In my next life...

So, I'm not as lucky as Michelle V. No big check from my insurance is coming this way. After a nice weekend in Arkansas, I came home to my first collection of bills from various medical offices. I have decided that in my next life, I'll own a surgical center. You wouldn't have to worry about the emergency room woes, everything is pre-approved before the patient arrives, and its privately owned. I guess that's why they can charge so much to my insurance. The hospital alone was over $33K! I know its difficult for them to show that I've already paid my deductible and my max out of pocket, but that was over a month ago that I made that payment to my oral surgeon's office. I freaked out when I received another bill from my anthesiologist's office that said I owed another $1400. I checked my insurance carrier's website and it stated that the claim had been processed and that it was owed. However, is also showed that I hadn't made any payments yet. Go figure, they are behind on showing the money you've shelled out, but they're very quick to tell you that you owe more money. I called my insurance and the anthesiologist. I got a statement from the surgeon to show that I made a payment large enough to cover my part. Thank goodness that all my doctors have really nice and helpful office staff. Even though I hate the hoops that insurance makes you jump through, I'm sure glad I have it. There is no way I could ever afford to have this done without it. I still haven't seen all the charges, but so far, my insurance has had close to $58,000 submitted to them in claims! I also found out that I can write off my portion of medical expenses on next year's taxes. I believe braces can be written off too as a deduction. That should be a huge help on next year's tax return!

p.s. lots of new pics will be taken this week with my co-workers b-day bash tomorrow and the dog party that Bruiser and I will be attending this weekend. Sorry I've been behind with the pics, its just been a little nuts lately.