It's yet another case of people being ignorant of TN or classing it as some psychosomatic made-up thing in our heads or thinking it "can't be that bad". It makes me sad to see that people don't even listen to doctors!
I'm so sorry Kathy. That's so discouraging. Good luck with the next appeal. Hopefully you will get someone who listens this time.
Thanks Kathy... be strong and push through.. there has to be a way to get this surgery. will look for good news from you :)
Kathy!! You’ve been on my mind. I am praying for a good resolution for you. For decision makers to see the path that is in your best interest. You have the full support of the Doctors. There has to be a way to get this approved for you.
Crossing fingers, toes and eyes, too!
Tiff
Thanks Mickey and Tiff! We are still appealing. I am struggling…exhausted. Luckily my husband is up for the battle. He’s been my rock through all this, as well as all the wonderful people here, like you.
Any word on your insurance appeal, Kathy? How frustrating. I have my surgery scheduled now with Dr. Casey on Halloween - yes Halloween LOL. He told me that insurance will pre certify about 30 days out so I'm hoping and praying all goes well with that. I have almost 2 months to wait and see I guess. It had never occurred to me that they could deny this but now I know it's definitely possible. I will pray for you that your insurance company steps up very soon. Just not fair at all. Be strong and keep on top of them. Don't back down at all. This TN sure makes us all strong and determined.
Thanks for bumping this mybell, I have been wondering about Kathy and hoping she had heard some positive news.
Having surgery on Halloween will make a good story down the track mybell. Hoping you will soon be pain free.
Hugs Trish
Mybell- glad to hear your appt went well and you are on his schedule! Thanks to you and Trish for thinking of me.
Good, well GREAT News…we got a call from our ins today. A different MD reviewed our 59 page appeal and OVERTURNED the first MDs denial! YEA! I couldn’t believe it, I was getting pretty depressed. I called Dr Casey immediately and it looks like I’m back on his schedule for Aug. 14. Thank you all for your support!
Yay Kathy! So very happy for you! All of your hard work and determination paid off. Wish I could be there on the day after for my surgery so we could recover together LOL. You will be in my thoughts and prayers for sure on the 14th.
Keep in touch on here :).
Marcelle
Kathy’s amazing news!!
Marcelle’s great news!!
Kathy- you must be so relieved! I am elated for you! What an effort, you hung in there!!
MyBell! This is exciting!! So happy for you!! Keep us posted!
Today I was thinking to myself how great I feel, and I am so very grateful for Dr Casey, and whatever set of my circumstances led me to the successes that I am experiencing. I sent up a prayer for everyone out there who is still suffering for one reason or another, for them to find their path to a pain free- or “less” life! Not to give in , keep looking, asking, interviewing Doctors. Exhaust all avenues!!
Hugs to everyone–
Tiff
Dr Casey is a national treasure to me!
Hi Kathy, so glad to hear your appeal worked! I noticed that you said you sent a 50 plus page appeal letter. Did you write that, or did you have an attorney write it up? I am gearing up for a probable denial from United Healthcarw for a peripheral nerve stimulator and ate trying to prepare to appeal.
Thanks, and good luck with your MVD,
Christine
Thanks everybody!
Christine- sorry to hear that. We have UMR which handles United Healthcares claims. We sent a letter detailing all the reasons the initial denial was invalid. I also wrote a personal letter about my history with this disease and how it has affected my life. We included Aetnas policy on TN, that a couple people gave us including Cleo, thanks again Cleo! One of Uniteds reasons for denial was “we don’t have a policy for this set of symptoms.” Honestly, then get one, refer to the one I sent you or take Dr Caseys advice, it was crazy!! The rest of the Appeal was any and every md visit I have ever had related to this disease. An attorney would have been our next step. Our insurance is thru my husbands job so he called his HR dept and had the expedite the process, otherwise it could have taken a lot longer to get an answer. Good luck to you, it isn’t fun, but keep fighting!!!
SOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!
Kathy said:
Mybell- glad to hear your appt went well and you are on his schedule! Thanks to you and Trish for thinking of me.
Good, well GREAT News....we got a call from our ins today. A different MD reviewed our 59 page appeal and OVERTURNED the first MDs denial! YEA! I couldn't believe it, I was getting pretty depressed. I called Dr Casey immediately and it looks like I'm back on his schedule for Aug. 14. Thank you all for your support!
YeY!
Oh Kathy, so pleased and relieved for you and your family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful news.
Hugs to you and your husband.
Trish
Kathy said:
Thanks, Kathy! I will start gathering all my paperwork. Again, best if luck with your MVD! Christine.Thanks everybody!
Christine- sorry to hear that. We have UMR which handles United Healthcares claims. We sent a letter detailing all the reasons the initial denial was invalid. I also wrote a personal letter about my history with this disease and how it has affected my life. We included Aetnas policy on TN, that a couple people gave us including Cleo, thanks again Cleo! One of Uniteds reasons for denial was "we don't have a policy for this set of symptoms." Honestly, then get one, refer to the one I sent you or take Dr Caseys advice, it was crazy!! The rest of the Appeal was any and every md visit I have ever had related to this disease. An attorney would have been our next step. Our insurance is thru my husbands job so he called his HR dept and had the expedite the process, otherwise it could have taken a lot longer to get an answer. Good luck to you, it isn't fun, but keep fighting!!!
Thank you!! Starting to get nervous now…just need to breathe, right?
Oh, Kathy,
I would jump on Dr Casey’s Operating table, right now, without hesitation!! You truly are in the care of one of the the most epic Neurosurgeons of our time!
You are in his superhero powers now!! The whole team, anesthesia, ICU, everyone at Oakwood is amazing!
Yes, just breathe, this experience will be the beginning of your new life!
– Tiff
( PS- I’m going back to work on Monday, feeling better than ever!! )
Tiff, that is so awesome!! I can’t believe how quickly you bounced back! You’re success is sooo encouraging.
I know he’s one of the best which is why I want to get it done now. I know I will be glad I did it when its all over. I’m not afraid of the recovery pd, its just the surgery, but I’ve had surgeries before and had no problem. I’m kind of like “The Runaway Bride” with Julie Roberts, but more like “The Runaway Patient” once I get that hospital gown on, my urge to run out the hospital doors kicks in…haha…I know it’s crazy!!
Have an awesome first day back to work!
tiffanie said:
Oh, Kathy,
I would jump on Dr Casey’s Operating table, right now, without hesitation!! You truly are in the care of one of the the most epic Neurosurgeons of our time!
You are in his superhero powers now!! The whole team, anesthesia, ICU, everyone at Oakwood is amazing!
Yes, just breathe, this experience will be the beginning of your new life!
– Tiff
( PS- I’m going back to work on Monday, feeling better than ever!! )