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FMS ForumsMedicine & TreatmentsCould use an opinion
07/23/2009 10:32 AM
Kestral
Kestral
 
Posts: 87
Member

So, recently the decision for my Compensation Claim with the VA came through. However, I don't like it (40% and denied unemployability). So, while gathering information for an appeal, I discovered that the doctor they sent me to (which I think the decision was based largely on his opinion) was NOT a Rheumy, but who's specialty is Internal Medicine. Anyone know if someone of that specialty is really qualified to evaluate someone w/ Fibro?
"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." ~Aristotle
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07/23/2009 11:46 AM  Top
mammy
mammy
 
Posts: 7217
VIP Member

I would definitely fight that. I'm not saying the other doctor could not diagnose or treat fibro however it's a rhuemy that is supposed to the specialist in diagnosing and treating fibro. Did they mislead you into thinking you were seeing a rheumy? If they did, then you probably have a very good chance. My PCP is the doctor that originally thought I might have fibro but simply said, I don't specialize in it so I don't feel comfortable diagnosing or treating it. That's why he sent me to a "specialist" and I would think they would have wanted you to see someone who is more knowledgable in that specific illness. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Connie

Connie

I am not a doctor and do not play one on these forums so please consult your physician for actual medical advice.

Previous discussions I participated in:
All about the meds
Please help....rib pain
too much pain

07/23/2009 11:53 AM  Top
Kestral
Kestral
 
Posts: 87
Member

All that was mentioned in the letter was that I had 2 appts on separate days with separate doctors (a MAJOR p.i.t.a.). I didn't find out until I showed up at the first appt that I was seeing a shrink, because someone didn't read my claim correctly and thought I was claiming some form of mental disability. I asked the receptionist before I left that day about the 2nd doctor, but she'd said that he was an ENT (obviously not). I was hoping that I wouldn't get screwed for once, but I was. And you won't believe how many hoops I had to go through to find out this guy's bloody specialty!
"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." ~Aristotle

07/23/2009 12:27 PM  Top
mammy
mammy
 
Posts: 7217
VIP Member

I'm so very sorry about this mess. There must be somebody from like the medical board you can call or is there an appeal # or process that you can start?

Connie

Connie

I am not a doctor and do not play one on these forums so please consult your physician for actual medical advice.

Previous discussions I participated in:
All about the meds
Please help....rib pain
too much pain

07/23/2009 12:30 PM  Top
Kestral
Kestral
 
Posts: 87
Member

Appeal process, yes. It's actually why I was trying to find out the doc's specialty. Figured, if he wasn't a Rheum, that'd be the perfect basis for the appeal. I thought I might try seeing if I could get an opinion from the AMA... somehow.
"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." ~Aristotle

07/23/2009 06:43 PM  Top
hopefull1
hopefull1
 
Posts: 1965
VIP Member

Rheumatology is a subspecialty of Internal Medicine and I think but could be wrong, but I think extra training is required to list yourself as a rheumatologist. If this guy didn't have the training then I don't know how he could have accurately diagnosed you. Just my opinion.
Steffanie
Do you or someone you know have Von Willebrands Disease? Come join us at http://www.mdjunction.com/von-willebrand-disease

Please note that any advice given is not a substitute for getting a diagnosis from your doctor.

07/23/2009 06:48 PM  Top
Kestral
Kestral
 
Posts: 87
Member

I spoke to a friend of mine who works out of Johns Hopkins. She said that, basically, Internal Medicine is like a General Practitioner, they have a broad over-view, and if I'd seen him out of this context, he would (should) have referred me to a Rheumy actually. So, the argument I can use would be something to the effect of "having a broad knowledge, he doesn't really have the <insert appropriate word here, drawing a blank> to accurately diagnose me." And I'll definitely request to see a Rheum specialist.
"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." ~Aristotle

07/23/2009 07:04 PM  Top
tracy6878
tracy6878
 
Posts: 574
VIP Member

keep up the fight!!! best of luck to you...tell them whats up and give them a what for!!!best of luck to you!!!

Post edited by: tracy6878, at: 07/23/2009 07:04 PM

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Love, Liberty, & R[̲̅ə̲̅٨̲̅٥̲̅٦̲̅]ution to everyone!!! Ron Paul 2012!!!

Managing Chronic Pain:
Your Basic Rights:
People with chronic pain are often “people pleasers.” We find it hard to express our needs and require that others respect them. And when our needs are not met, tension is increased and our pain seems worse. But you do have the same basic rights that you grant to others.

You have the right to:
1.Act in a way that promotes dignity and self-respect.
2.Be treated with respect.
3.Make mistakes.
4.Do less than you are humanly capable of doing.
5.Change your mind.
6.Ask for what you want.
7.Take time to slow down and think before you act.
8.Ask for information.
9.Ask for help or assistance.
10.Feel good about yourself.
11.Disagree.
12.Not have to explain everything you do and think.
13.Say "no" and not feel guilty.
14.Ask why.
15.Be listened to and taken seriously when expressing your feelings.

Read and reread these rights so that you not only know them by heart, but so that they become part of your daily life.


Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
~Winston Churchill

Love and many hugs, dear friends ~tracy

07/23/2009 09:29 PM  Top
hopefull1
hopefull1
 
Posts: 1965
VIP Member

I wish you all of the luck in the world in winning your appeal. I'm sending prayers and good karma out to you!
Steffanie
Do you or someone you know have Von Willebrands Disease? Come join us at http://www.mdjunction.com/von-willebrand-disease

Please note that any advice given is not a substitute for getting a diagnosis from your doctor.

10/21/2011 11:45 AM  Top
Kestral
Kestral
 
Posts: 87
Member

Update: Lost the appeal due to the morons seemingly not to have read my evidence! So, appealing AGAIN *sigh* Why does life have to suck so much? I swear, I must have been a serial killer in a past life, because the amount of bad karma I seem to be paying in this life is apparently astronomical!
"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." ~Aristotle
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