Letter To The Editor – July 22, 2010

Bone-Breaking Fall Becomes Eye-Opener For Insurance

Dear Editor:

  To the wonderful people of Water Valley:

  You would not believe the different expressions I got when I was asked how I broke my arm and I would tell them that I fell off a band stand during a live performance. I got expressions of “Oh Cool,” to silence and strange looks. Seriously I would like to thank all for your prayers, calls and cards.

    A special thank you to Frances who cared for my grandson, Haze, and Bonnie, Lori and Mike for caring for Rye, the other grandson. I knew they were in the best of care when I left. Also, to Bubba and the paramedics who made sure I was taken care of.

  This was an eye-opening and learning experience for me and I wish to share with you some information. First of all if you have United Health Care Insurance, as I do, you will more than likely be turned down for care in Oxford. I was sent back home on the Friday night this happened with an Ace bandage and told to call the on-call doctor the following Monday, July 5.

    I did this and found that the doctor was not in but to call back on Tuesday. This I did (I still had not seen a doctor during this entire time). I was asked what kind of insurance I had. I told them United Health Care with the railroad.

    I was told by the receptionist that I would have to pay 20 percent up front. I told her, “No problem.” She told me she would inform the doctor and get back with me in a few minutes with an appointment time. They called me back and informed me that they would not see me because they did not accept my insurance.

    I then called the other orthopedic surgeon in Oxford and was told the same thing. Leigh Ann got on the computer and started looking for doctors that could see me and we finally happed upon one in Southaven—a doctor who had great reviews. He saw me that afternoon and I feel he is one of the best doctors I have ever met.

  I wanted to share this information with you in hopes that you will be better prepared than I was; and to let you know that you can be turned down based on the insurance you have.

  Again, thanks to all. I’m doing great (I didn’t every have a cast, just two 10-penny nails in my arm and a sling).

  Love to the WV folks,
  /s/ Darnell Vaughn