Fractured Sacral and osteoporosis why wont insurance let me have surge

Posted by dcjac1957 @dcjac1957, Jan 19 6:10pm

I've been dealing with a fractured Sacral for 7 months, I also found out I have osteoporosis and thats why its not healing. Unless I have special screws put in on each side to pull together. But Humana won't authorized. How am I to live not being able to move, walk etc. Im only 68 and otherwise healthy, but since this happened I ready to put my gun to my head and end it all. Before fracture I woke up early everyday and was doing active things all day t I ll bedtime. Now I cant. The pain is so severe its really affecting my sanity. Im asking for someone to help me and my surgeon get through to the insurance its medically necessary

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Profile picture for gently @gently

dcjac1957,
I sorry you are experiencing so much pain with the non-healing sacrum along with with the insurer. Some offices are more adept at handling these denials foisted upon those less able to defend themselves.
AI was actually pretty helpful
https://www.google.com/search
it is mostly a problem your doctor has to manage. But many times when challenged the person hired by the insurance company (usually not a doctor) will yield. Meanwhile you suffer needless stress and delay of service.
The denial should include information about why or what they expect you to accomplish first. They like you to use conservative (cheaper) measures first.
Are you on osteoporosis medications.
I hope loriesco responds.

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@gently I was on bonsity 3 months but side effects were too much ,so stopped. And now a 1 time a year infusion called Reclast.

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Profile picture for oopsiedaisy @oopsiedaisy

I can corroborate gently’s comment on how doctors vary in their skill at navigating prior authorization. My first osteoporosis specialist, a rheumatologist, required weeks to obtain approval for Tymlos. When I’d been on it for three months, Cigna revoked my PA and she didn’t know what to do. They wanted me to go on teriparatide even though I’d be approved for two years of Tymlos. I had to lead the approval process, telling them what the insurance company required, right down to the dose to request. They fumbled the request and kept submitting the incorrect dosage. It took two months and many calls to Cigna and the doctor to get it sorted.

Contrast this to my experience with the endocrinologist I began seeing shortly after. She obtained approval to start Evenity within one week.

There is an appeal process for refusals. 80% are overturned on appeal. The doctor often has to submit additional paperwork or do a peer review first. It’s time consuming and annoying. My husband just went through this with rotator cuff surgery. Cigna sent three denial letters in total. It took several weeks for his surgeon to get approval and he had to call his office repeatedly to remind them to submit the required paperwork. In the end, Cigna approved and he had the surgery. It’s an annoying part of the medical system that we patients have to endure.

Make sure you call your doctor’s office to ensure they follow up. Learn what the appeal process is and get on your doctor to follow up. You shouldn’t have to do this but it’s your health at stake. I hope you can get this over the finish line. I know it’s hard when you are in pain every day. Hang in there.

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@oopsiedaisy my surgeon said he's not going to play games with coding people and did my successful surgery yesterday. And said not to worry about cost he was picking it up. What a kind and caring Doctor he is. Im feeling so much better just 24 hours after surgery. The screws(3) he put in were special made by him to fit my body 3D printed. ( thats what insurance wouldn't approve) So thank him for his compassion on my situation. Thank you for you concern and reply

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dejack1057,
Incredible! Cheers to your doctor. Best wishes for your speedy recovery. Keep us posted.

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