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In reply to the discussion: The slaughter of innocents. [View all]grantcart
(53,061 posts)180. Deeply saddened by your story and wish that I could do something.
I also worked in various countries and had doctors from various countries on our staff. Almost all of the doctors were politically conservative however none of them understood the American stance on access to health care and thought it was immoral.
There is a simple legal remedy that would solve most of the problems like yours.
let me repeat that
There is a simple legal remedy that would solve most of the problems like yours.
Recently my daughter was hit by a driver and her head hit the window sideways. She didn't appear to have a serious injury but with constant headaches the doctor felt an MRI was called for.
The other guy was clearly at fault and supported by the police report from the scene, they never contested their responsibility.
When we went to the MRI facility they would not perform the procedure with a 'lien' (meaning they would get paid first from a settlement). With two brothers who are lawyers I had a referral for an attorney in 5 minutes. He took the case. He told us that the settlement would be within $ 15,000 and $ 19,000. Six months later my daughter settled for $ 18,000 and got about $ 9,000 in her pocket.
What most people dont understand is that decades ago there used to be a law regarding 'frivolous denial of claim'.
What is a frivolous denial of a claim
Simply put it is whenever a jury decides that an insurance company has delayed making a reasonable offer withing 4 months of a claim.
If they are found guilty then all of the reasonable claims, as determined by the jury, are quadrupled as a penalty to the insurance company.
Decades ago insurance adjusters raced to get claims solved so that they wouldn't have to pay a 4X of the original cost. If the insurance company thought that they were right they would hold off and fight it in court, and the opposing attorney got nothing.
It was very self regulating.
In your instance the two insurance companies wouldn't have worried about getting hung with the cost of your care but 4 times the cost of your care. The bigger the claim the greater the pressure on the insurance companies to settle.
Also it makes it easier for doctors and clinics to take claimants on the basis of a lien because if the lawsuit is decided by the jury in favor of the plaintiff then those providing services would be paid 4 times their fee.
This doesn't require an elaborate change in the health care industry.
In fact it could be done state by state.
But the people would have to turn off the TV and give a damn and demand change.
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I agree. This country has the most punitive, cruel attitude concerning the ill and illness.
anneboleyn
Feb 2012
#124
My mom, more than anyone, taught me how to live with dignity in the face of adversity.
MedicalAdmin
Feb 2012
#27
I really don't consider Medicare or Tricare insurance. They are health plans that everyone partakes
Cleita
Feb 2012
#37
It could have happened in California and four Democrats blew it by not voting for it.
Cleita
Feb 2012
#52
You're in my thoughts. In the meantime, send this to the Minnesota delegation.
Brickbat
Feb 2012
#35
There was a time when MN could have been considered populist and progressive.
MedicalAdmin
Feb 2012
#134
If you want to neutralize the IP, then you need to help radicalize them to the right.
MedicalAdmin
Feb 2012
#175
Alas I have a genetic anomoly and do not produce the enzyme that breaks down THC.
MedicalAdmin
Feb 2012
#149
God bless you, MedicalAdmin! May your remaining days here be as long and as pleasant as you have...
webDude
Feb 2012
#93
we have insurance. we have money in the bank. i am so fearful of exactly what you describe. it is
seabeyond
Feb 2012
#102
I've read some of your past posts and you've been in my thoughts ever since.
backtoblue
Feb 2012
#113
All I know how to say right now is thank you for all you are and have contributed.
TheKentuckian
Feb 2012
#165
This is my final post. I'm off to see the wizard and, who knows, maybe I'll beat this thing yet.
MedicalAdmin
Feb 2012
#169
Excellent post, thank you. And I agree, your friend was lucky to meet a doctor who understood
sabrina 1
Feb 2012
#179
Yes, I know how that works, regarding making too much on paper. I discovered
sabrina 1
Feb 2012
#189
Currently insurance companies have ZERO incentive to rush through payment.
MedicalAdmin
Feb 2012
#182
MA, I don't know if you;re still here but I won't you to know that I, for one, am fighting
Ecumenist
Apr 2012
#202
Much love to you my friend. I hope that you send this eloquent piece to your local paper and
NC_Nurse
May 2012
#209