United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Today I just finalized my surgery date with Dr. Nath! Everything is set except for the insurance thing. I am waiting to hear back from Brenda and see how much the "damages" will be if my insurance won't pay, which it looks like they won't! Then we go from there I guess. Surgery is scheduled for September 26th! Hopefully a median nerve transfer for bicep function! Wouldn't that be great! The insurance thing is driving me nuts! Chris and Bill have been a HUGE help! Thanks guys! Please keep your fingers crossed for me that everything works out!!! THANK YOU!
Courtney

Courtney,

Keep fighting. You must insist to the Insurance company that the doctor you must have is one that is well practiced in trauma brachial plexus and not birth related. There is a big difference between the two and you must insist that the doctors who do surgery on babies are not qualified enough to treat trauma related injury. It can be done, we did it.

Yes I am going to keep fighting with them. It is my right as a patient to see whatever doctors thatI want to see! I know that Dr. Nath works primarily with children but he has done some great work with adults as well. I really liked what he had to say, All the other doctors keep saying, lets wait and see. I Am 2.5 years since my accident so I really shouln't wait and see anymore! I Am pushing it being this late in the game already! I will keep fighting though! 100%! Nothing will stop me!! Thanks for your advice!
Courtney

Hi every one it's Todd here I'm going to the mayo clinic to get surgury on the 24 of this month i hope. I have had not one surgury yet and it has been a year and a half so i'm ready for someone to try and help me.I get tired of careing this arm around that doesn't work but i'm still fighting and going strong.The best thing that helps me is the gym and this message borad.That to you all and to you courtney.
Todd xoxo

girl i didn't even ask my insurance company before my second surgery i just sent them the bill, but blue cross covered most of it i don't know if u have other heath care. so try to force them into it. i he is the best then go see him and get the best help available. u deserve it. best wishes jeff

Courtney
Have you met and spoken with adult trauma people this doctor has performed surgery on? Last I heard he had very little experience in this type of surgery, one person posted here that he found out AFTER surgery that his doctor had NEVER done the procedure on any other trauma injured adult. You need to ask him how many tbpi (not birth injured adults) he has performed the same surgery on. His lack of experience in this field may be why the insurance is causing problems. If he is less experienced than other specialists nearer to you, you should consider using a different doctor-a good bedside manner doesn't make up for lack of experience.

Hi Courtney
I hope you get the insurance company to pay. I to live in Canada and fortunately i found a surgeon in Canada to do my Nerve Graphing(Dr. Harrop and Dr Joughin). I am happy with the results but they say they cant do any more for me. I think I that Dr Nath could do more for me considering his experience. What province do you live in?? and is the medical private there? any ways i hope you get things sorted out with the medical.

Andrew

congrats, and good luck! Brenda is trying to schedule me for the 19th or 23rd of Sept, so we may be there in a close time frame to you!

Thanks everyone for the support, I really need it right now! Andrew, I live in Michigan. Im really not sure on insurance but I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they have been great! But Dr. Naths office is not an insurance provider and BCBS doesnt dicker. We shall see but I do know that I will not be a nice girl if they TRY and say NO!!!! hahahaha
Courtney

Courtney, I'm wondering if Gianni hasn't hit the nail on the head when he talks about the baby doctors and adult doctors-maybe the insurance don't want to approve payment because your doctor is not known as a surgeon who treats many trauma patients? I know he has operated on some adults, but the only ones I know of to talk to are birth injured adults, the procedures /outcomes/therapy afterwards are different. Check how often he's done this procedure in trauma patients b4 you try fighting the insurance, maybe thats the problem.
Anyway, whatever happens good luck :0)