Should I Be Worried Or Not?

kb
First of all, I am happy to hear that you are asymptomatic.
In my experience with insurance companies, that is when I was insured under HMO's, which now I have MassHealth basic because of income, I noticed that it seemed that quite often it was possible that specialist services were called in, and I assumed it was simply because the insurance WOULD pay. I felt that if I hadn't been insured with an excellent insurance company, then the specialist services would not have been afforded me, which is the case now.
It is like pulling teeth to get specialist services now because the state insurance does not wish to pay only for services extravagant...yep, that's right.
I think you may be on to something. I can totally understand you perfectly. It could be that perhaps specialty services are not needed and you may be correct.
My advice would be to go at it directly and if you think your insurance is not going to pay for specialty, then ask the physician to file differently if at all possible.
I sincerely hope for a good result in this and please let us know how this turns out if you can.
Good Luck and Much Continued Stable Health to you kb! Blessings!

Don't worry until you have to worry. Keep praying about it. I worked in a doctors office for 5 years and he was a specialist there are usual 2 reason to refer you for one is to treat something and the other is to run more specific test to rule out the possiblities of.
It might not be bad it might just be because your primary doctor is not experienced with this certain situation and feel that it would be better to send you to a specialist to do more test to rule it out. So keep positive about the situation no need to panic until you know for sure. I will keep you in my prayers. Keep us posted on the results.

Consider all kind and supportive words said. Good.
Now, I have a question. Does this doctor know that your follow up on your condition lately has been less than what it could have been because of your financial situation? If he does - then the reason for his contacting your insurance company requesting specialist services, could very well be because he doesn't think that's fair and wants to see the insurance company cover you so that you no longer need to 'neglect' so to speak, your management of this condition. Not all doctors are afraid to bend (but legally) the system for the good of the patient. Believe me I know!
That would be the best news.
You know what the only other alternative is, and so I've said enough.
PLEASE let us know the outcome of this. Email me ok?

Being refered to a specialist isn't necessarily a horrible thing. I don't know what your condition is but often with uncommon diseases or conditions a specialist is the best person to be able to formulate a plan of treatment. Regardless of where you stand as far as the severity of your condition, a specialist would have the greatest knowledge and experience with it. I would say you should be hopeful because you'll be in the best possible hands this way. I don't know much about insurance, but if you have been referred it should be covered I think. If they try to reject your claim I think you can still appeal and try to get coverage.

I would not worry. If there was a problem your doctor would have contacted you immediately. I have found that they typically do not call if results are okay and you must call repeatedly for results. A specialist may have been called because your doctor knows that you have not seen a specialist in the field for some time and believe that you should have your entire condition checked, your doctor may not be qualified to do this.

KB,

I would be concerned, but not overly worried, just yet.

While there may be cause for concern, he may want you to see a specialist so that you know what your options are and to possibly get you on an organ donor list as the waits for organ donations are usually long.

I don't know I don't want to stress you out more, however, I have to say it could be serious, it could be early measures for if and when you do get worse.

I would think that he would tell you this in person instead of by a letter....I have never known a doctor to send a letter like that to you, hopefully that is an indication its not of 'major' concern and importance.

Mooch

For now, I don't think that you should worry that much. Of course, I understand your condition. I know that somehow you are bothered. That's normal. There are some conditions that really require us to see a specialist and that I think you should do. You wouldn't know what is really wrong unless you see a specialist as what your physician advised. You have to think about your health. As regards your insurance issue, I think that you should see your agent as soon as you can to explain your concern. He might just be able to do something for you.

He could have requested a consult with a specialist because he feels that whatever you need treatment for is above and beyond his expertise.
That would be my guess.
I have been a Registered Nurse for 19 years.
Hope all works out for you.

Sweets I guess I would be worried but when you think about it it only makes you feel worse to worry about things before you know the facts! I know our health services differ but here at least you will be passed on to a specialist as a matter of routine - to help prevent conditions from worsening as well as for treatment that is everyday as these people deal with their specialities day in and day out whilst family doctors have to deal with such a wide variety of illnesses and problems. If I were you I would try not to worry at least now it looks as though you will get the treatment you have needed got the last 4 years! xxx

since specialist is needed as you stated above then i guess its quite serious..and expect for the unexpected i guess...neverthless, prayer is the most powerful tools in times like this..and always think positive despite of what the results maybe..