I had to go to the Emergency Room Last Night

[SamIam]

Part of one of my molars broke off and the tooth became infected - hurts like the devil. When I called around to dentists, I discovered that Colorado Medicare/Medicaid no longer covers dental. They never covered that much in the first place, but at least they'd pay for an emergency extraction. Now the only place us po' folk can go is a low income dental clinic 50 miles from here. And they can't get me in for two weeks. Last night I was in so much pain, I had tears in my eyes. I finally broke down, took off my jammies, got dressed, and drove to the ER in a snow storm with tears running down my cheeks.

The ER doc was very kind and gave me a miracle shot in my cheek which burned like crazy for about 4 or 5 seconds. Then all the pain vanished for about 6 hours which allowed me to get some sleep. This morning, the pain is back, but I have an appointment with my regular doc who will most likely give me pain killers and antibiotics to see me through until the clinic can patch me up.

I'm having to miss work today - money which I really need. I don't get along with pain killers, either. They make me nauseated even when I take them with food.

Out of curiosity, I did some price checking on the Web. A visit to the ER averaged about $922 in 2008 (most recent I could find in my quick search). A trip to an office based physician costs around $199. The cost of a tooth extraction varies - anywhere from $150 to $600 if oral surgery is required. So, the Colorado State Republican Legislature is saving the people of Colorado anywhere from negative $972 to negative $522, plus potential lost wages and productivity.

The Republicans - the party of fiscal responsibility.

This is just one more example of the government (state) saving pennies and throwing away dollars. Its my understanding that a visit to the ER is just about the most expensive place you can go for health care. Plus, I have the lost wages from my job. I am grateful that at least I had the ER to go to. But is this going to be an example of the "cost cuts" in medical and other social services if a Republican majority gets elected this time? I hope not.

[HungLikeJesus]

It's not just government.

I had to get vaccinations for the trip to Haiti and my insurance said they don't cover vaccinations for travel. It seems like it would be a lot cheaper than the costs if someone gets malaria, tetanus, or dengue fever.

[Stormieweather]

This has changed recently, but I remember, years ago, asking why birth control/contraceptives weren't covered by insurance. The individual at the health department I was speaking to said...I don't know. But if you don't use them and get pregnant, THAT'S covered. So have a baby!

I was stunned. I mean, how much more is a pregnancy and baby than $10 of pills per month?

[infinite monkey]

At the same time, Viagra IS covered.

Brilliant, eh?

[HungLikeJesus]

SIam, how's the tooth?

[Lamplighter]

The ER doc was very kind and gave me a miracle shot in my cheek which burned like crazy for about 4 or 5 seconds. Then all the pain vanished for about 6 hours which allowed me to get some sleep. This morning, the pain is back, but I have an appointment with my regular doc who will most likely give me pain killers and antibiotics to see me through until the clinic can patch me up.

IM, this is probably what a dentist would have done for you too.
They are often reluctant to extract, or do surgery, until the infection
is treated... plus there might be other issues as well.

But otherwise, I agree with what you're talking about regarding insurance coverage.

[HungLikeJesus]

From the tooth it's a straight shot to the brain.

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by Stormieweather

This has changed recently, but I remember, years ago, asking why birth control/contraceptives weren't covered by insurance. The individual at the health department I was speaking to said...I don't know. But if you don't use them and get pregnant, THAT'S covered. So have a baby!

I was stunned. I mean, how much more is a pregnancy and baby than $10 of pills per month?

When I worked for the NHS in Leicester I was frustrated that contraception and sexual health services were the first to be cut when any budgets were on the line. ESPECIALLY those for young women, or those from targeted areas (with high teen pregnancy rates). I mean, yes, there is no bottomless well of funding. But for pity's sake - a child born to a 15 year old will cost the country much, MUCH more in time. Some will grow up to pay their own way of course (sadly, statisically they are less likely to). But even then, far more will have been spent in getting them to this point.

If a teen is having sex - even underage sex - but is responsible enough to seek out contraception it makes so much sense to make it easy for them to get hold of, surely? One less proponent of the it-won't-happen-to-me teen school of birth control is always welcome.

Sorry to here of your pain Sam, literal and mental.

I need to book another dental appointment. I'm peeved that it's only six months after the last one. But I should be grateful. My NHS dentist will charge me £15 for the privilege. Nothing compared to ending up in your situation.

[SamIam]

Originally Posted by HungLikeJesus

From the tooth it's a straight shot to the brain.

Well, damn! Those 3 brain cells I have left better hang in there because I don't think Medicaid pays for brain transplants either, although god knows I could use one.

The ER doc said the antibiotics would clear up the infection and thus the pain. This has not happened yet and that damn tooth hurts like a mother. I work tonight and I hate having to go in all tanked up on pain pills. Tonight there won't be much to choose between me and my inebriated customers. Should be an interesting evening.

[Undertoad]

You will have to run the full source of antibiotics to completely clear up the infection. In the meantime, go for the Advils.

[infinite monkey]

Having experienced every sort of tooth malady known to man, twice sometimes thrice, and many not known to man, I have to say I feel your pain girl.

I hope you get relief soon.

[BigV]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

You will have to run the full source of antibiotics to completely clear up the infection. In the meantime, go for the Advils.

You MUST do this.

Do not fail to take all of the antibiotic medicine as directed. If you do not, you risk letting the infection survive, or worse, get stronger.

[DanaC]

Oh honey, that totally sucks. *hugs* Hope you're feeling better soon.

[SamIam]

Thanks for the kind wishes, everyone. I am almost ready to tie a string around that tooth, tie the other end of the string to a door knob and slam the door the way we used to do when we were kids and got greedy for tooth fairy loot.

@ Big V. Yeah, I know all too well the dangers of not taking all your antibiotics. The doc gave me amoxicillan once for a sinus infection and I could not tolerate that drug - it made me sicker than a dog for some reason, and I stopped taking it. Now amoxicillan just doesn't work on me. And guess what? I noticed tonight that the antibiotic they prescribed me is amoxicillan. No wonder its not working. Back to the old drawing board. I just love how all this crap happens over weekends, too.

[monster]

but if it's not making you "sicker than a dog" don't stop taking it until the doc prescribes a replacement. It's way too soon for you expect to notice an effect.