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seems like some expensive penalties if you misinterpret what drs you can see without prior approval. since we rarely use medical services it is hard to remember the rules and fine print without calling around and reading large volumes of fine print.
Be especially mindful of the fine print when you're roaming outside your network. For example, if you need emergency care in Montana, maybe even in Pocatello, you're probably getting a huge bill. The in-network rate will be applied for the ER charges, not necessarily anything else; the fine print will say to get approval from your insurance as soon as you're conscious. Unlike when you're in-network, you'll be responsible for the remainder of charges after the insurance applies them to the deductible and coinsurance. Your plan's "maximum out-of-pocket amount" doesn't apply.
I'm still relatively new to Idaho, so I'll see as time goes on.
As for the specialists, as one would expect, there aren't as many in smaller states and less populated areas. I was seeing a hepatologist where I lived before, and my wife did a check and didn't find one in the entire states of Idaho and Utah. So, depending on what your issue is, you'll find fewer specialists here than you will in a more populated area.
Long term, it will be interesting to see how the care from a specialist compares to a more metropolitan area. That might be one of the downsides to a more sparsely populated area. I have appointments with two gastro docs in December, and will go with the one that has more doctors in their group practice and who seems to have a better knowledge of the diseases that I have.
This is very helpful. I'm not sure Boise would be a fit. I need a variety of specialists with top notch credentials. Do not want to have to leave the state for quality care.
This is very helpful. I'm not sure Boise would be a fit. I need a variety of specialists with top notch credentials. Do not want to have to leave the state for quality care.
Hopefully it does not end up being an issue for me. Typically, I see specialists, but unless I'm in a really bad place, they aren't needed. And, often, they consult with others. When I was at Kaiser, my UC doc consulted with a hepatologist, and there aren't many of those around. I'd imagine that even in a smaller market like Boise, they would still have those contacts and reach out to them if needed.
My brother lives in Reno, and he incidentally was diagnosed with the same thing (PSC), and had to go to Stanford because I think he had a gallstone or blockage of some sort and they thought it was worse than it was.
I'd also imagine that as Boise gets more populated (which of course comes with negative side effects) that there will be more of these types of doctors due to the need for them.
I just want to say that as a victim of a major auto accident in 1993 who suffered a closed head brain injury, there is hope! Brain tissue does regenerate as you know but it is a slow process. I feel I am a walking miracle as I have healed nearly 100% since the auto accident. Maybe some of the things I learned might help? I stopped all MSG and that means you have to research the counterfeit names for MSG to know where its hiding. MSG kills brain cells. I only put all natural oils on my body- no chemicals. I eat lots of omega rich foods. I dont drink alcohol. I was once a type A, highly efficient human and I know the sadness of trying to function in a diminished state. It will get better. It will take so much patience. I also stopped forcing myself into environments which were too noisy and stimulating, just to try to hurry up and get better. Doesnt work. I learned to tell people, "I need to rest and be in a quiet place right now". People said "you look fine". I didnt feel fine. Half the battle is learning to know limits and not feeling bad when you need rest. Our brains are amazing and they do heal! All the best to you and your son.
I appreciate the kind words and advice. You are saying exactly what all of his doctors and therapists are saying. We are struggling with his teachers right now because they didn't know him before the accident and they think he is fine, even when his therapists tell them otherwise. We absolutely HATE his school because of this. Only the principal seems to get it. He's been amazing but everyone else is been frustrating to deal with.
I'm confident that he will be great sooner rather than later. I'm very excited for his future.
3 weeks after we moved here from Atlanta, My son was in a horrific accident. He has a Level 2 Traumatic Brain Injury. He was moved to St. Alphonsus on Curtis Rd where he was immediately seen by a specialist. He was in the hospital for a week and had AMAZING care. He has to have occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy and his therapists have all coordinated with his school and it has been flawless. He can only go to school for half days and his therapists have been helping him with the transition. I couldn't be happier with the level of care he has received.
It has been extremely hard to see what used to be a smart, gifted athlete be reduced to what he has become but his doctors have assured me that within a year, I will have my son back.
Wow, so sorry to hear that. That must be an incredibly hard situation to deal with. I'm sure all of your love an support are going to help recover as quickly as possible. How frustrating if the teachers are not getting it.
There is a shortage of doctors and nurses in Idaho. There isn't a medical school in the state of Idaho and not many residency programs. They are opening a private, for-profit osteopathic school soon in Meridian.
Here's a question for you: I currently receive care at the VA. I am covered by my wife's policy at her work. She is retiring in Dec and we are moving to Nampa next year, so I have switched my care to the Boise VA. Since I will lose her policy coverage, how do I go about finding coverage for the VA there?
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