Health Care Plan of Nevada

I have just changed to Health Care Plan Of Nevada(Sierra Choice POS Plan) from Great West and I am concerned about being able to continue care with my surgeon Dr. Teng. He is listed on our PPO provider list but I want to know how likely I am to get a referral from my HMO Physican to continue to see Him under the HMO specialist network. I am OK with spending the extra co-pay for the PPO Specialist but he orders blood work on a regular basis and if for some reason I would need any type of follow up surgery I would like to be able to have it covered under the HMO provision as it is covered 100% versus 70% under the PPO coverage. Has anyone else encountered this problem? If so do you have any advice or at least knowledge of how it is handled? I would appreciate any help and advice. I am also looking for a supplemental RX, Dental and Vision Plan as the one offered with our health plan is poor. It doesn't have to be an insurance plan but even a good discount plan would help. Thanks again. While I am asking advice would anyone know of a good Social Security Advocate/Lawyer? I have been disabled due to an injury to my upper spine for 15 years. I initially applied for SSD and was turned down. I received benefits from my place of employment and I honestly thought I would go back to work as each year progressed but 15 years have gone by and I was unable to go back to work. I just received a notice form Social Security saying that I would not be eligable for benefits because I had not worked enough credit hours and a portion of them would have had to have been worked in the last ten years. I need to find someone who has the knowledge to help me determine what if anything can be done in this type of situation. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] if you might know of someone or of an organization that could advise me. Thank you all for your help... I appreciate being able to come to you for feedback. Edmalita.

If you have already been seen by dr. teng there should be no problem getting your pcp to write a referral... just get your last visit notes from your doc and bring them in to an appt with your pcp and he will write it... the only problem is if Dr. Teng is only on the PPO side or if he is HMO also... doctors can be on one side or the other or both... their choice.. Definately get a referral... just be aware that HPN has riders about covering WLS. I have HPN and I work for them... They only cover 5 grand towards a WLS and only Gastric Bypass... AND they only cover up to 5 grand in complications... Please keep in mind that HPN has hundreds of plans and not all of them have that rider... depends on your employer... but it is a fairly standard clause...