Getting a Hoveround, 'er, an electric w/c - Pt. 3
I waited until the 5th of July to try once again to figure out what was in my way of getting this w/c I am needing sooner rather than later. So, I roused myself earlier than I usually do, and called the Physical Therapy Department to reschedule the appointment that Lauren, the roving nurse, had cancelled. The PT clerk who schedules such exams was out that day, so I would have to call her back; I did find out that they do, in fact, only schedule about five "mobility exams" each month, and they really are booked out for a year. How crazy is that?
So, my next call was back to my PCP. As I was talking with the front desk clerk, I asked her if my doctor/s (I have two PCPs) did "mobility exams." She said that they did them "all the time," which might have been a slight exaggeration, but got me to shaking my head. So I scheduled an appointment with my PCP, the one I prefer and who is the MD and not the ARNP (not that there's anything wrong with that), and I find that his schedule is pretty much open most of the day Monday. So I will go in to see him at 2 PM Monday. And over the weekend I will be reading up on the stupid Medicare mumbo-jumbo questions so I will know what to expect and be prepared to answer with the correct gobbledygook.
I also will have my husband take some measurements around the house which will explain why I can't use my regular w/c or scooter inside. I'll let you know what happens.
Be well,
So, my next call was back to my PCP. As I was talking with the front desk clerk, I asked her if my doctor/s (I have two PCPs) did "mobility exams." She said that they did them "all the time," which might have been a slight exaggeration, but got me to shaking my head. So I scheduled an appointment with my PCP, the one I prefer and who is the MD and not the ARNP (not that there's anything wrong with that), and I find that his schedule is pretty much open most of the day Monday. So I will go in to see him at 2 PM Monday. And over the weekend I will be reading up on the stupid Medicare mumbo-jumbo questions so I will know what to expect and be prepared to answer with the correct gobbledygook.
I also will have my husband take some measurements around the house which will explain why I can't use my regular w/c or scooter inside. I'll let you know what happens.
Be well,
I hope everything goes smoothly for you. I used to work in a place where we made wheelchairs and the piles and piles and piles of paperwork that had to be done for everyone... insured, not insured, on disability, not on disability, able to pay, not able to pay.... ARGH.
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))
Webster, good luck with the appointment. I remember when I got my scooter (to take on an Ireland vacation,) I was still mobile. So my insurance company wouldn't cover it. I had to be unable to walk in order to get reimbursed. Now I have medicare and bc/bs medigap, so I'm wondering if I'll qualify for an electric chair.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Muff
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou go and convince them! I am truly lucky to have a friend in the biz and my pal Mike that hooked me up. I am amazed at the enormous amount of paperwork and BS that is involved these days with anything to do with medical.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it appears to me that those who can manage to pay out of pocket manage to get stuff covered while those who truly can not have to fight every step (pun intended) of the way.
I'm going to try next for a real expensive one, we shall see. Goobly-Gook is right. "Sorry, I don't speak Red Tape. Can you hum a few bars?" Hang in there, you will prevail soon.
ReplyDeleteI will watch from afar since one day I might be you know, knocking at your door and asking for a demo. =)
ReplyDeleteI'm graduating to a forearm cane but I want a RED one.
Oh I so hope you get all this straightened out, and get what you need!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete