Today I found out about another medical procedure that I had done was not covered. This time it was the bone density test my dr suggested I have done back in September. I have broken two bones in 4 years and he was worried that I may have some bone density loss since I was on the Depo Provera birth control shot for over 10-years. Studies released in 2004 show that Depo Provera is associated with a loss of bone density resulting in an increased risk of osteoporosis. This bone loss appears not to be reversed when the woman goes off Depo Provera. Depo is not recommended for long term use. Women on Depo are advised to exercise and take in plenty of calcium. The recommendation is that if you have taken Depo Provera for more than two years, you should get a bone density test.
I understand why my doctor wanted me to have the test. The recommendation makes sense... if the results had shown that I did have bone loss, he could advise me to take extra measures (calcium supplements, strength-training, etc.) now so that it doesn’t progress into a more serious case of osteoporosis later. Thus, it would save money in the long run. Thankfully, my bone density test results showed no bone loss… in fact, my bone density is at 110%.
Prior to this, my insurance didn’t cover my crutches from when I broke my leg. They also considered that an “elective.” Really? Like you have a choice whether to use crutches or not with a broken leg?! What the hell?! I could understand if I had a prior broken leg and they already paid for my crutches… I obviously wouldn’t need new crutches. I would agree that that would be a waste of insurance money… but my scenario isn’t like that and without crutches I would have been bed-ridden for months. But yet, how would I even get to the bed after my surgery without crutches? I guess I could have crawled…
