Today we stopped by the pediatrician's office to pick up a letter for our insurance company. Turns out Emma's nutritionist appts aren't covered by our insurance and so we were getting a letter of "medical necessity". I didn't expect the letter to be a great one, obviously they are trying to make Emma appear that she needs the nutritionist appts (which is a whole different debate), but I'm not sure I can adequately explain the shock when I saw the words "diagnosed as failure to thrive" (FTT) and "malnourished". I freaking lost my shit. Seriously, in all the months and months we've been dealing with Emma's weight issues, the ONE thing that has made me feel semi-okay is that she wasn't FTT and to see it written like that with NO warning from her doctor made me absolutely sick. After a huge breakdown and lots of tears I called her doctor and it turns out they used that phrase because technically she can be FTT since she's under the 3% in weight and it makes insurance companies pay attention. She hasn't necessarily been diagnosed with FTT.
A note to doctors... DON'T PUT STUFF LIKE THAT OUT THERE FOR MOMS TO READ IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO WARN THEM FIRST!!! And I know them calling me back and explaining it should make me feel better, but it doesn't. I'm wondering if it's really worth the money we would save if our insurance will cover it to make me feel like this.
6 comments:
You would be surprised how much it will cost if you don't go through insurance. We had this problem with needing a speech therapist... BUT I agree, they should have given you a heads up that they were putting that in the letter.
I'm sorry Ivs! Sometimes doctors forget to be compassionate in the pursuit of getting things "fixed." No good.
I'm SOOO sorry that that happened to you. Ryan was diagnosed FTT at 3 weeks, and I saw it in his chart too - the docs didn't actually say it...and I broke down. I can only imagine how it must have felt to you. BIG hugs go out to you - and all I can say is that you have one of the CUTEST babies I've ever seen :)
aw--not a fun letter. Sometimes doctor's forget about feelings, but you should take all the money you save and buy emma a great toy, you a new dress, you and Jamie go out to dinner, and then buy lots and lots of wine. oh and don't forget to toast the uncompassionate doctor for the night.
Doctors can suck at times...I am so sorry that you had to see it in a stupid letter. Keep your head up and know that mama knows best. I too know what it is like without insurance - so damn expensive but does make you wonder at times. Emma is a beautiful girl and is doing awesome. I will come over and burn the letter with you if you want:).
That's total BS. (((hugs)))
Post a Comment