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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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Seems to me Dr. P. needs to be reported to the VA and the insurance co for failure to respond to repeated requests from them and patient for help or explanation. Maybe the BBB or an atty might get the Dr's attention. In any case, I would dump that doctor like he had the plague. Definitely visit the VA for assistance. Assuming your friend is the 100% disabled vet/hero you say he is, he deserves far better than a doctor who can't be bothered by patients who actually need care. Dr P., is responsible for his practice. If his staff is failing, the doctor is still responsible. He needs a wake-up call and fire the ones not doing their jobs. If he is the problem, then he deserves to lose his practice, and maybe even his license. I would rather be helped by anyone who actually cares then a guy with a diploma who doesn't give a damn about me. Lord, deliver us from doctors who are only in it for the money.