I am a 46 year old man with a family history of early death as a result of heart attacks. I am of normal weight and exercise a few days a week. I have been having a problem breathing properly after even moderate exertion. My general practioner was concerned enough to refer me to a cardiologist and even demanded that I see the cardiologist on the day of my yearly physical.
The cardiologist was able to see me and suggested a nuclear stress test which would give a clear picture of the heart and any blockages. He suggested that my symptoms and family history were significant enough to warrant that test. My grandfather was dead at 50 of a heart attack, his son dead at 43 of a heart attack and his grandson also dead at 43 of a heart attack. That history coupled with my recent poor breathing was alarming enough to demand the test.
Today they called and cancelled the test. It seems my carrier Aetna does not believe I need the test and have denied the claim. I was told by the doctor's office that since I had not had any heart events that they would not cover this. In essence I had not had a heart attack yet so this test was not necessary.
This is the health care system in America today and yet we have these town hall morons screaming about rationing of health care. What the hell do you call what they just did to me? Does anyone think the government would have denied this test?
My grandmother had a saying "An empty can makes the loudest noise" and seeing these uninformed town hall morons killing our nations first real chance at reform is infuriating. It seems loud and stupid wins over reason and the insurance companies laugh all the way to the bank while people like me wait to have a heart event so that I can get the needed tests, that is if I live after the event.
I know this is a short diary but my experience is the same as millions of Americans at the mercy of profit driven insurance companies. It is stories like mine that need to be told. Now I will walk around not really knowing if I am OK and my first indication that I am not could very well be my last but hey some pig at Aetna just received a bonus to deny me care.
UPDATE: Wow on the recommended list. I never expected that. Thanks for all the well wishes. I will fight them tooth and nail. So much for the government getting in between you and your doctor. It is so much better for it to be someone whose salary depends on denying care.
UPDATE 2: I was denied because although I am having symptoms and have a horrible family history I am not overweight, don't smoke and don't have high cholesterol. So I guess my shortness of breath after very little exertion is just normal aging and not a symptom of a larger problem. Wow I feel so much better now.
UPDATE 3: The insurance company has agreed to a regular stress test after multiple calls from myself and my doctor. I feel relieved although I was more angry than frightened. On my way home from work I stopped to play the NY Lottery which is up to 150 million and on the way there I spotted a sick kitten on the sidewalk. It was well past regular vet hours but I found a place to take the animal. He/She is being treated right now. This kitten was covered with maggots and so weak it could barely stay up. It is being treated for free by a wonderful state of the art veterinary center here in Yonkers, NY. Imagine that free care when you are sick. The most important thing to this vet was getting the animal well. Imagine an America where health care was a right. Today I learned an important lesson. Even my supposed excellent insurance is not what I thought it was. This should be a lesson to all those who are not concerned about the health care debate because they are insured. Go ahead and try to use the coverage and really see what it is worth.
