My question is why is a social worker making any of those decisions? First off after recognizing the need it is up to your doctor alone to make the call, write the Rx and/or letter of medical necessity to the insurance company and Durable Medical Provider. The social workers role is to link you with appropriate services and help you determine your needs. If he or she is doing more than that, you might speak with his/her supervisor and/or the local social work licensing board. As a social worker I have seen patients request all kinds of things that may not be in their best interest. Housing assistance, Medications, even applying for social security disability have been things that I have tried to help patients realize they really may not need and might end in a cycle of dependence. But if they want it, I've gone to the ends of the earth to get it for them if that is what they truly want. It's not my call. It is theirs and their doctors call. The key is not if you want it, it is if you need it. Do you have a medical necessity for this equipment, Rx, or other service. Denis in Texas I would suggest you go through an appeals process set up for not only Medicare/medicaid recipients but private insurance companies also. Don't give up. You might try vocational rehab. in your state. Let me know where you live in Texas. I know a few voc. rehab. folks down that way. They might be able to help.
Larry "Scooter" Throne, MSW, LCSW in Oklahoma where not all social workers are bad and all scooters are good. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; tmic-list@eskimo.com Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 5:12 PM Subject: Re: [TMIC] Scooter Somehow, these social workers and Durable Medical Equipment people don't understand that people also want to have a "Quality of Life". In order to do that, we need to be mobile. This is why equipment with wheels are made. Sure, there are those who need scooters in their home for sure, but they aren't the only ones who benefit from them. I had the same problem when I wanted a wheelchair. She told me since I can get around my house without it that I didn't need it. But I asked her if I was supposed to be house bound for the rest of my life or if I were supposed to try and have some quality to my life and go to a shopping mall, amusement park or county fair, etc. Sure, we all have our limitations, but don't let anyone discount what you can do and try not to let them stop you from doing it if you can help it. OK, I've vented also. I'll get off my soapbox now! Hugs to all, Barbara A See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.10/1092 - Release Date: 10/25/2007 1:14 PM
