Medical Insurance Explained
MEDICAL INSURANCE EXPLAINED
Q. What does HMO stand for?
A. This is actually a variation of the phrase, "HEY
MOE." Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Moe of
the Three Stooges, who discovered that a patient
could be made to forget the pain in his foot if he was
poked hard enough in the eye.
Q. I just joined an HMO. How difficult will it be to
choose the doctor I want?
A. Just slightly more difficult than choosing your
parents. Your insurer will provide you with a book
listing all the doctors in the plan. The doctors basically
fall into two categories: those who are no longer
accepting new patients, and those who will see you but are
no longer participating in the plan. But don't worry,
the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and
accepting new patients has an office just a half-day's
drive away and a diploma from a third world country.
Q. Do all diagnostic procedures require
pre-certification?
A. No. Only those you need.
Q. Can I get coverage for my preexisting conditions?
A. Certainly, as long as they don't require any
treatment.
Q. What happens if I want to try alternative forms of
medicine?
A. You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.
Q.. My pharmacy plan only covers generic drugs, but I
need the name brand. I tried the generic medication,
but it gave me a stomachache. What should I do?
A. Poke yourself in the eye.
Q. What if I'm away from home and I get sick?
A . You really shouldn't do that..
Q. I think I need to see a specialist, but my doctor
insists he can handle my problem. Can a general
practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in
his/her office?
A. Hard to say, but considering that all you're
risking is the $20 co-payment, there's no harm in giving it
a shot.
Q. Will health care be different in the next decade?
A. No, but if you call right now, you might get an
appointment by then.
MEDICAL INSURANCE EXPLAINED
Q. What does HMO stand for?
A. This is actually a variation of the phrase, "HEY
MOE." Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Moe of
the Three Stooges, who discovered that a patient
could be made to forget the pain in his foot if he was
poked hard enough in the eye.
Q. I just joined an HMO. How difficult will it be to
choose the doctor I want?
A. Just slightly more difficult than choosing your
parents. Your insurer will provide you with a book
listing all the doctors in the plan. The doctors basically
fall into two categories: those who are no longer
accepting new patients, and those who will see you but are
no longer participating in the plan. But don't worry,
the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and
accepting new patients has an office just a half-day's
drive away and a diploma from a third world country.
Q. Do all diagnostic procedures require
pre-certification?
A. No. Only those you need.
Q. Can I get coverage for my preexisting conditions?
A. Certainly, as long as they don't require any
treatment.
Q. What happens if I want to try alternative forms of
medicine?
A. You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.
Q.. My pharmacy plan only covers generic drugs, but I
need the name brand. I tried the generic medication,
but it gave me a stomachache. What should I do?
A. Poke yourself in the eye.
Q. What if I'm away from home and I get sick?
A . You really shouldn't do that..
Q. I think I need to see a specialist, but my doctor
insists he can handle my problem. Can a general
practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in
his/her office?
A. Hard to say, but considering that all you're
risking is the $20 co-payment, there's no harm in giving it
a shot.
Q. Will health care be different in the next decade?
A. No, but if you call right now, you might get an
appointment by then.