4.18.2008

Oh what to do

I'm telling you, if it's not the kids health, it's the stupid insurance company. I am stuck. I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard spot.

Here is the situation:

We have a 2nd insurance on top of our primary to help with all the kids medical issues. So far, it's been WONDERFUL! We have seen little to no bills from everything that has been going on. UNTIL, Riley surgery.
At the hospital we were told that they had put an authorization through to our secondary, but it was denied. So, here come the medical bills. I have no idea how much we will end up paying for her surgery. We are already at $4100. And I have no idea if that is it or not.

So, here is the problem. I have at least 2 more children - Cooper is TBD, that will need to be seen for their chiari. Is there a possibility that those 2 may need surgery? I don't know. But, I do know that we can't afford to pay $4100 +(each) for 2 other kids surgeries.

Now, there is another doctor in Wisconsin who does chiari surgeries. Is he as good as our current neurosurgeon? I don't think so. Has he done the surgery? Absolutely. How many? I don't know.
If someone comes to the Wis. surgeon with chiari and wants a second opinion, the Wis surgeon will send them to our NS in Chicago.
So, do I keep my children with the best of the best in treating chiari, and try to stay afloat with the bills, or do I send them to another local surgeon who may not do as good of a job and only have to worry about slim to no bills?

It is hard enough having to watch your child(ren) go through surgery. You should not have to worry about how you are going to afford your child, and their condition after surgery.

On top of this......I have heard of a few stories, 1 in particular - about a young boy, Nick ,who had chiari surgery done by another NS, and the NS screwed up and just about kill this poor child. They are now seeing the same NS that we are. His mom told me that they have been coming to Chicago 1 week out of every month for the last 4 yrs (they live in Ohio). To date, this child has had 11+ brain surgeries in the last 5.5 years. Please check out Nicks link and read "My Story". It is truly an amazing story!

So now let me tell you - I have no idea what to do!!!

6 comments:

Jean said...

I HATE dealing with insurances. They used to send me letters twice a week while I was on bedrest in the hospital stating that my doctor should look for another alternative treatment. SO FRUSTRATING!
I can only imagine what that your situation would feel like. Is there such a thing as Badger care or some state insurance? Can you appeal?
My gut is to go with the best surgeon possible. Its such serious surgery that I'd hate to entrust it to someone who may be good, but may not be the best. Just my 2 cents worth.

Anonymous said...

Go with the best surgeon and pay as much as you can off each month. I know we pay $50 a month for the rest of our lives probably!! Don't put your children's lives in jeopardy due to medical bills. As long as you are making an attempt each month - they can't come after you.

Michelle said...

We could have a big fundraiser for you - and by fundraiser, I mean party! That raises funds.

You do what you've got to do - and if you have to stay in-state, I'm sure the specialist would still follow along & oversee your kids.

Talk to his office - see if you can get a frequent flyer rate?

Queen of the House said...

Stick with the best. What Nick has gone through is NOT worth it. Gaby has a similar story and is worse off than Nick. http://www.carepages.com (FAILUREISNOTANOPTION)

Like another person said, make payments. ...That's what we're going to have to do. Probably for the rest of our lives. I haven't even opened our bills yet, I'm afraid too!!!!

Another option? Move to Ilinois and apply for Medicaid.

Jean said...

I'm thinking brat fry.

my4kids said...

I HATE dealing with insurance companies. They are so much more concerned about their bottom line then making sure the patients are getting the best care...makes me nauseous, seriously.

I would stay with the best guy especially with your situations with your kids and just work with the bill thing, it's such a hard thing to look at the bills but worth it in the long run to have the confidence.