All I hear is people saying insurance does not wan't to diagnose lymes to save money?
this makes no sense at all to me?
because they payed out over 20,000 dollars in the last 2 years for multiple MRI's Catscans , chest xrays , hospital visits the list goes on and on.
I really can't see how being treated with antibiocs even for years could add up to the amount they spend on people who keep seein doctors and specialist trying to diagnose there symptoms.
would love to hear your thoughts on this
this is just how I see it
Paul
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
It WOULD be cheaper for the insurance companies if a patient would be diagnosed EARLY! That's my opinion anyway.
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
I hate to be picky....but, it is called "Lyme". There is NO plural.
Sorry....has anyone ever asked my wife how she survived third stage "Cancers"....no.
Or, if my Mother has any "Asthma's" attacks lately????
Funny....I just had a good laugh.
Your point is CORRECT.... and your heart is on the right spot.
Trout ;-)
Posted by LymeMom Kellye (Member # 24807) on :
I hear you. However, I think that there are so many more people suffering in silence who never seek answers for their pain and suffering than those of us who keep looking.
Many people can't afford the copayments to continually see doctor after doctor, or they trust the first diagnosis they get.
So yes, for those who have been searching and searching to no avail to get a diagnosis, treatment would be cheaper than all of endless procedures.
But for every one who looks for answers I imagine that there are 20 more who suffer in silence, pay their premiums and all the while the insurance companies and their CEO's feed like fat cats!
Posted by Leelee (Member # 19112) on :
Not sure if you have seen the documentary "Under Our Skin", but it will help answer your question.
The reasons we can't get diagnosed properly are complex and unethical.
Also,reading "Cure Unknown" may help you understand the struggle too.
It really is disheartening what people go through looking for help.
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
Paul,
I see your point.
Obviously there are a lot of politics involved but there also needs to be better testing and better education for doctors (at least in my area).
Someone may have cancer or be suspected to have cancer but unless they have the tests to prove it they won't get treatment for cancer.
Also, in my case, I had many, many tests (endoscopic ultrasounds ect..) but I didn't get diagnosed because no one knows about Lyme in California. Doctors out here think that it is an East coast problem. We had to beg for a Lyme test in the ER. 4 different doctors in the ER told me that there is no possible way that I got Lyme in CA. It's everywhere out here!
I just happened to come across a doctor that mentioned the word Lyme and I knew right away because I researched it on the internet. I also remembered being bitten and getting a Bull's eye rash.
I then, luckily, got a positive Elisa test.
Posted by Paul Mall (Member # 27581) on :
@LymeMom Kellye
I did not think about that. I figured everyone was like me and had gone through all types of specialists and tests.
you make a very good point. thank god my doctors did not just create some diagnosis for me that made me stop my search.
like I mentioned in my post it was just a thought. I did not do any research on the matter.
Paul
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You're right! And they must know that??? Probably.
Yes, read Cure Unknown and get the DVD "Under Our Skin."
Insurance companies don't make diagnosis. Yes, they would save money if there was a reliable way to tell who had lyme disease and treat it. Ultimately you get stupid things like this when there isn't a free market and no competition, or accountability enforced.