posted
Just very frustrated at the moment. Had back to back appts w/ the naturopath (first visit) and LLNP (that I have been seeing all long) scheduled for today.
I had my parents drive up 2 hours to watch my boys because my account is getting drained by all of these appts, supplements and cost for babysitters.
The rational side of me realizes that med professionals have sick days but my heart fell when I found out the LLNP is not going to be in today. I can still see the naturopath.
I had planned to address a lot at both appts now that I know I have parasite and heavy metal issues to deal with.
So I called back and left a message to see if I could schedule a phone call consult w/ the LLNP rather than an in office visit (which will be tough to re schedule and such an expense w/ babysitters). Is that something dr. offices can do?
I pay her a copay so it goes through insurance. Just really hoping I don't have to go in again and can discuss things over the phone.
Just wondered what your experience has been especially for those of you who travel (but may be different if your dr. does not accept insurance)?
OK...thanks!
Posts: 376 | From New York | Registered: Jan 2011
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I have always heard that insurance companies do not reimburse for telephone appointments.
I know a few lyme doctors who do them, and this is what their patients have told me.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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tricia386
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29623
posted
I am so sorry for your frustration. I go to Dr. H's office and he does phone consult of course it cost money I think its around 150 or 200 for a half hour...I have the information if you are really interested in going that route. Please let me know!
Keep your head up!
-------------------- Lyme activated in April 2010 by gardasil vaccine. DX: Lyme,Babs,Myco,Bart 11/10 Treatment Started: 3/28/11 Posts: 1752 | From Albany, NY | Registered: Dec 2010
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tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
I know that many of the LLMD's that have patients traveling a distance definitely do Phone Consults.
I see Dr. R in NY and since I'm 5 hours away, we do back and forth, meaning phone consults a time or two and then I have to go in.
They do charge for the phone consults at a lesser fee but as TF said, most insurance companies will not cover those. Then again, my insurance won't cover my NY doctor no matter what, so if you are getting covered, you are ahead of the game.
It surely wouldn't hurt to ask since some will and some won't do them. Good luck and keep us posted.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Thanks! Because of insurance they she can not do a phone consult, but I had a good appt w/ the naturopath and feel better about waiting to get back in w/ the LLNP.
The good news is that although I have candida overgrowth I do not have parasites!
Have a good plan in place and hope to see light at the end of the tunnel. He doesn't think I will need to be on meds for much longer. Let's hope that is true!!
Posts: 376 | From New York | Registered: Jan 2011
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Hambone
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29535
posted
My insurance company lets me Skype my appointments with a therapist.
I started seeing him looong before I knew it was Lyme. I was being told by doctors I was depressed.
They said it had to be face to face so there would be no funny business ( someone passing themself off as me ). Skype solved that problem.
I stayed with this guy even after finding out it was Lyme. Talk to him about every other month or so. He's the one who kept pressing me to find answers because he knew it wasn't depression that was making me so sick.
Ask your insurer and/or doctor about Skype. Even my LLMD has started seeing some of his far away patients via Skype. He even had one patient that I know stick her tongue out on camera so he could check it for thrush.
Posts: 1142 | From South | Registered: Dec 2010
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BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
I do phone consults most of the time now. It serves the same purpose as going in, and I save a little bit of time and money.
-------------------- 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
The LLMD I saw will do one phone consult between visits so you don't have to travel long distance for every appointment. It is $350 for half an hour.
-------------------- 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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