Aa
A warning!
I just wanted to share with all about what I've been going through the past 9 months. This is a warning to never ever ever tell your doctor anything unless you want that to be used against you in a court of law - seriously.
For those of you who don't know me, I used to post here alot and went through alot in a very short period of time.
Long story short - before June 25, 2009, I was "normal" walking, running, living life and the next day I broke my toes went in to the doctor and found out I had MAJOR health problems and being rushed through to surgery with all kinds of different things wrong, with no cause. I had some crazy 50,000 pvc's, VT, VFib episodes, NCS, OI and a grocery list of other things I was dx with since August 2009.
I waited on surgery until I got different opinions that I was as sick as the doctors said and went in on August 26, 2009 for surgery. That's where my nightmare with American Heritage /Allstate Insurance began and still isn't over, but I know I've lost. When I filled out my original application, I was honest and said I had no major health problems in the prior 3 years - I had not been told by a doctor that I had anything wrong with me and not been diagnosed with anything. The only thing I had was 2 episodes the year before of fainting, which 5 different doctors over my life told me it was "nothing" to be concerned about.
In 2004 I told my doctor I had Sob, palpitations and I fainted - they examined me, did testing and even ekg's, then told me I was as healthy as a horse and I would feel fine and would have none of those problems if I lost weight. I saw a doctor in Dec 2008 & Jan 2009 for weight loss and had a complete physical, bloodwork & EKG, all showed normal, so when my ekg in June 09 showed all this, I was shocked. Plus, I had a sleep study done on August 22, 2009, just days before surgery, that showed NO pvc's - none whatsoever, they dismissed these tests and my other normal ekg's and just picked apart my medical record to say I had lied.
Now, I find out from records, that my EP put down that I have had a life long history of cardiac problems and that some of my problems may be genetic (he didn't tell me, he even did genetic testing & blood tests; which he said were all normal) in his report, he directly links NCS to my heart problems and says it has been a life long issue. My cardiologist & EP have conflicting reports so that is being used against me also, the EP has the dates correct but the cardio doesn't - which was brought out. I was told they believe a dr before the patient, even when there's a mistake in your records; they don't care the dr's records are conflicting; they said I lied to the EP.
I am so bummed I just wanted my claims paid and to go forward and now I can't ever get another supplement health policy again. I am floored that this is being held against me because I went to a doctor and was told nothing was wrong and it's now being used against me -- my attny is tired of fighting big insurance :(
Again, please be careful what you say to your doctor, because even 1 time of something like this could mean big trouble later on -- even when a doctor tells you nothing is wrong; if you complain they note that information in their files.
For those of you who don't know me, I used to post here alot and went through alot in a very short period of time.
Long story short - before June 25, 2009, I was "normal" walking, running, living life and the next day I broke my toes went in to the doctor and found out I had MAJOR health problems and being rushed through to surgery with all kinds of different things wrong, with no cause. I had some crazy 50,000 pvc's, VT, VFib episodes, NCS, OI and a grocery list of other things I was dx with since August 2009.
I waited on surgery until I got different opinions that I was as sick as the doctors said and went in on August 26, 2009 for surgery. That's where my nightmare with American Heritage /Allstate Insurance began and still isn't over, but I know I've lost. When I filled out my original application, I was honest and said I had no major health problems in the prior 3 years - I had not been told by a doctor that I had anything wrong with me and not been diagnosed with anything. The only thing I had was 2 episodes the year before of fainting, which 5 different doctors over my life told me it was "nothing" to be concerned about.
In 2004 I told my doctor I had Sob, palpitations and I fainted - they examined me, did testing and even ekg's, then told me I was as healthy as a horse and I would feel fine and would have none of those problems if I lost weight. I saw a doctor in Dec 2008 & Jan 2009 for weight loss and had a complete physical, bloodwork & EKG, all showed normal, so when my ekg in June 09 showed all this, I was shocked. Plus, I had a sleep study done on August 22, 2009, just days before surgery, that showed NO pvc's - none whatsoever, they dismissed these tests and my other normal ekg's and just picked apart my medical record to say I had lied.
Now, I find out from records, that my EP put down that I have had a life long history of cardiac problems and that some of my problems may be genetic (he didn't tell me, he even did genetic testing & blood tests; which he said were all normal) in his report, he directly links NCS to my heart problems and says it has been a life long issue. My cardiologist & EP have conflicting reports so that is being used against me also, the EP has the dates correct but the cardio doesn't - which was brought out. I was told they believe a dr before the patient, even when there's a mistake in your records; they don't care the dr's records are conflicting; they said I lied to the EP.
