Confused by HMO’s?
This Q&A that
will not clear up any confusion, but at least it may give you a healthy
laugh. Enjoy!!!
MEDICAL INSURANCE EXPLAINED
Q. What does
HMO stand for?
A. This is
actually a variation of the phrase, "HEY MOE." Its roots go back to a concept
pioneered by Moe of the Three Stooges, who discovered that a patient could
be made to forget the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough in the
eye.
Q. I just joined
an HMO. How difficult will it be to choose the doctor I want?
A. Just slightly
more difficult than choosing your parents. Your insurer will provide you
with a book listing all the doctors in the plan. The doctors basically
fall into two categories: those who are no longer accepting new patients,
and those who will see you but are no longer participating in the plan.
But don't worry, the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and accepting
new patients has an office just a half-day's drive away and a diploma from
a third world country.
Q. Do all diagnostic
procedures require pre-certification?
A. No. Only
those you need.
Q. Can I get coverage
for my preexisting conditions?
A. Certainly,
as long as they don't require any treatment.
Q. What happens
if I want to try alternative forms of medicine?
A. You'll
need to find alternative forms of payment.
Q. My pharmacy
plan only covers generic drugs, but I need the name brand. I tried the
generic medication, but it gave me a stomach ache. What should I do?
A. Poke yourself
in the eye.
Q. What if I'm
away from home and I get sick?
A. You really
shouldn't do that.
Q. I think I need
to see a specialist, but my doctor insists he can handle my problem. Can
a general practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in his/her
office?
A. Hard to
say, but considering that all you're risking is the $20 co-payment, there's
no harm in giving it a shot.
Q. Will health
care be different in the next century?
A. No, but
if you call right now, you might get an appointment by then.
To Your Good
Health (because as you'll see, you'll need it!),
ARD Patient's
Associated Diagnostic Tests with results:
Correlates with
dates of adhesiolys procedures, and what was disclosed in the diagnostic
reports pre- and post adhesiolysis
ARD Patients Dr.'s
reports as associated to visits for symptoms of ARD
ARD Patients Emergency
Room reports when presenting with symptoms of ARD