Please fight and go for an appeal. Your doctor, the one who has seen you the most can write a letter to the insurance company. I am sickened every time I hear of a good soul in your position, needing help and getting turned down. I know how terribly dissapointed you are. Do not give up, this condition isn't in your head, and I would be angry that they thought it was to begin with. You are documented! You have had this 14 years. that aught to count for something! I tell you though, dealing with these insurance companies can drive you crazy!. I am so sorry that this happened to you. I hope that you will be able to find a solution, and be granted the help you need. I wish you all the best as you try to get the help. ginnie

The phsyc evaluation created this excuse for the insurance denial. You need your doctor to see that you go to someone connected with doctors specializing in pain. Get another evaluation. So sorry you have to thru all of this.

I'm so sorry to hear about your frustrating experience. I had similar issue with insurance company. They actually approved trial and then it gave over 50% relief and permanent was scheduled and was denied. Appealed and again denied and appealed third time with letter from surgeon and again denied. Contacted NC Insurance commission who also filed an appeal and it was denied a fourth time, but Cigna agreed to have arbitrator review my file and insurance denial was overturned by arbitrator so it was a lengthy process but worth it, if only in principle. I hope your situation works out for you.

As you can SEE from all these responses, we are ticked off!!
We can all come with you to storm down the gates of this company ..... when we get p***ed, look OUT

Don't lose hope!

Rae

We are all united on this. Boo for the insurance. Fight:_swordfight: ginnie

Hi Puppyraiser,

Appeal for sure, don't let them them away with it, to them that's the east way out. You stand your your ground, it's far too easy for them to walk away. Since when have they suffered from chronic pain, trying to live their life on a day to day basis.
Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!! God love you, you really don't need this crap!

I wish you the very best of luck,

Sinéad xxx

I agree the psych eval needs to be done by someone familiar with chronic pain and the opportunity for SCS. I have a friend who went for her psych eval for chronic back pain due to a workman's comp claim and the psych didn't even know what S C S was. Please appeal even though they will put you through the ringer. The outcome can be miraculous. Wishing you strength and comfort and peace to deal with what is put before you.

Sandy Kay

So here is the latest update...

I spent a lot of time on the phone, but I managed to get some info. :-) APPARENTLY, my psychologist WANTS me to have the trial, but also wants me to have pain management skills at as well. So I guess my insurance company is just being ignorant. BUT, the psychologist I saw is quite a drive away (over an hour) so I'm supposed to try to find someone closer to home. I think some of this is making me wait til the first of the year (deductibles and all that). I'm still pretty mad though because I had to spend several days doing nothing but calling people...several over and over (and some never called me back) just to get answers. And, the idea of trying to find a separate psychologist who doesn't know my case at all is a little daunting. It's either that or drive the long distance to the current one. This involves lots of time and childcare. :-(

SO! I am thankful for all your advice/encouragement. I will keep everyone posted. In the mean time, it's the same old pain junk. But at least my initial evaluator isn't as ignorant as I thought. :-)

[Good for you for spending the time on the phone for your rights. I know it is a pain in the rear to go through. In the end this is going to work out for you, I really believe that. Hope your holiday was peaceful. Just thinking about you. ginnie

We are behind you getting this explained to the insurance co. A question? Does your doc office have a Patient Advocate who works this kind of mess out with insurance in a persuasive way? I know they do exist!!

Maybe you can have a knowledgeable medical someone PUSH on your behalf!!

Just thinkin as I pray,
Mark56