dr wood

-----Original Message-----
From: Blanca Parra <Blanca.Parra@matrixcos.com>
To: VLVinch <VLVinch@aol.com>
Sent: Fri, Feb 17, 2012 10:57 am
Subject: RE: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01 - Part 2

Good morning Vicki,
Let me get a tracking number and get back to you.
Thank you

Blanca Parra
Integrated Claims Examiner
Matrix Absence Management, Inc.
Phone: 602.866.2333 ext. 56022
Fax: 602.866.9707
blanca.parra@matrixcos.com
www.matrixcos.com
"NOTICE:  the information contained in this electronic mail transmission is intended by Matrix Absence Management, Inc., for the use of the named individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information that is privileged or otherwise confidential.  If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by reply email or by telephone, so that the sender's address records can be corrected."

From: VLVinch@aol.com [mailto:VLVinch@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2012 7:24 AM
To: Blanca Parra
Subject: Re: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01 - Part 2

Blanca - when can I expect the check to arrive?  They are wanting to place a lien on my house for non payment of the homeowners assn. dues.  Thanks.

In a message dated 2/14/2012 12:40:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Blanca.Parra@matrixcos.com writes:
Vicki,
Please try to help me get the additional medical so that I can extend benefits and there’s no delay.
Thank you and have a great day.

Blanca Parra
Integrated Claims Examiner
Matrix Absence Management, Inc.
Phone: 602.866.2333 ext. 56022
Fax: 602.866.9707
blanca.parra@matrixcos.com
www.matrixcos.com
"NOTICE:  the information contained in this electronic mail transmission is intended by Matrix Absence Management, Inc., for the use of the named individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information that is privileged or otherwise confidential.  If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by reply email or by telephone, so that the sender's address records can be corrected."

From: VLVinch@aol.com [mailto:VLVinch@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:34 AM
To: Blanca Parra
Subject: Re: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01 - Part 2

I love you, Blanca!

In a message dated 2/14/2012 12:25:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Blanca.Parra@matrixcos.com writes:
Hello Vicki,
Your check will be in the amount of $5178.26 and have requested a 2 day delivery.
Your claim was approved from 10/06/11 thru 02/29/12. I will need medical notes from University of Louisville, Baptist Hospital emergency room 11/11 and Jewish Hospital emergency room 12/11 and 1/12 to extend benefits beyond 02/29/12. Your STD max date is 03/23/12 I will be sending you an LTD packet for your to complete.
Thank you
Blanca Parra
Integrated Claims Examiner
Matrix Absence Management, Inc.
Phone: 602.866.2333 ext. 56022
Fax: 602.866.9707
blanca.parra@matrixcos.com
www.matrixcos.com
"NOTICE:  the information contained in this electronic mail transmission is intended by Matrix Absence Management, Inc., for the use of the named individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information that is privileged or otherwise confidential.  If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by reply email or by telephone, so that the sender's address records can be corrected."

From: VLVinch@aol.com [mailto:VLVinch@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 9:36 AM
To: Blanca Parra
Subject: Re: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01 - Part 2

Thanks, Blanca.  Any was they can FedEx it to me please?

In a message dated 2/14/2012 11:33:18 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Blanca.Parra@matrixcos.com writes:
Vicki,
I am completing your claim and your check should be going out tomorrow morning.
Thank you

Blanca Parra
Integrated Claims Examiner
Matrix Absence Management, Inc.
Phone: 602.866.2333 ext. 56022
Fax: 602.866.9707
blanca.parra@matrixcos.com
www.matrixcos.com
"NOTICE:  the information contained in this electronic mail transmission is intended by Matrix Absence Management, Inc., for the use of the named individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information that is privileged or otherwise confidential.  If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by reply email or by telephone, so that the sender's address records can be corrected."

