Hmm. My doc refuses to do bloodwork.

[finnegansmom]

So I called my Primary care Dr. today. Insurance where I am, I need a referral to see a specialist (a OB/GYN for example). With my son, I went in, had a bloodtest, they confirmed I was pregnant and she gave me a referral. I called them again with this new pregnancy and scheduled an appt for bloodwork tomorrow. The nurse called back and said to go to ob/gyn for bloodwork and cancelled my appt.

Now, my last ob/gyn wouldn't see me until 10 weeks. I'm not going back there - no way - but WTH! I already have doubts about this pregnancy considering my short LP and everything. I really want my progesterone levels checked NOW. I pay through the nose for insurance and I can't even get a crummy blood test?
I called our local birth center to set up an tour and asked her about testing with the midwives there and she said my Dr probably wouldn't get reimbursed for the blood test and that's why she won't do it. :

Anyone else have this problem? Is asking for a blood test to confirm a pregnancy asking for too much?
:

Michelle

[Empress]

I am annoyed for you. It's a blood draw of pregnancy hormones, not some incredibly expensive unnecessary test you want. :

I had a similar problem and spent half the day on the phone,

"Hi, OB's office. I am concerned because of my history and some weird cramping, is it possible I can come in for bloodwork?"

"You're a new patient, we can't order anything until you have your first prenatal appt."

"Yes, that's in a month. I am not comfortable waiting that long for the bloodwork, is there any way to have the appt sooner?"

"If you're worried you can always go to the ER."

*sigh* "I don't want to go to the ER. This is not ER worthy. The ER staff and my insurance company would really appreciate it if I don't go to the ER. I would appreciate it if I don't have to go to the ER. How about we make everyone happy and give me a prenatal appt sooner than later, okay? "

We went around and around for awhile, and now I have an appt for tomorrow because I think they wanted to shut me up. :

[pazerific]

well, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, right? good for you for being your own best advocate, empress!

michelle--that sounds rediculous! would you be able to call another doc in your insurance network to get the tests run?

[finnegansmom]

I posted this on DS and apparently this is normal?
I spoke to the lady at the birth center which I'm touring on wednesday and I told her and she said the midwives there will do it of course and then she said probably, the doctor won't do it because insurance won't reimburse them for it. I don't think I'm asking for much - HcG levels? I know my old obgyn won't see you until at least 10 weeks. If I'm going to mc, I'm going to mc and I guess they feel the lab tests are pointless since they can't do anything IF they have bad results. So in the end, it's all about $ I guess.

I'm just annoyed. AND it's my birthday and I had to work all day today AND I'm pregnant. THROW ME A BONE! LOL.

[finnegansmom]

Originally Posted by Empress

I am annoyed for you. It's a blood draw of pregnancy hormones, not some incredibly expensive unnecessary test you want. :

I had a similar problem and spent half the day on the phone,

"Hi, OB's office. I am concerned because of my history and some weird cramping, is it possible I can come in for bloodwork?"

"You're a new patient, we can't order anything until you have your first prenatal appt."

"Yes, that's in a month. I am not comfortable waiting that long for the bloodwork, is there any way to have the appt sooner?"

"If you're worried you can always go to the ER."

*sigh* "I don't want to go to the ER. This is not ER worthy. The ER staff and my insurance company would really appreciate it if I don't go to the ER. I would appreciate it if I don't have to go to the ER. How about we make everyone happy and give me a prenatal appt sooner than later, okay? "

We went around and around for awhile, and now I have an appt for tomorrow because I think they wanted to shut me up. :

That's ridiculous! That is why hospital costs are SO high, since people use the ER as a Dr. You shouldn't have to go to the ER for bloodwork. I hope it works out for you, mama!

[quarteralien]

Originally Posted by finnegansmom

I posted this on DS and apparently this is normal?
I spoke to the lady at the birth center which I'm touring on wednesday and I told her and she said the midwives there will do it of course and then she said probably, the doctor won't do it because insurance won't reimburse them for it. I don't think I'm asking for much - HcG levels? I know my old obgyn won't see you until at least 10 weeks. If I'm going to mc, I'm going to mc and I guess they feel the lab tests are pointless since they can't do anything IF they have bad results. So in the end, it's all about $ I guess.

I'm just annoyed. AND it's my birthday and I had to work all day today AND I'm pregnant. THROW ME A BONE! LOL.

Sorry, there's no bone smilie. Okay, that was bad, but I couldn't resist. Happy birthday. I hope it looks up for you.

I'm of the opinion that insurance is of the devil. You're absolutely right, it's all about money. Insurance is looking out for itself, and no one else. I'm ranting again. I really don't need to do that more than once per day.

[dove]

if you want that test, offer to pay for it oop if your insurance doesn't cover it and see if they go ahead. they may not b/c your doc would have to pull a code out of thin air (read: lie) to show that it was necessary. a regular normal pregnancy, no problems code would probably cause it to be denied. this is where your financial responsibility lies - if you want an unnecessary test, you may have to pay for it.