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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 37. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:37
I am really hoping this post is premature and tomorrow I will have no need to even think about this, but I was speaking with someone from my therapist's office about switching pdocs. She noticed that my insurance plan had changed and while someone else in her office confirmed my benefits at the beginning of the year and all was okay, she thinks perhaps I need to go through a different plan manager. She is checking and will call me tomorrow. I am assuming this would mean I would have to select a different therapist or else pay out of pocket. To do the latter might be a hard sell to my husband.
I hope she comes back with good news tomorrow. I don't really understand why she wouldn't as my therapist actually told me that they confirmed my benefits at the beginning of the year and he was surprised to see that I have an unlimited number of visits with him. Unless, of course, they made a mistake. I have a bad feeling this is the case.
Thinking about this makes me want to cry. What would I do if I have to switch? Or how would I explain to my husband that I need to spend $360/month on something insurance would cover if I would *just* switch therapists?
Sorry this post sounds so desperate, but that's how I'm feeling :(.
Posted by Dinah on February 23, 2004, at 18:22:20
In reply to So worried :(, posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:37
I am *so* sorry. :( I can just imagine how worried you must be. Hopefully it will be one of those times when the worry is for nothing. You find out tomorrow? At least that isn't too long.
Sigh. Once you have established a bond with a therapist, it's so hard to change. Or at least it would be for me. Like I always tell my therapist - it isn't like you guys are washing machines. Oh, this one isn't available, I'll use the next one. Wish the insurance companies would grasp that.
But many people have successfully changed therapists and are even happy about the change. So if the worst does happen, it won't be the end of the world. And we'll be here to support you.
But here's hoping that the insurance will work out fine. Or that your husband will find it a worthwhile investment.
Sorry, I'm scattered today, and my writing reflects that. But I did want to give you some support till tomorrow. By which time I hope you'll have reason to forget all about it.
Posted by rs on February 23, 2004, at 18:28:25
In reply to So worried :(, posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:37
So sorry you are going through this. That fear of having to change is not nice. Thoughts are with you and hope it all works out. Hopefully just an error. Get a good night sleep. Good Luck
Posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 22:37:55
In reply to Re: So worried :( » All Done, posted by Dinah on February 23, 2004, at 18:22:20
Thanks, Dinah. And don't worry about being "scattered". It was nice to hear from you and know I'll have support no matter what happens.
Who knew I was so attached to Beefcake? Well, probably Beefcake, but hopefully we'll have a chance to talk about all of this on Saturday.
I'll let you know what happens tomorrow.
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 23, 2004, at 22:57:26
In reply to So worried :(, posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:37
Hi all done. I just wanted to say I would be scared too but I do know first hand some clinics and most T's WILL work something out so you can stay with the same T. My T has made arrangements with me on payments and NO payments and he said I am NOT going to be dropped ever due to money he would not do that. I bet your T is the same. But I would pay the cash at a reduced fee if you must to hold on to your T..but then again I am kinda crazy in some ways
Posted by pegasus on February 23, 2004, at 23:06:17
In reply to So worried :(, posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:37
So sorry to hear you're having to worry about this. I hope it all works out so that your T is covered by your insurance (and with unlimited visits! That's pretty good!). I can imagine the panic you might feel, thinking that you might need to consider switching. But if the worst happens, maybe your husband can at least be convinced that it's a good investment for a while, until you figure out what else to do, or transition to a new therapist. Or, maybe your therapist will give you a break on the fees.
Good luck, and please let us know what happens.
- p
Posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 23:53:26
In reply to Re: So worried :( » All Done, posted by rs on February 23, 2004, at 18:28:25
> So sorry you are going through this. That fear of having to change is not nice. Thoughts are with you and hope it all works out. Hopefully just an error. Get a good night sleep. Good Luck
Thank you, rs. I hope it's just an error, too, but if nothing else, it's teaching me quite a lesson in empathy for fellow Babblers going through similar situations.
Gosh, I'm going to try for that good night's sleep tonight.
