CarlyCat's Q&A on HMOs
A. This is actually a variation of the phrase, "Hey, Moe" Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Doctor Moe Howard, who discovered that a patient could be made to forget about the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough in the eyes. Modern practice replaces the physical finger poke with hi-tech equivalents such as voice mail and referral slips, but the result remains the same.
A. No. Only those you need.
A. Just slightly more difficult than choosing your parents. Your insurer will provide you with a book listing all the doctors who were participating in the plan at the time the information was gathered. These doctors basically fall into two categories:
But don't worry -- the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and accepting new patients has an office just a half day's drive away.
A. This is a phrase used by the grammatically challenged when they want to talk about existing conditions. Unfortunately, we appear to be pre-stuck with it.
A. Certainly, as long as they don't require any treatment.
A. You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.
A. Poke yourself in the eye.
A. You have two choices. Your doctor can sign the re-imbursement check over to you, or you can ask him to invest the money for you in one of those great offers that only doctors and dentists hear about, like windmill farms or frog hatcheries.
A. Try sitting in a different part of the bus.
A. You really shouldn't do that. You'll have a hard time seeing your primary care physician. It's best to wait until you return, and then get sick.
A. Hard to say, but considering that all you're out is the $10 CO-payment, there's no harm giving him a shot at it.
Q. Do all diagnostic procedures require pre-certification?
Q. I just joined a new HMO. How difficult will it be to choose the doctor I want?
1) Those who are no longer accepting new patients, and
2) Those who will see you but are no longer part of the plan.
Q. What are pre-existing conditions?
Q. Well, can I get coverage for my pre-existing conditions?
Q. What happens if I want to try alternative forms of medicine?
Q. My pharmacy plan only covers generic drugs, but I need the name brand. I tried the generic medication, but it gave me a stomach ache. What should I do?
Q. I have an 80/20 plan with a $200 deductible and a $2,000 yearly cap. My insurer reimbursed the doctor for my outpatient surgery but I'd already paid my bill. What should I do?
Q. What should I do if I get sick while traveling?
Q. No, I mean what if I'm away from home and I get sick?
Q. I think I need to see a specialist, but my doctor insists he can handle my problem. Can a general practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in his office?
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