One has to wonder how many out there can not afford to have a frightening mole looked at by an Md?

[busterbrown]

This is so fucked up and such a huge issue!
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/11/28/1165051/-Staring-Down-The-Barrel-of-a-Gun

[doc03]

1. I'm sure there are many, it would cost $200 or so just to

see a doctor. A friend of mine went to a dermatologist, after being checked over the doctor didn't find anything. My friend asked about a mole on his neck and he said oh I can take care of that, it takes the doctor 1 second to zap it. My friend's insurance took care of the doctors visit but they denied paying for the mole saying it was cosmetic, he had to pay $300 for that one second. My leg was swelling bad so my doctor sent me to doctor that does laser surgery on varicose veins. That doctor said he could help it with laser surgery, it took 5 minutes for him to burn the bad veins out, I was billed for $5000 because the insurance said it was cosmetic. I had to appeal their decision and finally after a couple months the insurance agreed to pay. The medical system in this country is ridiculous. I can understand your problem but you better get it checked.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

2. Any dual use procedure will be subject to that kind of scrutiny regardless of medical payment system

[Delphinus]

3. From the article:

I really would have to choose between a roof over my head or healthcare.

Big thing for EVERYONE to remember/know/realize: it's not healthcare - it's health INSURANCE. BIG difference! I can afford to have health INSURANCE but that does not mean I can afford to see a doctor. I had to see a doctor three times this year - and I have high deductible insurance. I am barely making ends meet without seeing a doctor and these visits have just added more on my plate.

[Le Taz Hot]

4. ^Raises hand^

I can afford the doctor (barely), what I can't afford is the tests and goddess forbid, if they come back with bad news -- then what?

[easttexaslefty]

5. Me.

Cut one off my face two years ago, with a razor blade. I had been growing in thickness and was going to be five to seven hundred dollars to see a dermatologist and get it removed & checked out. I didn't have it.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

6. me

except it's not a mole, it's my thyroid. started going downhill 5 years ago and can't afford a physical and tests. I could probably swing the prescription I need, but can't afford the dr visit to get it.

[FSogol]

7. Are there free clinics nearby? I drove past one here in No VA the other day.

http://freeclinicdirectory.org/virginia_care/alexandria_city_va_county.html

Look here to find one near you:
http://www.nafcclinics.org/

[Viva_La_Revolution]

8. omg! now there is

just .07 miles from me. last time I looked they were too far away.

THANK YOU

checking into it now

[FSogol]

9. Awesome and good luck. n/t