I am so bummed I just wanted my claims paid and to go forward and now I can't ever get another supplement health policy again. I am floored that this is being held against me because I went to a doctor and was told nothing was wrong and it's now being used against me -- my attny is tired of fighting big insurance :(
Again, please be careful what you say to your doctor, because even 1 time of something like this could mean big trouble later on -- even when a doctor tells you nothing is wrong; if you complain they note that information in their files.
This is so difficult and confusing since I have no known cause of what's wrong and a bunch of conflicting things from dr's about how long I've had these problems. My first thought was Phentermine; I wish I could point to it and say yup that did it.
I researched for months before taking it the first time in 2007, so I knew the symptoms to look for but had none other than mild stomach complaints. I asked my cardio & EP if this all could have been caused by Phentermine and they both said no, but my pcp said yes.
Apparently, I've had this problem awhile which showed up on an EKG on April 27, 2007, before I first took Phentermine on April 30, 2007. My original pcp who prescribed it, never told me he suspected anything and told me my EKG and bloodwork were "normal". I only found out about the original ekg problems in June 2009 when my new pcp showed me the EKG.
What I don't get is this -- if this really has been a lifelong thing, how can something so severe not show up on an Ekg in Nov 2004 & Nov 2008, then magically appear on an Ekg in Apr 2007 & June 2009, then disappear again on an Ekg in Aug 2009.
None of the dr's I've seen have any answers and can't even fathom what is going on with my whacko system.
I researched for months before taking it the first time in 2007, so I knew the symptoms to look for but had none other than mild stomach complaints. I asked my cardio & EP if this all could have been caused by Phentermine and they both said no, but my pcp said yes.
Apparently, I've had this problem awhile which showed up on an EKG on April 27, 2007, before I first took Phentermine on April 30, 2007. My original pcp who prescribed it, never told me he suspected anything and told me my EKG and bloodwork were "normal". I only found out about the original ekg problems in June 2009 when my new pcp showed me the EKG.
What I don't get is this -- if this really has been a lifelong thing, how can something so severe not show up on an Ekg in Nov 2004 & Nov 2008, then magically appear on an Ekg in Apr 2007 & June 2009, then disappear again on an Ekg in Aug 2009.
None of the dr's I've seen have any answers and can't even fathom what is going on with my whacko system.
Your "heart problems" could have been caused/side effect from the Phentermine, but they don't want to admit that this weight loss drug could've caused it.
Go on Google (I don't know if we are allowed to post websites) and type in "Phentermine side effects" and you will get tons of Links. Every Link will tell you of the side effects concerining the heart (look for cardiovascular). I just checked it out, and your "heart problems" could all have been caused from this drug.
Go on Google (I don't know if we are allowed to post websites) and type in "Phentermine side effects" and you will get tons of Links. Every Link will tell you of the side effects concerining the heart (look for cardiovascular). I just checked it out, and your "heart problems" could all have been caused from this drug.
I have been trying to get my pcp to take out of his files that I had a history of diabetes, a year and I still haven't gotten it straighted out. I never had a glucose lvl of above 80 and that's well within the 70-99 normal range for me.
What do I do if they refuse to take it out? What's strange is his file says diabetes but my MIB is clear; even clear of my heart surgery, PM/ICD implant and my health insurance co wasn't a help getting it done.
I told my current pcp, cardio & ep all the same thing, dates times which is frustrating something so imporant got mixed up by 1 of these dr's. I had a full workup a few months before I broke my toes and found out about my heart, which included physical, bloodwork & ekg then my pcp put me on Phentermine - a weight loss drug.
That's why I dont understand how I could have a "history" of heart problems - what dr in their right mind would give a patient a drug like that if they suspect heart problems and there's no way I just developed 50,000 pvc's in a couple of months time; or that's not my understanding.
It's frustrating, because even the hospital put down a history of heart problems when I found out I may have a problem on June 25, 2009 and wasn't dx until I had surgery on August 26, 2009, but they consider that a history. How can someone have a history of something if they haven't had a test to confirm a diagnosis is beyond me - just another loophole.
What do I do if they refuse to take it out? What's strange is his file says diabetes but my MIB is clear; even clear of my heart surgery, PM/ICD implant and my health insurance co wasn't a help getting it done.