From: VLVinch@aol.com [mailto:VLVinch@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 9:21 AM
To: Blanca Parra
Subject: Re: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01 - Part 2

Blanca - Any idea when the std check wil be mailed?  My Son's been trying to get my car out of impoundment with no luck, and he's in Guam so it's not that easy,

In a message dated 2/9/2012 10:50:53 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Blanca.Parra@matrixcos.com writes:
Good morning Vicki,
My understanding is that it can take up to 45 days from the day the appeals department receives it to make a decision, unless additional information is needed than it can take a little longer.
Thank you

Blanca Parra
Integrated Claims Examiner
Matrix Absence Management, Inc.
Phone: 602.866.2333 ext. 56022
Fax: 602.866.9707
blanca.parra@matrixcos.com
www.matrixcos.com
"NOTICE:  the information contained in this electronic mail transmission is intended by Matrix Absence Management, Inc., for the use of the named individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information that is privileged or otherwise confidential.  If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by reply email or by telephone, so that the sender's address records can be corrected."

From: VLVinch@aol.com [mailto:VLVinch@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 7:45 PM
To: Blanca Parra
Subject: Re: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01 - Part 2

Blanca, is one month an acceptable amount of time to review clinicals???

In a message dated 1/6/2012 5:25:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Blanca.Parra@matrixcos.com writes:
Vicki,
I have received all of your information; I will send your claim to an appeal review first thing Monday 01/09/12.
Thank you and have a great weekend.


Blanca Parra
Integrated Claims Examiner
Matrix Absence Management, Inc.
Phone: 602.866.2333 ext. 56022
Fax: 602.866.9707
blanca.parra@matrixcos.com
www.matrixcos.com
"NOTICE:  the information contained in this electronic mail transmission is intended by Matrix Absence Management, Inc., for the use of the named individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information that is privileged or otherwise confidential.  If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by reply email or by telephone, so that the sender's address records can be corrected."

From: VLVinch@aol.com [mailto:VLVinch@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 3:14 PM
To: Blanca Parra
Subject: Re: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01 - Part 2

Blanca, my brain is fried.  yeah, send it.

Again, I really only started having problems with what I "thought" was the sinuses this past year, then in late August & September I started also with the fatigue, blurred vision, pain, etc.... but before then everything else was under control.

Yeah, just send it.  I cannot locate any more today.  I am fried.  I cannot get ahold of any of these MD's that won't do anything without being paid up front.  I am sorry.

Thanks,
Vicky

In a message dated 1/6/2012 4:48:49 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Blanca.Parra@matrixcos.com writes:
Vicki,
Is this all so can send for appeal?
Please advise
Thank you

Blanca Parra
Integrated Claims Examiner
Matrix Absence Management, Inc.
Phone: 602.866.2333 ext. 56022
Fax: 602.866.9707
blanca.parra@matrixcos.com
www.matrixcos.com
"NOTICE:  the information contained in this electronic mail transmission is intended by Matrix Absence Management, Inc., for the use of the named individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information that is privileged or otherwise confidential.  If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by reply email or by telephone, so that the sender's address records can be corrected."

From: VLVinch@aol.com [mailto:VLVinch@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 2:27 PM
To: Blanca Parra
Subject: Re: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01 - Part 2

Here are some records from the ER visits.

I had had a massive subarachnoid hemmorage in 1998 secondary to Terson's Syndrome which did leave me blind.  I did, however have 5 eye surgeries that eventually restored my vision however i do have a macular hole in the right eye (I think it's the right one).  They did a vitrectomy and I also had a retinal detachment in the R eye also, I think it was.  The ruptured aneurysm was on July 5, 1998 at which time they clipped it.  Then I developed hydrocephalus and they installed the VP Shunt.  My vision was not restored until about 3 months later, I think.  I had no problems with the shunt at all.  Then this past year I started getting some pain in what i thought was my sinuses, as well as fatigue, nausea, vision problems, etc....  I had seen Dr. Walter Olsen a neurologist for a vertebronbasilar insufficiency bought on by the aneurysm a year or so ago, but that was bought under control with the Kepra.  The only problem was the Kepra also bought on nausea, vomitting and diahhrea, so he said to stop taking it.  That was when i started having tremors on my right side.  But the tremors never came back until recently, along with everything else.

