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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Racer on January 7, 2004, at 16:26:37
Has anyone here been on SSI for depression? The local clinic that provides free services to me, due to my inability to get medical insurance, suggested the other day that I get qualified for SSI, in order to get access to medical care. I've got mixed feelings about it, mostly negative, but thought I'd ask if anyone here had any experience with it. Are there any good points that I haven't thought of? Are there any quagmires hidden in the brush? Anyone?
One of my concerns is that the medical care will be awful, another is that I'll be set onto a path that's difficult to get off again. A further issue is that I do need some medical care now, but I'm terrified that, as a poor person, I won't "deserve" proper care, and will get the sort of care that makes you wish they'd killed you outright. Does that make sense to anyone? Sure, we've probably most of us been through it, so I'm sure it will.
Here's the main point of urgency, by the way: that lump found in my breast last summer? The mammogram came back without any definitive findings, the ultrasound was done on the wrong location, and the surgeon thought it was a strong candidate for cancer. The tests were supposed to be done again, but I was in the hospital after a suicide attempt instead. As a result, I still need to have those tests repeated, and still don't have coverage. I'm sure the women here understand this one: if I have to lose my breasts, I'd rather a qualified surgeon did the work, rather than someone who's so incompetant only county hospital will employ him. I'd rather have the new kind of surgery, where they do reconstructive work as well as amputation.
Mind you, I know there are fully qualified and ambitious young doctors working at county facilities in the US these days, getting credit towards their student loans through working where otherwise they wouldn't. I also know that there are some very devoted, True Believers who work there because it's the Morally Right Thing To Do. I'm still too frightened by past experiences to be eager to find out which sort I'd get, and we are talking about things that can't necessarily be fixed if they're done wrong.
So, anyone have any words of wisdom?
(And Phil, if you're reading this, got a movie recommendation for you: go rent Blue Collar Comedy Tour, The Movie. It won't help your situation in any meaningful way, but one of the guys is so funny I still laugh after seeing it several times. You'll know which one I mean. Hey, and it comes with my guarantee: If you don't receive full satisfaction from the product, the cost of this recommendation will be refunded in full...)
Posted by judy1 on January 8, 2004, at 13:48:01
In reply to Practical questions -- re: SSI?, posted by Racer on January 7, 2004, at 16:26:37
sorry, I have SSDI, not SSI. And with SSDI you have to wait a year for Medicare, while I believe Medicaid is immediate. I can't think of one negative reason NOT to get Medicaid, you need to take care of your medical needs NOW, and that's a good way to do it. The University hospital in my city accepts Medicaid, and they have very fine surgeons- if I was facing your situation, I most definitely would try to get help from them (the latest equpment, procedures, etc.).
The only way to determine malignancy is through a biopsy, and I believe the stats are over 90% are normal. So please get your medicaid lined up, check with a university hospital if you have one close to you, and try to keep a positive mind frame but get those procedures done.
My prayers are with you, judy
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 10, 2004, at 7:15:52
In reply to Practical questions -- re: SSI?, posted by Racer on January 7, 2004, at 16:26:37
Sorry I can't help you, being in the UK and all that.. But please please please get your lump looked at ASAP..
Even if it is cancerous, the vast majority of lumps are able to be dealt with with a lumpectomy, so the chances of having to have a mastectomy are petty small.Sending loads of strengthening thoughts out to you..
Nikki xx
Posted by noa on January 10, 2004, at 13:04:59
In reply to Re: Practical questions -- re: SSI? » Racer, posted by NikkiT2 on January 10, 2004, at 7:15:52
Racer, sorry, I too, don't have experience with SSI, and I guess how medicaid health care is delivered varies by state.
But whatever you have to do, get the scan re-done and take care of the lump.
I have an in-law who had major medical intervention a few years ago for a rare form of cancer, and they racked up huge medical bills that went way beyond their coverage and what they could pay. They had the treatment first and then dealt with the medical debt. They eventually were able to negotiate a settlement with the hospital.
It's good they did go ahead with the treatment, because it saved this person's life.
Posted by shar on January 10, 2004, at 20:29:11
In reply to Re: Practical questions -- re: SSI?, posted by noa on January 10, 2004, at 13:04:59
This is the end of the thread.
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