I told my current pcp, cardio & ep all the same thing, dates times which is frustrating something so imporant got mixed up by 1 of these dr's. I had a full workup a few months before I broke my toes and found out about my heart, which included physical, bloodwork & ekg then my pcp put me on Phentermine - a weight loss drug.
That's why I dont understand how I could have a "history" of heart problems - what dr in their right mind would give a patient a drug like that if they suspect heart problems and there's no way I just developed 50,000 pvc's in a couple of months time; or that's not my understanding.
It's frustrating, because even the hospital put down a history of heart problems when I found out I may have a problem on June 25, 2009 and wasn't dx until I had surgery on August 26, 2009, but they consider that a history. How can someone have a history of something if they haven't had a test to confirm a diagnosis is beyond me - just another loophole.
Every time you see a doctor ask for a "chart copy" BEFORE you leave his office. Also ask how long it will take to get a "copy of his dictation". ITS YOUR RIGHT TO GET THESE COPIES FOR YOUR PERSONAL FILE. See what he/she writes/dictates, and if it is false go back immediately and point it out and DEMAND a new dictation (report). It can take awhile. Write down the date you went back. Make an appointment with the doctor, and point it out to him/her. DON'T talk to a nurse or clerk about it, talk to the doctor who made the FALSE statement.
I had two doctors lie in the past. Not as severe a case as yours, but it still ticked me off big time. One was a Dermatologist who said on his dictation "that I refused a full body examanitation" he NEVER told me he wanted to exame the skin of my FULL body, never! I'd have NEVER refused such an exam.
Another doctor lied on his dictation saying that "I refused a colonoscopy". A colonoscopy was NEVER discussed, ever! BTW, I do have health insurance.
Whether some doctors lie for whatever reason, or lie unintentionally which I do not believe, there is no excuse to put stuff in your records which are untrue.
I had two doctors lie in the past. Not as severe a case as yours, but it still ticked me off big time. One was a Dermatologist who said on his dictation "that I refused a full body examanitation" he NEVER told me he wanted to exame the skin of my FULL body, never! I'd have NEVER refused such an exam.
Another doctor lied on his dictation saying that "I refused a colonoscopy". A colonoscopy was NEVER discussed, ever! BTW, I do have health insurance.
Whether some doctors lie for whatever reason, or lie unintentionally which I do not believe, there is no excuse to put stuff in your records which are untrue.
Thank you all, it's been such a stressful time just going through all of the legal stuff since last Dec but I was pretty secure because I knew I didn't have a clue anything was wrong before June 2009.
All of that "knowing" & security went out the window with old loopholes of the law and big insurance. My attorney said I dont care if you're having a heart attack in the ER tell them you're fine...big exaggeration but you get the point. Soon all of that will change with the new laws, but does nothing for anyone right now.
I'm waiting on the 6th month period with no insurance so I can get all of my health issues fixed on the medical pool for our state. Just the stress of it all made me have tons of pvc's daily 24/7 again and my neurological problems tenfold.
I lost, because my attorney gave up after their last filing and said I won't win - we can nit pick every sentence they say and probably get a judge to side with me with my testimony but he doesn't want to go forward (I think I was fired as a client lol) and I can't bring another suit against them for the same thing.
Hope everyone is doing well and been having a symptom free year.
All of that "knowing" & security went out the window with old loopholes of the law and big insurance. My attorney said I dont care if you're having a heart attack in the ER tell them you're fine...big exaggeration but you get the point. Soon all of that will change with the new laws, but does nothing for anyone right now.
I'm waiting on the 6th month period with no insurance so I can get all of my health issues fixed on the medical pool for our state. Just the stress of it all made me have tons of pvc's daily 24/7 again and my neurological problems tenfold.
I lost, because my attorney gave up after their last filing and said I won't win - we can nit pick every sentence they say and probably get a judge to side with me with my testimony but he doesn't want to go forward (I think I was fired as a client lol) and I can't bring another suit against them for the same thing.
Hope everyone is doing well and been having a symptom free year.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I see in the news the United Kingdom is in the process of redesigning their government health care. I think that was the system those pushing government health care in the USA were pointing to as a "shinning example".
We all expect to see delay and rationing here in the USA as implementation goes forward. Still, the insurance company abuses here noted makes one think the USA needs some new rules/regulations.
My story is when about 55 I decided to ask my primary care during my physical exam what HR I should limit myself to when running (aerobic exercise) - he said he'd prescribe a stress test. DON'T DO IT if you don't have any symptoms demanding it. I did the stress test and was called in by my doctor to discuss my inconclusive results, he then prescribed a nuclear stress test. These gave the same result...i.e., indicated there may be some blockage. The radiologist recommended a heart catheter exam, the cardiologist said I didn't need to. I didn't have the catheter exam.
