DEAR DR. GOTT: In December of 2010 I had three discs replaced in my back. I have degenerative disc disease. Anyway, in February 2011 my neurosurgeon left his practice and moved to Florida. My problem is, about a year ago I slipped and fell down my front porch steps and after going to the ER, I found out that I had broken two of the three screws that were holding a rod in place. Well, the doctor from the ER sent me to another hospital by ambulance where they admitted me for four days to help with the pain but the doctor there said that this was not emergency surgery so I was sent home. So now I have contacted my insurance company and they gave me the name of EVERY neurosurgeon in the state of Ohio that takes my insurance. I have called all of these doctors and not a single one will see me. They say it is because I should go back to the doctor who did my surgery but he is no longer there and the doctor who took over for him says he won’t see me because he doesn’t work with hardware.
I have tried to hire an attorney but they said I don’t have a case. I am 32 years old and have two young children. I am not ready to roll over and die. I just want my life back. I wish I would have never had the surgery in the first place but now I can’t find a doctor to help me. The pain is increasing and my mobility is decreasing. I am willing to try anything. I have tried physical therapy, I have to sit on ice bottles half the day just so I can have a little relief. Any suggestions?
DEAR READER: I find this dilemma simply preposterous. I obviously don’t know what type of insurance you have, nor do I know how you have functioned for the last year with the problems you have had to deal with.
My first recommendation is that you contact your insurance company again. Explain that you have called every orthopedic specialist that accepts your insurance but that none will accept you as a patient for surgical repair. Ask them if they would cover the cost of your care by an out-of-network physician. If so, get on the phone with all the orthopedists in your area, carefully explain the situation and tell them that your insurance company is willing to pay part or all of the cost.
If your insurance company refuses, ask if they would be willing to pay for a round-trip air fare to Florida so your former surgeon can do the procedure, plus cover the full fee completely. If they think you are totally insane with the request, tell them it is from the pain you’re experiencing. You have the right to quality of life, and in your case, that means undergoing surgical repair.
And, by all means, keep me informed. Then, regardless of who you see, I recommend you contact the Ohio State Medical Society. There is no excuse for every neurosurgeon in your state to turn you down simply because they did not perform the original surgery. It’s simply wrong. Good luck.
Readers who would like related information can request my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery” by sending a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to my attention at PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.