Thanks again,
All Done
Posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 0:02:25
In reply to Re: So worried :( » All Done, posted by Fallen4myT on February 23, 2004, at 22:57:26
> Hi all done. I just wanted to say I would be scared too but I do know first hand some clinics and most T's WILL work something out so you can stay with the same T. My T has made arrangements with me on payments and NO payments and he said I am NOT going to be dropped ever due to money he would not do that. I bet your T is the same. But I would pay the cash at a reduced fee if you must to hold on to your T..but then again I am kinda crazy in some ways
Fallen,
Thank you so much for your post. It's good to hear that some clinics will work with you. Hopefully, I won't have to jump through too many hoops, but I'm guessing I will be able to work something out. My hubby can be pretty resistant about spending money, but when it comes to my mental health, he usually comes through for me. (I would probably just struggle a little more with my own guilt.)
Your post really helped to relax me a bit. Thanks so much!
All Done
Posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 0:09:23
In reply to Re: So worried :(, posted by pegasus on February 23, 2004, at 23:06:17
> So sorry to hear you're having to worry about this. I hope it all works out so that your T is covered by your insurance (and with unlimited visits! That's pretty good!). I can imagine the panic you might feel, thinking that you might need to consider switching. But if the worst happens, maybe your husband can at least be convinced that it's a good investment for a while, until you figure out what else to do, or transition to a new therapist. Or, maybe your therapist will give you a break on the fees.
>
> Good luck, and please let us know what happens.
>
> - pThanks, pegasus. It helps me so much to know I have the support of so many of you and, in the end, I believe of my husband as well.
I will definitely let you guys know what happens.
Thank you!
All Done
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 24, 2004, at 0:16:41
In reply to Re: So worried :( » Fallen4myT, posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 0:02:25
Any time All Done and I swear my T carried my bill for a year (and I know the clinic will do arrangements with clients I overheard one girl do it when I was in the waitingroom). No T would with an established relationship will fail to make a way to make it work, and that means you KEEP your T. My T no longer accepts new clients with my insurance but he still sees me and said he :) will for a long time.
I may be an aweful person but say worse case scenario came up....I would lie somehow to my husband to keep my T :) again I am crazy but I would. As it is now we have one car not two so I can make my co pay. So go to bed *assured* that one way or another you WILL have your same T :)
Posted by tinydancer on February 24, 2004, at 0:52:51
In reply to So worried :(, posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:37
I sense your desperation. I would have a nuclear meltdown if due to insurance I had to switch therapists. What a nightmare. I am sorry you have to go through this. I don't really have any advice, just try to take it one step at at a time and not let your mind be overwhelmed with what could happen-try to focus on what is happening step by step instead. Keep us posted how it goes AllDone.
Posted by gardenergirl on February 24, 2004, at 6:36:28
In reply to Re: So worried :(, posted by tinydancer on February 24, 2004, at 0:52:51
Posted by Raindancer on February 24, 2004, at 10:11:54
In reply to Re: So worried :(, posted by tinydancer on February 24, 2004, at 0:52:51
Posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 10:13:55
In reply to Re: So worried :(Thinking of you. Hope all is well (nm), posted by Raindancer on February 24, 2004, at 10:11:54
Posted by Karen_kay on February 24, 2004, at 12:06:47
In reply to Thanks gg and Raindancer (nm), posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 10:13:55
Hey there sweet thang!
Listen, you won't have to switch. If you have problems with your insurance (Which YOU WON'T), but if by chance you do, you make things happen girl!!!
I have faith it's just an error. But if by chance it isn't you are good at "making things happen." You'll get through with Beefcake. We won't loes him. He's in our pageant you know. And he's here to stay!
I'm thinking about you babe..
Posted by terrics on February 24, 2004, at 16:39:57
In reply to So worried :(, posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:37
I too hope that your post is premature and that tomorrow when I check here all is ok. It would be really sad to have to give up someone you are comfortable with. terrics
Posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 21:31:42
In reply to Ahh, Girlie » All Done, posted by Karen_kay on February 24, 2004, at 12:06:47
> Hey there sweet thang!
