I ran into the charge for records once, and I immediately called the insurance company. I explained the situation, the insurance rep on the other side paused, then said, "That charge only applies to out of network patients. This is the fourth time they've done this. Don't worry about anything, ma'am, I'll call them as soon as you and I are done."

I spent the rest of the day beaming with righteous vindication as I imagined the insurance rep going toe-to-toe with scamming doctor's office.

GC, I'm sorry to hear about your day.

A quick update: sister's now sleep, and I'm in charge of keeping an eye on my traumatized dog. Both are fine, just need some rest and recovery. I need sleep, but I need to comfort the dog and keep an eye on him until he'll fall asleep. I let sleep take care of my sister, instead.

And I think it's the last time we're letting her make decision when she's been awake for 36 hours, after a week on which she slept only 20 hours, scattered. My poor things. My poor sleep. Thank God I can wake up around 7 tomorrow.

singing lullabyes for Shir's sister and the dog.

And it continues. I called my insurance co. to ensure that new OB is in network and they tell me, no, she is not. OB's office insists they are. Sorry, not taking any chances after what I just got out of. So had to call my high-risk OB for references and now have an appt. with yet another OB on Thursday morning. I am so stressed out. This is so ridiculous. Worst. Monday. Ever.

Gah. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, GC.

Oh, GC. I'm so sorry this is dragging on. I hope you click with the new OB you chose.

I wish everybody with pets had a Chuck And Don's Pet Food Outlet [link] to shop at. They offer the widest variety of better quality pet foods that I have ever seen. And the staff are so friendly and helpful - even when you make 'em work the special orders over and over. One of the staff there remembers me well enough to say, "Hey that company has corn in some of its foods, let's double check on this kind before we order it for Harvey". Plus their website has links to a zillion different pet food companies so it has really made it easy to comb through looking for foods for him, as his list of food intolerances and allergies grows. I just sent them an email saying all that to them. Huh. I hope they have some kind of incentive program for their sales associates, that rewards them when they get praised to the head office, since I referred to one by name.

From my understanding, Dr offices have to transfer records to each other free, but can charge if the patient wants a copy. Of course, when I found this out it was because I was pissed that my Dr/hosp wanted $10 from me to copy my records. $50 is crap. My inarticulate rage is with you, GC. Thank goodness the next time you see them will be in your metaphorical rearview. Much ~ma with the new OB.

I love our local pet store: The Barking Cat. It's small, but the guys who run it are great.

Argh. I'm sorry the insurance network difficulty is not resolved, yet, Glam.

(((((GC))))) Tons of calm-ma.

TCG is getting a root canal which is going to cost a ton despite coverage. I am out trying to get something to eat so that this headache will die, but I don't have my wallet so now I need to run home to hopefully find my wallet, rush to find food, and rush back to pick up TCG. t bangs hwad on steering wheel.