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And the doctor’s prognosis is…
a herniated disk! I was able to get an appointment with an orthopedist this morning, thanks to my doctor “going the extra mile” and calling around for me. I put that in quotes because it’s something I would expect a doctor to do back home in PA, but not here. There’s just too many people and not enough doctors here, and they can’t be bothered with doing extra things for patients.
Too bad we’re changing primary physicians next year. Our doctor is an internal specialist, and the new copays will be $40, while they’re $20 right now. We’re going with a general physician in the new year, and those copays will be $20.
I was in and out of the orthopedist’s office in less than an hour (parking was free the first hour), and during that time I got 3 xrays of my back. The doctor diagnosed me with a slipped disk and prescribed me some percocet and some anti-inflammatory medicine. He also gave me a corset to wear, and although it sounds funny for a guy to wear one, it just looks like a back brace you see warehouse workers wear (without the shoulder straps).
Lastly, I will be going in for rehabilitation. I can go to that office or choose another place. Stacie went to a doctor nearby for her knee this year and recommends him, so I might choose him instead.
So what’s the financial impact of all this? Well, here’s why I had an extra sense of urgency. I alluded to this already in my earlier post, but since we’re changing medical plans in the new year to lower coverage (90% with copays, a deductible and out of pocket max versus 100% with only copays), I wanted to get to the doctor before year-end, in case I needed an MRI. Heck, even x-rays are expensive.
So in the end, this whole thing cost me $60. That’s $20 copay for my doctor, $20 for the orthopedist and $10 each for the prescriptions (I asked for generics, which saved me $60). Everything else is billed to my insurance. Had this been next year, I could expect costs in the hundreds. However, I’ll still be going back in 3 weeks for a checkup, and I’ll have rehab costs, whatever those will be.
Oh yeah, don’t worry about me getting addicted to oxycodone (the generic form of percocet). I’ve had it before and I’ve been fine. I’m actually very resistant to addictions for some reason (smoking, drinking, drugs). My only vice is chocolate chip cookies 
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Clever Dude and his bride started with $113,000 in consumer debt and in just 3 short years, it's gone!
Yee-OUCH! Sounds painful, but your doc prescribed you some good meds
And I hear you 100% on the chocolate chip cookies…those make nice “pain meds” also!
Ouch! Best of luck with your treatment – hope you are feeling better very quickly. It’s great you were able to get in this year and a) start to be on the mend and b) save some money.
Chocolate chip cookies are my vice too. I’d offer to make you some for your back, but perhaps Stacie will already be baking Christmas cookies.
It’s good they know what it is…I’ve known people who’ve gotten through that. I think my dad might have had one a few years back. Good luck and I hope you can still have a merry Christmas.
Hi, I just wanted to throw some info in for you, since my husband has had these issues.
First herniated leaves room for therapy – ruptured doesn’t so be careful. If you start to feel tingling in your hand or fingers, sharp pains, or changes of any kind from what you feel right now – go in to the doctor. The quicker you are helped the more options you have.
Second, look into therapy. I suggest contacting a respected neuro-surgeon and get his/her best referral. These guys only work with certain therapists that are trained in these spinal issues – and it does make a difference. Even if you think you don’t need therapy – go for a few visits to be trained the exercises that you can do at home to eleaviate the pressure and maintain for life.
Good luck to you – I know how painful this can be.
Sounds rough. I hope your therapy and recovery goes well. Enjoy the percocet while you can.
I’m sorry you’re in such pain! I hope you feel better really soon!
It’s a good thing you have an immunity to addiction. Those drugs feel pretty good I hear. You can see how it could lead to addiction. Good luck on the rehab and I hope the insurance picks up most of it.
Jerry
http://www.leads4insurance.com