My primary care doctor has to consider what my insurance allows when providing me care, and that includes knowing what my insurance will allow for procedures that require a specialist. We talk about it all the time, and he hates it, because he knows I need to see the specialist for a specific procedure, but knows that without the test, I'll end up with the bill instead of the insurance company.
Who should I trust more with my health? My doctor, or my insurance?
In October of 2019 I needed a hip replacement. I had bone grinding into bone. You could literally hear it if you walked beside me. Imaging showed it clearly. My doctor, being a doctor, knew that the best course of treatment was to replace it with a prosthetic ball and socket, despite the risks (I will need two more in my life, if I live to average age).
My insurance refused to pay for it, saying my age alone disqualified me (too young).
It's 2024. I'm still fighting that insurance company. I'm totally healed, feel no pain, and can actually run as a hobby. My health as a result has drastically improved.
Do you believe that health insurance companies provide value?