Dr. Wood had suspected fibromyalgia, but I never made it past him because my health insurance was canceled and no one would take me without it.  I've been trying to apply for whatever I can, but so far, no good.  Everything pretty much stopped dead on October 12th, when SHPS terminated my employment and my health insurance.  All I have been able to do is just go to the ERs since they are the only ones that will see me.  Frankly, I really don't care if I don't make it through another day, but I have a few silly individuals in my life who seem to think otherwise, including my two cats, dog and frog.  My local mcDonalds has been nice enough to offer me a meal any time I need one.

Thanks, Blanca.
Vicky

In a message dated 1/6/2012 3:58:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Blanca.Parra@matrixcos.com writes:
Vicki,
I was reviewing your email and it indicates there is a next email forthcoming is there more or would you like for me to send your claim for an appeals review with the information that you provided.
Please advise
Thank you

Blanca Parra
Integrated Claims Examiner
Matrix Absence Management, Inc.
Phone: 602.866.2333 ext. 56022
Fax: 602.866.9707
blanca.parra@matrixcos.com
www.matrixcos.com
"NOTICE:  the information contained in this electronic mail transmission is intended by Matrix Absence Management, Inc., for the use of the named individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information that is privileged or otherwise confidential.  If you have received this electronic mail transmission in error, please delete it from your system without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by reply email or by telephone, so that the sender's address records can be corrected."

From: VLVinch@aol.com [mailto:VLVinch@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 1:40 PM
To: Blanca Parra
Subject: Re: FW: Secure RE: Claim 2011-09-30-0125-STD-01

Hi Blanca -

Ok, this is about the best I can do for now as far as an appeal without being able to get to a neurosurgeon who can accurately assess what we believe the problem to be.  Please understand I am not an MD but will do my best.

Enclosed please find (in the next email forthcoming)

1.  The initial denial letter from Matrix.  Please note on that letter it indicated it was based on records from Dr. Wood for the period of October 01, 2011 through November 23, 2011 - yet this letter is dated November 9, 2011.  Please again also understand I have never had orthostatic hypotension.  Apparently when his "notes" were reviewed this is what they interpreted his little arrow to mean.  I have always had malignant hyPERtension which he has been able to bring under control since it was a result of an adrenal adenoma and well controlled by the Aldactone.

2.  Instructions from Baptist East Hospital from ER visit on 11/23/11 - They'd taken some CT Scans of the brain and did some bloodwork to rule out 1. Stroke, 2. Aneurysm, 3. Temporal arteritis, I think.  They referred me to the U of L Neurology Group.  The Neurology Group referred me to the U of L Neurology Clinic.  The Clinic said they could not see me without a referral.  I called a neurologist I'd seen previously, Dr. Walter Olsen, and they referred me back to the clinic.  I told the clinic Dr. Olsen's office had told me to call them, and it just went round and round like that.  Then there was a recording they were closed.

3.  Some papers from Jewish Hospital medical center northeast ER visit on Dec. 18, 2011.  I saw a Dr. Tiffany Ross.  Again, I was having severe pain above and behind the roof of my mouth and the back of my head, as well as numbness of my face and right side (on the outside) and pain along my right side on the inside.  I also experienced a tremor of my right side.  I was experiencing blurred vision, double vision, lack of mobility of my head and neck and pain.  I'd also developed a lisp, but that started back in September, I think, as did the pain above and behind the roof of my mouth.  I'd seen my PCP about this, and he referred me to go get a CT Scan at his facility in Indiana.  I'd asked them if I could please go to Baptist East since they would be able to give me financial assistance - I'd called them back 3 times on this but they never returned the calls.  That is when I went to Nanine Henderson about it - she sent me for a sinus & cervical spine x-ray, and I was told those were fine, so a sinus problem was ruled out to the best of my understanding.  I think they also did a VP Shunt xray.

