posted
I just got the pre appt. info for the dr. I chose and it has a list of fees as long as my arm. Everything from a deposit to hold my appt. to a fee to return calls. Even getting pre-auths for meds has a fee. And I'm required to see him every 30 days or no antibiotics (he won't call them in without seeing you)
One of the only reasons I chose this dr. was that he is covered by my insurance (I got his name here and from someone irl who has lyme).
But with all the fees I'm thinking it's going to cost me just as much in the long run to see him as it would to go out of network.
So I'm wondering if this is standard for all LLMDs or is this one I should shy away from.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
It's not standard for my LLMD who does not take insurance.
Every LLMD is a little different I think. Mine does not pre-auth meds...doesn't deal at all with insurance....but he will call me and talk a long time if needed for free.
My LLMD also requires keeping appts in order to get prescription refills, but my appts are long and never rushed.
I guess you just have to decide which way is better for you.
-------------------- 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
Dont get me started!!! Some LLMD have resorted to charging for every fee. I think this is horrible. Many Lyme patients are destitute, lost everything and they want to charge for things that have been in the past part of the medical community. These things are part of their field of work. This is way too common for several top LLMDs. They certainly are making enough money with the charges of appts and so forth. With people hurting in this economy one would think that they should reflect and maybe not do these extra "Charges"... Just a thought.
Posts: 871 | From orange county, ca. | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
Would you shy away from a dr. who did this even if he was well recommended?
I guess I'm asking because there is another dr. who would be out of network for us but doesn't charge all these fees and is equally recommended if not more so.
I'm wondering if in the long run it would save me money and worry to go to the out of network dr. I don't know, just something about it doesn't sit right.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
you need to be comfortable with your llmd. It doesnt sound like you are comfy with his policies. I believe some of the things you mentioned should be included in the services provided.
THe docwho takes ins isnt always the best. I learned that the hard way. Get the best doc you can afford from the get from the get go.
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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massman
Unregistered
posted
He is being straightforward on fees etc.
He may well be covering his butt with his state and the states medical board + insurance companies.
Perhaps his lawyers have advised him to do some or all of this.
Your discomfort may be due to him doing things you are not used to - it is often new stuff that scares us.
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posted
Ok so here is another question. when it comes to care. Do llmds generally only prescribe antibiotics and let your pcp deal with the rest of everything else (symptom wise like pain meds, etc) or do they deal with the whole problem as long as it's related to the lyme or co-infections?
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: I personally wouldn't want to go to one who required monthly visits. That's just me!
Is this not usual?
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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kidsgotlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23691
posted
A lot of people have to travel out of town to see a LLMD and they know this. Our doctor only requires that we come to see him every 4 months. Otherwise, we would not be able to get treatment.
Once a month doesn't sound right to me. Do you have to travel far to see him/her??
-------------------- symptoms since 1993 that I can remember. 9/2018 diagnosed with Borellia, Babesia Duncani, and Bartonella Hensalae thru DNA Connections. Posts: 1470 | From Tennessee | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
Yes. I'm not sure how far exactly yet but I'm guessing about 3 hours at least.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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kidsgotlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23691
posted
I would find someone else then. Just my opinion.
-------------------- symptoms since 1993 that I can remember. 9/2018 diagnosed with Borellia, Babesia Duncani, and Bartonella Hensalae thru DNA Connections. Posts: 1470 | From Tennessee | Registered: Dec 2009
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I have a friend who goes to a different doctor in the same city (she has her first real appt. Monday) and she's going to give me the scoop on him (her husband sees him too).
I think what I'm going to do is go to this one and see if I can get an actual diagnosis since technically, I've not been diagnosed. Get a better feel for him.
This other dr. doesnt' take my insurance and is harder to get into so at least this way I'll hopefully be able to at least get something started.
Then if I find things aren't going to work with this doctor, I'll try setting up with the other one and just continue to see the monthly guy till I can get into the other.
Truthfully, financially we can't afford any of this so I have to at least try the less financially taxing way but I agree the monthly thing bothers me.
I just don't know what else to do. This whole thing has got me so worked up and scared.
I don't even go monthly to my Melanoma clinics.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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massman
Unregistered
posted
One more thing. The monthly visits may be a way the doc is covering his butt.
Someone om the state board may have made a comment to him or a doc buddy of his about how treating a long term infection may need close supervision of the patient.
Seems like your mind is already made up, though. IME if you go in doubting him already that may influence the quality of the care.
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posted
Massman... I'm actually trying not to doubt him. I did feel much better about him after I called his office and asked some questions.
I'm hoping that after the first visit I'll learn more. Maybe I'll like him as from what I've read They say he's good. I don't know. But I have to give him a shot.
I just can't help being a little leary. Especially since the other first hand experience info I'm getting on the other doctor sounds better.
I know there is a link on making the most of your visit but does anyone else have any tips. I'm told the time with this dr. is short.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
My LLMD requires I go once a month or every 6 weeks. No refills on Abx w/out seeing him.
Posts: 160 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
Lymetoo...Beleive me I know. My Melanoma clinic is 2 1/2 hours away and I only go to that every 4-6 months as long as things are good and even that has gotten old.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
I would go to a doc. I like and then submit the bill to insurance myself. That's what my three kids and I are doing.
Posts: 303 | From green bay, wi | Registered: Mar 2009
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