Reply #108: An example of not having to pay out of pocket

[Kaleva]

Earlier this week, my wife fell and hurt her lower back. I took her to the ER and the doc on call told her she pulled some muscles and gave her a shot for the pain. He also gave her instructions on applying an ice pack to her lower back every two hours and to stay in bed as much as possible. The next day, still feeling the pain, she called her regular doctor's office and made an appointment for later in the afternoon to see him. I drove her over there. Her doctor checked her over briefly and instructed her to continue to follow the other doctors orders until the pain subsided. My wife wanted a test done to make sure there was no damage to her back but the doctor refused to do so, saying it wasn't needed and costs about $1800.00. My wife told him that her insurance would cover the entire bill (she has excellent coverage) but he still wouldn't do it. My wife was one mad woman as we left but her doctor was correct and she's feeling fine now.

I give kudos to my wife's doctor for sticking to his guns and not running unnecessary tests that would have paid for by the premiums others pay. But don't ell my wife that lest she cut my testicles off as she's still upset.