Waiting almost 12 weeks for a hearing test through my HMO

[Auggie]

Does that suck or what?

It comes with a consultation with an otolaryngologist afterward and with no strings attached, so I'll be getting the straight dope about my hearing. But still ... twelve weeks?



Our corrupt, health insurance system at work.

[hlthe2b]

1. I've always wondered about those free hearing exams at some Sam's Clubs... Not that that would be

an alternative, but it might be interesting to see how well the two exams line up. Just saying...

[Auggie]

3. Yeah, I know ...

I want to talk to a real doctor at a real clinic.

[hlthe2b]

4. As you SHOULD...

But, it would be interesting to find out if they are even reasonably legit and validate (or not) what they are all about. You could discuss the alternate "findings" with your audiologist/ENT physician after THEIR exam.

[Auggie]

6. Okay ... a decent idea. Thanks.

[relayerbob]

2. Every business and service is backed up

My wife got hit yesterday, and the repair places won't even be able to start the work until mid-January. Her office isn't taking new appointments until mid-Jan, also. Now, factor is a medical specialist and the lack of trained, competent people, the overload on all medical serives due to COVID and yes, I can see that happening very easily.

[Auggie]

5. This clinic is well over an hour away too

There are great ENTs 10 minutes from home but they're not part of the HMO.

I hate, hate, hate, health insurance.

[relayerbob]

7. What's the impact of going out of network?

[Auggie]

8. They won't see me without insurance

I can get a hearing test by a local audiologist but not a consultation by a licensed otolaryngologist.

[relayerbob]

10. Have you actually called to ask? Don't rely on internet info.

Out of network is not the same as no insurance

[Auggie]

11. Yep!

[relayerbob]

9. I am def not a fan, either

However, HMOs are for health *maintenance*, not for people who have any sort of real health issues, ie, healthy, young people. I stopped using them decades ago. You pay more in premiums to go with other plans, but you have options that HMOs don't provide. It's the time of year that plans can be changed, I'd suggest doing so immediately, assuming you can cover the premiums. I understand that can be a huge problem. Believe me, I am very sympathetic, given my list of health issues ( serious heart disease)

Also, if you switch now, you may be able to get an appt in less than 12 weeks, closer to home, right after the start of the year

[Auggie]

12. Yeah, I guess I could switch ...

though in five months I'll be on Medicare. If I can afford it I'll get a PPO and everything will be 10 minutes away. Only doing this now because people close to me are begging.

Switched to the HMO because the PPO premiums under the ACA were exorbitant.

[relayerbob]

13. I get it. Believe me, all too well.

Hang in there. At least if you can switch, it will only be a short time before you can get Medicare

[Auggie]

14. Thanks

[DURHAM D]

15. I hurt my back last Sunday.

Went to the Doctor on Monday. Received a script for physical therapy. Earliest available is mid-January.

Guess I will limp around for six weeks.

[Auggie]

17. Good luck ...

and thanks for sharing

[Diamond_Dog]

16. Aren't you glad we don't live in a country with SOCIALIZED MEDICINE!!

Think of all the scary stories right wingers perpetuate about long waits to see a doctor in Canada!

[Auggie]

18. Thank goodness!

The nation is so polarized now that right wingers don't even need lies ... just the fact that The Left is behind any social program is enough for them to hate it.

"Whatever it is, I'm against it!"

[Diamond_Dog]

19. I love that clip.

So appropriate especially now, too.