost goes.
My old insurance used to reimburse not quite half of the cost, but our new insurance will not reimburse anything.
It's hard for us too because my husband has been out of work for the better part of a year.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
After 1 visit, I am happy with my LLMD so far.
He charges what I think are reasonable fees compared to some other LLMDs, spaces out visits so I don't have to make too many trips, and tries to be careful about minimizing testing costs.
Nevertheless, the first visit cost me a month's rent, and at least that much again in travel costs.
My insurance so far has paid for most of my blood tests and prescriptions, but so much of what I am taking consists of supplements that are not covered.
I feel like, on the one hand, I am getting a great deal on prices with my LLMD, and on the other hand, I am already at the limit of what I can stand, financially.
Any more unexpected expenses or increase in treatment costs, and I might have to give up my apartment and move in with family, even though I am not disabled.
And this after getting myself an excellent job with fully paid, decent health insurance. Life isn't fair sometimes.
-------------------- Don't forget to laugh! And when you're going through hell, keep going!
Bitten 5/25/2009 in Perry County, Indiana. Diagnosed by LLMD 12/2/2009. Posts: 756 | From Inside the tunnel | Registered: Jan 2010
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IckyTicky
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21466
posted
Sound right.. that is what most regular doctors do as well. But my LLMD does take insurance..thank God or we couldn't afford to go.
-------------------- IGM: 18+, 23+, 30+, 31+++, 34+, 39IND, 41++, 58+++, 66+, 83-93IND IGG: 31+, 39IND, 41+ Also positive for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and RMSF. Whole family of 5 dx with Lyme. Posts: 1014 | From Texas | Registered: Jul 2009
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At least now I have an excuse for my "lyme brain" mess ups
Actually, it would probably be quite kool if I was married to a LLMD---alot cheaper too ---lol--
and now that I'm thinking about it... HIS wife (the lady I was referring to) actually did/does have Lyme.
Perhaps that is one of the reasons he is so compassionate in helping us.
An added note:
For those who have their insurance help pay that is GREAT
for those who do not Im sorry and try to hang in there.
I hadn't heard about the Medicare thing but that really stinks!!!!
I truly hope something works out for ya'll.
Good luck, Karen
Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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joalo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12752
posted
I pay out of pocket. Our insurance covers part of my lab work and prescriptions though which helps a lot.
I hope things work out for you!
-------------------- Sick since January 1985. Misdiagnosed for 20 years. Tested CDC positive October 2005. Treating since April 2006. Posts: 3228 | From Somewhere west of the Mississippi | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
My LLMD is "out of network", so yeah, he doesn't "take" insurance. I get my labs done at places that are contracted with the insurance company. I have a higher deductible on "out of network" docs.
-------------------- Dying is easy. Living is harder. Posts: 257 | From owensboro kentucky | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
My LLMD does not take insurance but at the end of the day what's my life worth? what's your life worth? it's a bitter pill to swallow in the beginning, but then you realize no DR has ever spent that much time with you and no other DR has properly diagnosed you. As others have said, many LLMDs also provide extensive free phone support and the fees often go down over subsequent visits.
Also, it may take some legwork on your part but from NYC you can probably find an LLMD who takes insurance within traveling distance.
I work very hard at cost containment in other areas of my life so that I have $ for treatment. I can't work so this is all super scary. I hope you can come to terms with the situation StOlaf. You need help and help costs money.
AND the Singleton book, The Lyme Disease Solution, is a MUST read.
Best wishes on your recovery Posts: 702 | From North Eastern USA | Registered: Dec 2009
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
my llmd's wife does have lyme so he's very knowledgeable about it and really understands what we're going through.
i know it sounds terrible, but it gives him a unique perspective.
after all, most people don't have a clue unless you have it or live with somebody who does.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
why would Dr H drop medicare people? Doesnt he still get paid ? Are you going to continue to go? Started with DR R a year ago Now with Dr H female PA. Have seen more improvement since seeing her. So Far so good. Hope you can still go.
Posts: 16 | From Watertown, MA | Registered: Oct 2008
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posted
Yes, after trying to get appropriate treatment for my son for 2 years, we went to an LLMD when he started losing his vision. He does not take insurance, but does give us the paperwork to file a claim.
Though very expensive, didn't feel we had a choice. My son was losing his vision and had many other issues.
I chose NOT to try to file a claim, as I didn't want any problems/discrimination due to his diagnosis. Attempting to fly under the radar here.
Am thankful that the insurance has paid for lab work and some of his meds....
In May will be one year of treatment, I'm planning on stopping treatment & see how it goes.
-------------------- Mom to a 5 year old lymie.... Taking it one day at a time. Posts: 182 | From Ipswich, MA | Registered: Jul 2008
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
My LLMD's wife also has Lyme as does a son. I'm not sure who treats his son, but I know his wife goes to a top LLMD in the country.
So far he takes Medicare for existing patients. My secondary insurance pays much of the remainder. I have good rx coverage, too. However supps get expensive and I have to make choices.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
I'll still be going but I'm not happy about being dropped. It won't be long anyway since I've explored almost all the available options with them. It'll be time to move onto Rife soon and they'll provide supportive back-up of how to help the body during the process.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
I have applied for ss disability and thinking IF I'm lucky enough to get it, there would be some relief with the medicare.
Then I had an appoint last week and saw the sign....no longer accepting medicare. I couldn't believe it!
Posts: 847 | From upstateNY | Registered: Dec 2007
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