Question:
Do I need a lawyer, or what can I do to get Blue Choice Option to quit stalling?

I'll try to make this short. On Aug. 2nd my doctor recommended me to Dr. O'Malley for surgery. My doctor waited 5 weeks before she sent info to him. I had to wait another 6 weeks to see O'Malley. (During these weeks I saw my psychiatrist for a psychiatric evaluation). That should have saved time. I saw Dr. O'Malley on Oct. 25th or 26th. It took him a few weeks to send his info to Blue Choice Option. Then when Blue Cross Option FINALLY got this information they decided that I needed ANOTHER psychiatric evaluation.... a second opinion (to find a reason not to cover me no doubt). They wanted me to see a Mark Nichols at Strong Memorial Hospital. So it took almost eight weeks before I could get an appointment with him on Jan 2nd. Then he wanted to have a report from my therapist (Bob) or the psychiatric (Dr. Sandberg). Now the psychiatrist had already sent the info to Dr. O'Malley! But that wasn't good enough. Now I had to sign a release so he could get some info from Bob. Bob tried to call him over about a 10 day time period and finally talked to him on the phone January 24th. Bob is ok with my possible surgery as is the psychiatrist. But I don't know what Mark Nichols thinks. As of last week Nichols STILL hasn't sent his report to Blue Choice Option! (Seven weeks it's been since I've seen him!) I called his secretary and after a few calls a report was sent to Dr. O'Malley.... but it says something like this "I am still waiting to hear from Dan's therapist before I make a decision". Now come on! Dr. Nichols talked to him almost a month ago (Jan 24th) and he's still waiting to hear from him? I have been jerked around from one doctor and therapist to another... it has been almost SEVEN months! Seven months whole months! I can't believe it. I have been co operative but I get the feeling that Blue Cross Option is not going to pay for it, and are hoping someone along the way will say no so they have an excuse not to pay. I wasn't to impressed with Dr. O'Malley and his staff ether. When ever I talk to them on the phone I get the feeling I'm imposing or they are in a hurry. I don't feel well physically. I can't sleep good, my back hurts, my blood pressure is rising, my arches hurt, I need knee surgery, my body is retaining fluids really bad, my left leg is twice and big as the right, and my cholesterol is high. I need help. I've tried almost every diet there is to no avail. I don't know what else to do. I'm assuming Dr. Nichols is going to say no or it wouldn't be this long. Should I see a lawyer and who? I don't know what else to do anymore. At this point I am very depressed. I heard that it usually takes three months to get things squared away and have surgery. On March 2nd it will be seven months and I still don't seem to be any closer. What can I do, is there anything I can do. I've tried to be patient but that sure isn't working.Thanks for any info.    — Danmark (posted on February 27, 2001)

February 27, 2001
Yes, it sounds as if they are stalling hoping that you will just go away! Try writing them a letter and telling them your family fully intends to pursue legal action if something happens to you while you are waiting for this approval to go through. Tell them you have submitted all the required information and that your health is deteriorating. OR you could call Walter Lindstrom.
   — [Anonymous]

February 27, 2001
Check out this website. It may help. www.prepaidlegal.com/info/abrady Sometimes it takes far more power than we have to get things done. Watch the movie and if you have questions e-mail me.
   — April B.