Just call me "Ricochet"

LOL      I feel like a pinball being bounced in a ba-zillion different directions since starting my WLS quest a year ago. Well, here's my latest possible path. I am looking for information from you fine people if any of you know anything about this.      I called my surgeon's office Tuesday to start making arrangements for being a self-pay patient. As usual, the lovely "S" had not returned my phone call...AGAIN...so I left my last and final message for her this morning. (I will not be calling her again!) At 2:00, still nothing. I called the office and asked to speak to ANY LIVING, BREATHING BODY THAT IS ACTUALLY ABLE TO PHISICALLY PICK UP A PHONE, MOVE THEIR LIPS AND SPEAK TO ME!!       Bah! It worked. They put me in touch with Vicky...a lovely, kind, soothing voice greeted me and asked how she may help me. I told her just hearing someone on the other end of the phone was the furthest I've gotten all week. I explained to her about my insurance company turning me down...yadda yadda yadda...and that I wanted to know what was required of me to be self-pay. She gave me that info, but also mentioned that I may want to speak with someone at Vocational Rehab before I commit to self-pay. She said Voc Rehad sometimes will cover the costs of doctor and surgery if you are turned down by insurance and WLS is considered medically necessary by your doctor.       I placed a call to a woman named Beth there and gave her a quick rundown of my situation. She was so kind and sympathetic to my plight. (Finally, some real "feeling" human beings.) She took my number and said she would give my contact info to Mary Bush who handles Pender County...that's where I live. She will call me on Monday to set up an appointment to meet with her. I asked her what was required of me. She basically said all the things that are already on file with Dr. Harris' office that had been submitted to UHC. Vicky would just have to fax it to her. She said sometimes you can be approved in as little as 2 weeks. (I won't hold my breath, but sounds good.)      So my question to you folks: Has anyone heard of this service or know someone who has? I hate like hell to get my hopes up again just to be shot down. Thanks, my friends! Have a spectacular weekend! Love to you all, Mare xoxo      

Mare- I just got goosebumps reading your post. I HAVE seen 2 folks on OH who have indeed had their surgeries covered by Voc Rehab- I do not remember their screen names- but I have seen this scenario. Maybe cross post on the Insurance Board too to get more feedback? Gurl- I feel really, really good about this for you! This may prove to be a simple blessing! I'll certainly send good prayers your way! Sheila

Thanks honey,      I try not to get too excited, but can't help it. LOL I'm my own worst enemy. I posted on the main board too, but that's a good idea you have. I'll check there. Thanks lovey! Have a great weekend, Mare xoxo

Hi.  I just recently read something about Voc Rehab covering a person's surgery...can't remember screen name, either, but just KNOW it can happen.  I'm wishing you all the very best with this.  I think it's going to be a GO!!! Linda

Thanks, Linda,      How's your journey going?

Oh my Sweet Peanie!  Weren't we just talking about the power of prayer and knowing that God will find a way even when we can't conceive of one?  I have SUCH a good feeling about this! Just got back from bobbin' at the beach, where a huge wave washed away my glasses!  You don't wanna know how I managed to drive home.  This was more of God doing for me what I can't do for myself:  My glasses were all scratched and had one arm missing and barely stayed on my nose under optimal cir****tances!  Definitely needed replacing! So did you ever get a call back from S?  Doubt it.  I guess Vickie is who you get when it sounds like you're about to go postal, because I did the same thing as you once and got connected right away to Vickie who was just as you described her. Have a wonderful weekend, sweetie and try to stay in the day! Love you,

A call back from "S?" LMAO Yeah, right!      Vicky was wonderful. No one else has ever mentioned Vocational Rehab before...ever! Yes, I do believe that the good Lord may be intervening. Even if this is not the way to go, it is worth the "look see."       Glad you got to go bobbin' at the beach. LOL Sorry 'bout the drive home tho...eeeek! Hope you're feeling a little better since our talk this a.m. Worried about you.      Chin up! Love ya! Pean xoxo

Mare -

Like Sheila, I've actually seen several postings from people in NC that have had their surgeries paid for through Voc Rehab ... unfortunately, like Sheila, I can't recall who they were. But I would do a search on OH for Voc Rehab NC or Vocational Rehab NC ... and see what comes up.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

xoxo

Barb

Hi Barb,      I kinda have to laugh at my situation, ya know? I have been down every avenue trying to get this darn surgery approved. New ideas keep popping up. I will try anything at this point. Can't hurt, right? If at first you don't succeed...       Mare xoxo

Sounds like a winner..I wil hope and pray this goes through. It is ridiculous that the ins will not pay for a health improvement. You got my vote. God Bless,  Myrtis