A couple of years later when I decided to retire early I decided to increase my life insurance and applied to two policies, one term and one whole-life. They found my stress test results and raise the cost of the insurance considerably (don't recall any more how much). l reduced my coverage and still paid more for less. If I hadn't volunteered for the stress test, there would not have been any record to find. That said, I do have heart problems, that's what brought me to this community. I have also had two heart catheter exams and open heart surgery since those early stress tests. I have never had any blockage, the surgery was required to repair a valve.
I do understand how insurance "works"... but I was still aggravated that it was my questions to a doctor that resulted in my higher insurance cost. I guess if I had gotten a "clean bill of health" form the catheter exam the insurance would not have been higher, who knows?
We all expect to see delay and rationing here in the USA as implementation goes forward. Still, the insurance company abuses here noted makes one think the USA needs some new rules/regulations.
My story is when about 55 I decided to ask my primary care during my physical exam what HR I should limit myself to when running (aerobic exercise) - he said he'd prescribe a stress test. DON'T DO IT if you don't have any symptoms demanding it. I did the stress test and was called in by my doctor to discuss my inconclusive results, he then prescribed a nuclear stress test. These gave the same result...i.e., indicated there may be some blockage. The radiologist recommended a heart catheter exam, the cardiologist said I didn't need to. I didn't have the catheter exam.
A couple of years later when I decided to retire early I decided to increase my life insurance and applied to two policies, one term and one whole-life. They found my stress test results and raise the cost of the insurance considerably (don't recall any more how much). l reduced my coverage and still paid more for less. If I hadn't volunteered for the stress test, there would not have been any record to find. That said, I do have heart problems, that's what brought me to this community. I have also had two heart catheter exams and open heart surgery since those early stress tests. I have never had any blockage, the surgery was required to repair a valve.
I do understand how insurance "works"... but I was still aggravated that it was my questions to a doctor that resulted in my higher insurance cost. I guess if I had gotten a "clean bill of health" form the catheter exam the insurance would not have been higher, who knows?
Welcome back.
I don't completely understand the US health insurance system. In Norway everyone get treatment, but it takes time. The waiting time for an EP study is about 6 months (it's free, though). Some health services can be bought, but at a price of approx $150 for a consultation with a GP and $300 for a consultation with a cardiologist.
Anyway, good luck. I hope everything will be OK. I'm happy you came back.
I don't completely understand the US health insurance system. In Norway everyone get treatment, but it takes time. The waiting time for an EP study is about 6 months (it's free, though). Some health services can be bought, but at a price of approx $150 for a consultation with a GP and $300 for a consultation with a cardiologist.
Anyway, good luck. I hope everything will be OK. I'm happy you came back.
SO true, I once went to a doctor for a persistent cough (when I first put my daughter in day care). Sent me home with advair. The advair didn't work out. I never went back. Soon the cough went away. coupla years later I go to get life insurance. I tell them who my doctor is. they pull the file and see "asthma" written on the chart. Drove the rate up by 40%.
I fought them and won.
If what the doc wrote on the chart can be argued against, make the case!
My mom has worked in healthcare her entire life. She's always advised me not to let them document inappropriately in my chart. Now i know why!!
Can the new law that prohibits insurance from turning you away for a pre-existing help you? It went into effect March of 2010. It's called "Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)".
I fought them and won.
If what the doc wrote on the chart can be argued against, make the case!
My mom has worked in healthcare her entire life. She's always advised me not to let them document inappropriately in my chart. Now i know why!!
Can the new law that prohibits insurance from turning you away for a pre-existing help you? It went into effect March of 2010. It's called "Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)".
COMMUNITY LEADER
Very sorry to read of your extremely foul treatment.
Have you tired the media for support? There must be some advocacy or governmenttal group that can lend help /advice. I think the health insurance industry is concerned about bad publicity - especially given the changes coming under the new health care bill/act.
Have you tired the media for support? There must be some advocacy or governmenttal group that can lend help /advice. I think the health insurance industry is concerned about bad publicity - especially given the changes coming under the new health care bill/act.
The biggest thing is all of this stress has played havoc on my system. I lost my health insurance, so I cant see a doctor and I have no clue when or if I will ever get to the doctor to have my icd/leads checked & replaced :(
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
