so, i'm not afraid to admit when i have a problem.
im either severely food restricting (<800cal per day) or im binging wildly and purging 3+ times a day. im weighing and measuring multiple times a day.
i'm not doing so hot... so i decided (with the support of the boyfriend this time around - surprise surprise) to seek profession help, try to get into a program, see about meds, etc...
my insurance will not cover any eating disorder specialists?!
does anyone have insurance that does? or any suggestions???
Have you talked to your regular doctor about this? Every doctor I've worked for knew quite a few little tricks around this type of thing sometimes -- like submitting a different diagnosis, referring to someone who may not be a specialist but still skilled in the field, etc.
My insurance covers psychiatric care (up to a maximum), but I'm not sure if it would cover an eating disorder specialist. I think ANY psych help is beneficial to an eating disorder. Does your insurance cover any sort of psychological care? My insurance is United Healthcare.
Another option is going through your public mental health system. We have a large one here (in the county I live in), so I'm sure you'd have one in San Diego. They offer all sorts of psychiatric care and it's MUCH cheaper if you were to go to a private physcian. My friend used to go and she said they use a sliding pay scale, so they really only make you pay what you can afford.
they cover some general psych stuff, and specific disorders. if i was showing actual symptoms of physical danger low BMI, bradycardia, etc.. - then they would pay for it until the symptoms go away. so i did call just a general one but even they said - i should see a specialist.
unfort. i make too much money on the books to pay anything sliding scale, it sucks.
hmm. Will your insurance cover a dietician? While he may not be able to "cure" you, he may be able to offer some helpful advice, or know of more resources than your GP.
I have irritable bowel syndrome, and my GP had a hard time getting me coverage to get tests to rule out cancer, colitis, etc.
I'm so glad you were wise enough to realize you need help! Your boyfriend sounds nice.
Boy, that sux, you finally 'chose' to take action and insurance is in the way... You may have to do some calling around, but perhaps find a therapist who has a general practice, but 'specializes' in ED's ... just a thought... I do agree that the diagnosis is a 'huge' deal with Ins. compainies...
I don't know how bad you are feeling... but maybe an ER visit is in order, a lot of times a 'crisis team' in the ER can get you connected with someone and help weed thru the insurance stuff... but I don't know about CA ER's... good luck to you.....
Kate, I've said it before and here I am saying it again: I am in San Diego and so if you need any help, just ask! Casa Palerma is GREAT!!! (but expensive). UCSD has a good program too. Check out what there is available here in SD:
hrrmmm insurance??
