Denied Care Due to Lack of Alcoholism
Sobriety is Traditional
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Posts: 9,056
Denied Care Due to Lack of Alcoholism
I have read some comments here where people are afraid of having alcoholism on their health care records. Well, my wife was denied general anesthetic for a procedure because she did not mention her past alcoholism! Apparently, alcoholism is a reason to justify a general anesthetic for this procedure.
We can appeal the decision and point out that she went to rehab, which should be on her record. In the meantime, we have to shell out the whole cost.
We can appeal the decision and point out that she went to rehab, which should be on her record. In the meantime, we have to shell out the whole cost.
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
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I'd suggest talking with another doctor to get a second opinion. Since you mention payment, are you suggesting it was not approved by the insurance company or the doctors simply would not give it to her? And what kind of procedure is it for? Lots of variables at play.
Sobriety is Traditional
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Posts: 9,056
Originally Posted by ScottFromWI 
I'd suggest talking with another doctor to get a second opinion. Since you mention payment, are you suggesting it was not approved by the insurance company or the doctors simply would not give it to her? And what kind of procedure is it for? Lots of variables at play.
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
So what is the point? That we shouldn't seek help for alcoholism? Because that's not a good suggestion either.
Why wasn't the alcoholism disclosed prior to seeking this anesthesia? And why are they denying it? Because of the lack of disclosure? I mean lots of ex-alcoholics go under general anesthesia. What is the reason for this denial? It's dangerous? It isn't necessary for an endoscopy? Is it an upper endoscopy? Because I had one of those done and it wasn't done under general anesthesia.
Your post isn't making sense.
Why wasn't the alcoholism disclosed prior to seeking this anesthesia? And why are they denying it? Because of the lack of disclosure? I mean lots of ex-alcoholics go under general anesthesia. What is the reason for this denial? It's dangerous? It isn't necessary for an endoscopy? Is it an upper endoscopy? Because I had one of those done and it wasn't done under general anesthesia.
Your post isn't making sense.
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Join Date: May 2012
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Originally Posted by Coldfusion
The services of an anesthesiologist would not be covered by insurance for an endoscopy.
I'm really confused about what exactly you are trying to say, no offense intended.
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
So, this is the title of the thread:
...then later you say:
Could you just explain? Is she being denied anesthesia because she's an alcoholic? Or is anesthesia required [justified] ONLY because she's an alcoholic?
Denied Care Due to Lack of Alcoholism
Apparently, alcoholism is a reason to justify a general anesthetic for this procedure.
Sobriety is Traditional
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Posts: 9,056
Originally Posted by biminiblue
Or is anesthesia required [justified] ONLY because she's an alcoholic?
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
Originally Posted by Coldfusion
The insurance will pay for anesthesia if it is on her medical record that she was an alcoholic.
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
Originally Posted by Coldfusion
The insurance will pay for anesthesia if it is on her medical record that she was an alcoholic.
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
Coldfusion, I'm sorry you're going through this difficult thing. I hope you get it figured out.
I had an upper endoscopy when I was still a drinker. It was because I had reflux, so they stuck a camera down all the way into my stomach. I was given a brief anesthetic by a nurse practitioner. Not general anesthesia.
I had an upper endoscopy when I was still a drinker. It was because I had reflux, so they stuck a camera down all the way into my stomach. I was given a brief anesthetic by a nurse practitioner. Not general anesthesia.
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: West Tn
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I always disclose my entire medical history when I'm doing a new patient form for doctor and hospital visits.
My history certainly includes my alcoholism.
It's been the most critical health issue I have ever had to deal with.
My history certainly includes my alcoholism.
It's been the most critical health issue I have ever had to deal with.
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