Q: I was denied a 2nd opinion for spine surgery thus delaying healing. My issue can lead to paralysis/death. Can you help?
This was Kaiser MidAtlantic, South Baltimore location’s Head surgeon and a contracted neurosurgeon who refused minimally invasive procedures and newer 93% success rate procedures with shorter recovery periods. They prefer the 50 year old procedure that has 70% success rate initially, but within 2-3 years a reversal type surgery is needed.
I requested to see the surgeon who specializes in microsurgery, who is Medicare approved and contracted with Kaiser. I was denied approval for a 2nd opinion, which exacerbated my nerve pain to excruciating and caused panic attacks that I haven’t had in thirty years.
If I get no approval, it forces me to take a surgery that was a fail for my deceased father. My condition can lead to paralysis/death. I have Federal rights and I need help right now. I’m living in much pain.
A: A Maryland attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. I'm sorry for your ordeal. It's going to be difficult for any attorney to offer meaningful guidance on something of this complexity without seeing the file and the terms of the insurance coverage. If you've reached an impasse in negotiating with them, one option to consider a consult with an attorney who could review the file and advise what options might be available - request for reconsideration, appeal, arbitration, etc. Good luck
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