4.  Some more papers from Jewish Hospital medical center Northeast ER visit on Jan. 01, 2012.  But this was after I'd also gone and gotten a "free' evaluation from Dynamic Chiropractic in Louisville - I'd seen a Dr. Paul, and he'd indicated where the pain was emanating from was indeed from my shunt.  He said he'd fix it for $2,000.  Obviously I did not have $2,000.  The MD there said if it was in fact a problem with the VP Shunt, that they were not equipped to do the diagnostic necessary to determine if it was a VP Shunt Malfunction.  They said the test could only be done at the U of L Neurology or Neurosurgery Group.  They also said if the shunt was malfunctioning and hydrocephalus (sp?) that it's possible the CT Scan would not pick it up, although it "should", depending on how slow the leakage was.  They also said they suspected it could cause seizures which may then result in possible irreversable brain damage, and for me to get to the U of L Neurology group YESTERDAY.

One of the above gave me a referral to the U of L Neurology group, but the Neurology group said they couldn't accept that.  I then got a referral from the Commonwealth of kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, but the Neurology Group said they couldn't take that, either.  In the meanwhile, a few weeks prior, all my utilities were disconnected (phones, electric, heat, etc...).

I finally got ahold of my PCP who told me Dr. Olsen from the U of L neurology had been trying to reach me, but my phone had been disconnected, and they made an appointment for me for Feb. 2nd.  I then contacted them and spoke with a Dr. Saraswat there - a neurologist on call, and he said they made me an appointment for the 3rd week in January (can't find the paper at the moment).  he asked if I could  come down to the U of L ER but I did not have enough gas in my car and had no idea where it was.

As of two days ago I am now having difficulty walking - it is intermittent - I am getting tremors on both my right and left sides now.  I have almost no mobility of my head or neck.  My vision is getting more blurry.  I am unable to tolerate bright light.  I am getting sharp pain in the back of my head where the top hole was drilled - feels like a cattle prod.  That is what I am getting in my legs occasionally when I try to walk.  Sometimes it's ok.  I am having difficulty swallowing without drinking something as well.  There is severe pain on the top of the roof of my mouth straight back to the back of my head, where the 2nd hole was drilled - this is where I have now been told the valve is for the VP shunt.

We are thinking maybe it is either a VP shunt malfunction - I'd had a car accident about a year ago or so - they're wondering if maybe it moved it.  We are also wondering now if perhaps since I seemed to have developed contact metal allergies that possibly the clip or the valve is made using some type of nickel or other composite which my body no longer wishes to tolerate.  My shunt was put in in 1998, this was the year they'd just started going over to MRI compatible hardware.  My neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Nosko from Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in new brunswick, NJ, had told me back in 2004 it was stainless.  This was only the clip.  I did not even know there was a valve in there, and apparently none of the MD's that have looked at it so far even know what it is.  They are simply calling it an "artifact".  I have made numerous calls to Dr. nosko however they have not been returned (since of course i do not have a phone now anyway).

none of the MD's I've seen so far even know what a VP shunt looks like or what to do with it, so this is why I have to go to the U of L group.

I only saw Dr. Wood because he was the only MD that would see me without giving him a copay.  At the time since he was an endocrinologist all he could do was evaluate the cause for my severe fatigue.;  For the pain he referred me to some pain management specialist but he gave me the wrong number and things just went down hill from there.  That's as far as I've been able to get.

you have the rest of the stuff from Dr. Wood, right?  I did go to the ER again this morning for the sharp shooting pain (like a cattle prod or putting your finger in an electric socket) and difficulty walking and he (Dr Martin from jewish) said it was anxiety.  Whatever.

Below is the only image I'm able to capture - right where the valve is is where the majority of the pain is.  Earlier in the summer my PCP also told me to check w. a dentist.  The dentist said I had a cavity, but nothing he could see would be causing any pain.  he sent me to an oral surgeon and he said he didn't see anything but to come back in 6 months so he couldn't see anything again.  So the dental & sinuses were ruled out.