skipped beats, low cost health facilitys

[j_2tha_d]

Well I have been living with on and off skipped beats for months. I think i experienced them at times before this but for some reason after my mom passed away I became really aware of every little sensation that goes on in my body. I have read different post from different people who all have the same symptoms, the comforting part is that it would seem that mine are benign based on my age and lack of other symptoms but I'd like to know for sure. Basicaly im a 29 year old student living with a room mate and I dont have insurance or health benefits so if any one has any information on how to go about finding a low cost or free way to do the appropriate testing please let me know. I live in pasadena ca if that helps. It feels a little frustrating when I see so many people who have gotten all the proper testing done and have found out that they are just fine while  I live day today afraid of the next skipped heart beat. I am happy for those never the less that have found out their condition is harmless. I just want to find out to so I can live in peace if possible.

[littlegreenman1]

This is something I've commented on numerous times. Treatment for arrhythmia is not cheap. My bills this year were 4 times the cost of my Bachelor's degree. (20 years ago)
I don't know if Cleveland is an option in CA. And travel is not cost effective... Check MediCal.

1st step in treatment:
My initial visits for 24 hr holter monitor were: $1100 - insurance negotiated that to about $500. (which is what you should expect to lay out in cash)

However, if this lands you in the ER...  If you take an ambulance: $900 + $13/ mile.  The ER visit will cost about $2500 (assuming you are not given any treatment - just EKG - and tests). (Insurance did not discount the ambulance, but took about $1000 off the ER.)

Maybe if you have a primary care physician they have an EKG and will look at it for you?

12 lead EKG @ my cardiologist for the follow up was $220 discounted to $115.

For the most part... no, you're not going to drop dead at 30.  

Can you get a loan from a relative for $1000 to pursue some initial diagnosis?  You will not be able to get surgically treated, but putting a "name to the face" will alleviate some stress.

[Mom2four85]

In most cases (95-99%) yes pvc's are benign, in 18 mths I've been here at MH, I've only seen 2 cases of malignant pvc's - I am one of those cases

It's always best to have a full cardiac workup though to rule out things and to know what you're dealing with and the best way to deal/cope with what is going on in your case =)

[j_2tha_d]

Thanks Lisa. Is it true that in most cases they are benign?

[Mom2four85]

The only thing that comes to mind is your local health department, I know ours in FL go by a sliding fee scale - you might call and ask how your local one works.  

Also, I know I read Cleveland Clinic has a financial assistance program and even some free care that is not really advertised and you have to call and ask about it.  http://my.clevelandclinic.org/Documents/Patients/Financial_Assistance_App_0809.pdf

I haven't had insurance for a bit, lost it due to work issues where I had to quit full time, so I've been looking for a way to get insurance and didn't find it until I was eligible for the Pre-Exisiting Conditions Insurance Plan through the gov't care - PCIP.org which is very pricey :(

if you don't have anything wrong documented, you can get individual insurance pretty cheaply through united healthcare or humana one - depending on what type of plan & deductible you choose =)

believe me, whether they're dangerous or benign we all live in fear of these dreaded monsters