ECTOPIC HEARTBEAT AND VASOVAGAL SYNCOPE

[guesty]

Just over two years ago my wife suffered a few fainitng episodes and was referred to a specialist who subsequently diagnosed vasovagal syncope.

In the last couple of monthe she has suffered from heart palpitations and a tightening of the throat. Once again we saw a specialist and this time she was diagnosed with an ectopic heartbeat.

However when we have gone to make a claim on our medical insurance policy they are refusing to settle as they claim the two illnesses are related and therefore this is a pre-exisiting condition.

Can you confirm whether in your opinion this is true as I thought a vasovagal disorder is neurological whilst an ectopic heartbeat is cardio-vascular so I cannot see how they can be linked.

Your view on this would be appreciated.

Thanking you

Warren Guest

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

They are completely unrelated.  I am not even sure what to say beyond that.  Your doctor should be able to write a letter to that effect.  Insurance companies are very difficult to understand and if they have any questions, they often just deny and wait for a counter claim or further explanation.

I hope you solve the problem soon.  Good luck.

[tickertock]

It is my understanding and I'm not an MD but I'm assuming it would be rare for just a common ectopic heartbeat to cause syncope, but they have a condition called neurocardiogenic syncope that has a neurological/cardiovascular connection, either way its terrible that your insurance is giving you a hard time.Hope your wife feels better soon.

[guesty]

Thank you for your help. I am not taking this refusal lightly and will be pushing for them to rethink their decision. The money is not the issue here as it is a negligable amount it is more to do with the principle so i will be pursuing them with great gusto.

Thanks again.