About six weeks ago I went to a podiatrist for heel pain and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. I was given instructions for treatment along with a night splint that I've been wearing every night. Today, I received a bill from the podiatrist's office for the splint: Blue Cross has paid $80 of the $280 (!) charge, and the podiatrist's office is now putting me on the hook for the $200 balance. What recourse, if any, do I have in dealing with this charge? [more inside]
posted by Kosh on Sep 9, 2011 - 16 answers

I'm an American without health insurance, who needs (minor) dermatological care... how worried should I be that this will prevent me from getting private health care insurance in a year or so (denial due to prior condition)? And what can I do to prevent this from happening? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 20, 2009 - 15 answers

Over the last few years, a number of health problems have flared up that I suspect might have something to do with each other: weight gain, fatigue, acid-reflux/loose stools (possibly related to gluten intolerance) and irregular periods. What kind(s) of doctor should I see? I'm in Minneapolis. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 12, 2008 - 14 answers

I just started working with a company that gives me an option to pick different plans (value or choice) from three different providers. My options are United Health Care / Definity Health (which was preselected by our HR's computer system), Blue Cross Blue Shields, or CIGNA Health. Are their any Seattle Mefites who have had experience with one, two or all of them? [more inside]
posted by mrzarquon on Oct 14, 2007 - 16 answers

My health insurance company refuses to cover a dr. appt because of a contract dispute of which my dr. claimed to not be a part. Except they were... [more inside]
posted by superkim on Aug 4, 2006 - 9 answers