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Comment by vondur | Hacker News Reader

My childhood doctor in the late 70's hated insurance companies over this. I'd hear him on the phone arguing with the insurance company reps asking if they had a MD Degree and would like explain the denial to him. Interesting to hear back in the day.

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Sounds like you had a good doc. These days it seems like the insurance companies have won- every doctor I talk to has the most beaten-down expression when I ask them about coding and their relationship with insurance companies. For most I talk to, they got into medicine to help people, but find themselves spending a frustrating amount of their time fighting with insurance.

the youtube channel dr glaucomflecken did a series on this that were pretty funny

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp7u58R41N8&list=PLpMVXO0TkG...

Yeah, he was a cantankerous one. Always telling my Mom to quit smoking while he himself would be smoking at the same time. The 70's were an interesting time to be a child.

I have to imagine many do, it sucks since what the hell are their options. I would like to think that most doctors at least care somewhat. I can't imagine how they feel if they think someone truly needs something and insurance just says no.

I know my sister at one point was having some critical medication for her denied so the doctor just kept giving her sample packs.

I went through an issue with a medication for me and it was still never resolved.

In many cases that issue can be resolved through an appeals process. But this takes extra time for providers, and they don't get paid for that.

Insurers may also require step therapy. Try a cheaper treatment first, then if the patient fails to respond they will authorize a more expensive option.

I call bullshit.

I went through multiple appeal processes, my doctor tried to file multiple on my behalf, I called, and nothing.

They don't care.

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