Jaw Surgery Journey with Sammi

Oh insurance. That is one thing that hasn't change during this pandemic. Insurance is still a pain in the tuchus. If anyone ever is confused on how to file an appeal of a denied claim for your insurance please let me know. I will gladly take you through the hoops and obstacles in order for you to submit your appeal.

I know, I know. That is all we hear about right now and for good reason, but I am sure you do not want to hear more about it from me. My only discussion about COVID-19 is that it is hindering my ability to proceed with my appointments this week for my jaw. I was supposed to be getting a new wire for my braces as well as molds, and brackets and what not, but I just found out that my Orthodontists' office is closing starting tomorrow for possible 2-4 weeks.  What does that mean for me? Welp, it means my surgery is likely going to be postponed.  Luckily my surgery is not one where I have a risk of dying or serious injury from having to postpone the surgery, but to say I am disappointed would be an understatement.  Thanks for following along in my journey.

Today is the Day   Today is the day I am going to share my journey and struggle with Anthem and how they refuse to cover any of my appointments with my surgeon, the surgery itself, and the hospital stay.  I have been avoiding this topic on my blog because it strikes a very fine nerve of mine as I have been fighting this battle since August 2019. Some questions you may have: 1. Is Dr. Glenn Maron listed on my insurance site as an in-network doctor?        - Why yes, yes he is.  2. Did you check this before you made your first appointment with Dr. Maron? - Why yes, indeed I did. Even though he was recommended to me from my TMJ specialist, I did check that he was covered on my insurance before starting on this spectacular journey.  3. How is it possible that Anthem will not cover any of the services from this provider? - Now, that is an excellent question.  - One reason: Anthem claims Dr. Maron is not in my network - Anot...

 Well, the fun continues. Last week my surgeon mentioned to me that I needed to have lower braces put on a month prior to surgery. This was news to me because my "orthonathic surgery plan" did not include braces on my bottom teeth until potentially after surgery. Since many of you know I wear a bite splint on my bottom teeth, this causes some issues for Sammi. My bite splint even though I do not like wearing it, has become a part of me and since of "security" in my mouth. I am fearful to not wear it for a month and then get to surgery and the surgeon have to utilize the bottom braces. Oh, thats right, you have no idea what I am talking about. So, the bottom braces are a precautionary deal in case when Dr. Maron is doing the surgery he needs to make some adjustments and wire my mouth shut instead. I was previously told they do not wire the mouth shut anymore, but that's not what I was just told. My knowledge on the topic is more than the average "normal...

         I started physical therapy for my jaw! I honestly never thought that I would be able to do physical therapy or that it would help, but low and behold I was wrong. My PT consists of jaw, neck,  and upper back exercises, heat therapy, and dry needling. The dry needling HURT SO BAD (while it was happening), but it really did help loosen up those tight muscles in my jaw. I have only had two sessions so far, and at the second session, the needle wouldn't go where it needed to, so I will have to try it again later this week.  Dry needling is not like this but it is a funny photo for Parks and Recreation fans. Also, dry needling does not feel like "treat yo'self" day. lol