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…
1 comment:
Ah, don't get me going on health insurance! I cannot for the life of me understand how they think. Since employees are rewarded for saving the company money, i.e. refusing claims, it makes a little more sense though (of course, at the determent of the patient).
Did you ask them how you were supposed to get around without crutches? Also, if you were on bedrest due to their crutch refusal, you could have developed DVT's (this happened to a girl at my clinic) and that would've opened up a whole new can of (expensive) worms. Insurance companies seem to be reactionary and just don't look at the big picture.
Two of my doctors have recommended the same test to me recently yet my insurance company says they pay at 0%. Finally, one doc said he was going to call them himself and explain the reasons why it needs to be done and how in influences treatment. It'll be interesting to see if he has more pull.
Nonetheless, I'll glad that ultimately your test came out well. Those results are excellent and will definitely help you as you age.
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