>
> Listen, you won't have to switch. If you have problems with your insurance (Which YOU WON'T), but if by chance you do, you make things happen girl!!!
>
> I have faith it's just an error. But if by chance it isn't you are good at "making things happen." You'll get through with Beefcake. We won't loes him. He's in our pageant you know. And he's here to stay!
>
> I'm thinking about you babe..
Thank you, Karen. I wish I had half the confidence in myself that you have in me. Ugh! And thanks for thinking about me. In between all of my worrying, it helps me to know that you guys are here and all so supportive.
Posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 21:34:17
In reply to Re: So worried :( » All Done, posted by terrics on February 24, 2004, at 16:39:57
> I too hope that your post is premature and that tomorrow when I check here all is ok. It would be really sad to have to give up someone you are comfortable with. terrics
Thanks for your support, terrics. I really appreciate it.
Posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 21:47:32
In reply to So worried :(, posted by All Done on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:37
Well, I spoke with someone at my therapist's office and she confirmed that I have to go through a different plan manager. So, I called them and they said Beefcake isn't on their list of providers, but I have a PPO plan. So, if he is part of another network they named, he can just submit the claims through there.
At this point, things sounded hopeful, but I still wanted to confirm that he was part of this network. So, I left a message for him, but he hasn't called me back. Grrrrrr! Does he not know I'm a big ball of mess waiting for him to call? Well, no. I suppose he doesn't :(.
I think if it was an easy answer, he would have called back by this time. (Of course, I find a reason to worry even more.)
I really hope he calls tomorrow.
Posted by Dinah on February 24, 2004, at 22:00:42
In reply to Still waiting, posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 21:47:32
That is soooo frustrating. Bad Beefcake. Bad!
I'll keep sending good thoughts your way.
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 24, 2004, at 22:46:50
In reply to Still waiting, posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 21:47:32
Don't you have a PPO list or have access to it on the web?? I do....check your card out the insurance company can tell you...AND IF NOT hubby WILL pay for it so dont give up..or this doc will do payment plans
Posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 22:50:17
In reply to Re: Arrrrgh..... » All Done, posted by Dinah on February 24, 2004, at 22:00:42
> That is soooo frustrating. Bad Beefcake. Bad!
lol!
> I'll keep sending good thoughts your way.
Thanks and thanks for the laugh!
Posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 23:11:28
In reply to Re: Still waiting, posted by Fallen4myT on February 24, 2004, at 22:46:50
> Don't you have a PPO list or have access to it on the web?? I do....check your card out the insurance company can tell you...
Well, I kind of tried that, but it gets pretty confusing. I seem to be dealing with two different entities - the insurance company and the plan manager, I think. I spoke with the plan manager today and checked out their website and he isn't on their list. So, I checked the insurance company's website and it just referred me back to the plan manager.
>AND IF NOT hubby WILL pay for it so dont give up..or this doc will do payment plans
I do often say I don't give my husband enough credit. He always comes through for me in the end. It's just that money stuff takes a little more twisting of his arm. Silly accountants. Wait, I'm a bean counter, too...
Posted by All Done on February 25, 2004, at 22:21:45
In reply to Still waiting, posted by All Done on February 24, 2004, at 21:47:32
My therapist hasn't called back, yet.
One time he told me when I call him, it might take a day or two for him to get back to me. I didn't think much of this as I hardly ever call and when I have, it's always about things like rescheduling. Never anything where I got emotional waiting for his call.
Is the insurance not a problem and so he doesn't think it's a big deal to confirm what I said in my message? Or, is there a problem?
Good grief, I wish he'd just call.
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 25, 2004, at 22:30:55
In reply to He's just killing me!, posted by All Done on February 25, 2004, at 22:21:45
I don't think he is playing games he may not see how important this is to you thus an insurance issue gets shuffled down to the bottom of the list ...like when you go to ER the heart attack person will be seen before you if you come in with the flu..I bet thats how he is seeing this..I would call even fake crying..yes I am a loon but will get what I want at all costs and you need and answer soooooo call and weep and say please call back...do not leave a reason why....
HUGS
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