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Originally Posted by ProfessorDave
Help! I' assisting a 100% disabled veteran in The Villages who has been on a significant pain medication for several years. His Dr. at Lady Lake Pain And Spine Centers of Florida (Dr. Pinnamaneni) won't take the time to do a simple "pre-authorization" which lowers the price by over $200 per month. Publix Pharmacy recently contacted the Dr. and asked twice. This veteran drove to the practice twice this week to ask the receptionist for help - and was promised swift action. The Dr's office has been called three times this week by me - and no response.
I checked with the insurance company - and the story get's worse! The insurance company (Blue Cross Federal) shared two things: 1) they personally put in a request to the Dr. for the preauthorization - and got no response and 2) it would also cost less if the Dr. provided a 90 day refill - but won't, because he bills more money by requiring the patient to come in once a month for a new 30 day prescription - and has been doing that for years. Ethical? Morale? You be the judge.
As a result, the prescription has cost this vet over $500 this year - which he frankly doesn't have! Because of the financial situation - he has been in pain for several days - until I found out about it.
Two requests to consider: 1) Recommendations for a new Pain Doctor to help a 100% disabled vet - with very little money? 2) Please tell friends and family to write to Dr. Pinnamaneni and ask WHY he would leave a war hero in both physical and financial unnecessary pain!!!
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How frustrating. This is not as uncommon as one would think. I have a friend who was a caregiver to a loved one and went through the same thing.
I would find another doctor. Quickly.
Has your friend gone to the VA to apply for VA benefits? If not he should give it a try. It takes time and is a process, but in the end worth it. It is not a perfect process but cost of meds is determined by income. If your friend is in a low tax bracket this could be a tremendous help with the cost of prescription meds and more.
If your friend goes this route once he has applied for benefits have him go the local VA to register. Call first to find out if he is in the system yet. Once he is head down to register immediately. This speeds up the process and will get your friend in to see a VA primary care physician quicker.
I am a caregiver to a disabled veteran and am still learning to navigate the VA system. It's not always easy and is time consuming. Sometimes I just don't get answers, ever. I spend a tremendous amount of time and energy getting through the mess. But I did before my loved one applied and was approved for VA benefits too.
Your friend could reach out to the United Way. Within the United Way is a department (volunteer based) that helps veterans.
I wish your friend the best with this.