Helping a friend with no insurance...

[tjp]

Hi everyone. Thanks for reading and trying to help me with my situation.

My daughters very sweet boyfriend is 18 years old. He came to the US from Mexico 4 years ago. About that same time (when he was 14) he had his 1st seizure. Went to the doctor (in Mexico) who gave him a bunch of samples of some medication, told him to take it until he was 18 and then stop, but he's still on it at this point. (Can you believe that???)

The medication does seem to control seizures -- he's had about one/year since then, but the medication has horrible side effects leaving him dull-witted and very lethargic.

Obviously he needs to be seen by a doctor here in the states and have his condition/medication monitored. His family has very little money but I am willing to help him get the care he needs. HOWEVER, I am not made of money either and before I commit would like to get some kind of idea of what the initial few months of evaluation will entail.

Any ideas on how to shop for a doctor who might reduce fees for cash payment? (I live in Houston, Tx)
Does he HAVE to see a specialist or can our family doctor treat him?
Anyone have any insight to share with me?

Thank you in advance.

[Bernard]

Hi tjp, welcome to the forum.

Any doctor can write a prescription, but few family doctors will be comfortable acting as a neurologist when they are not. Their careers could be jeapordized if they walk the line of malpractice.

I'd suggest going through the phone book and asking if the local neurologist's offer patient assistance for no insurance and see what they can offer you. Bear in mind that any neurologist you pick is going to want to order some tests (EEG, MRI, etc.) to start his diagnosis. The tests aren't cheap, but necessary for them to figure out the best path forward (ie. how best to treat / what drug is most appropriate to prescribe).

A lot happens with homones during puberty. If he had seizure onset at that time, there could be a relationship. If so, diet & sleep could be a factors that he might be able to use to help normalize/regulate the hormone system.

More ideas: Proactive Prescription for Epilepsy

[tjp]

Thanks, Bernard. He has a terrible diet -- just doesn't like to eat -- is about 5'6" and weighs 120#. He's a typical teen regarding sleep -- doesn't get enough and/or is very irregular. He does not do drugs or alcohol, thank goodness.

[dfwtexas]

I have found that a lot of doctors do give a discount for no insurance before my son got his insurance. The discount can vary from 10-20%. However the tests that may be needed, EEG, MRI etc can be very expensive without insurance. As far as the meds, a lot of companies will assist those without insurance on their meds....but he would need the tests, docs etc to get a prescription.

[RobinN]

Thanks, Bernard. He has a terrible diet -- just doesn't like to eat -- is about 5'6" and weighs 120#. He's a typical teen regarding sleep -- doesn't get enough and/or is very irregular. He does not do drugs or alcohol, thank goodness.

RED FLAG - I personally would begin there.
The brain can be starved for the nutrition it needs. In addition if the Standard American Diet-SAD, has been consumed, the body is full of toxins which also contributes to the health of the brain, health of the liver, and health of the GI system. Adding medication just loads the body with more toxins and an imbalance of hormones. Hard for anyone to get under control and when you attempt to eliminate a med, it confuses the body/brain function once again. That is why it is so important to get the proper nutrition and "the system's needs" in place before attempting to decrease medication.

He is old enough not to use the "I don't like to eat" excuse.

Nutrition > GI absorption > Brain Function > elimination = HEALTH
I am not a doctor though. This is my opinion, based on research for my daughters needs.

[vapour]

Hi. I have no insurance either, and here is what I learned and did to get care.

If you are in Houston then there should be some county University hospitals there.

County hospitals can give some terrible and shocking treatment in the ER but the out-patient and in-patient often has the best care.

If he goes through the university county ER (doesnt need to be having a seizure but will have to wait along time) and sees a doctor, he can tell the doctor he has epilepsy and needs to see a Neurologist.

The doctor will give him a referal to see a Neurologist in the hospital.

Because its county, you can apply for something called OSA.at the hospital itself.. this means your hospital visits and ER trips will be covered because you have proof you live here in the USA and cannot afford to pay medical bills.

(note it only applys to hospital care.. and its not insurance)

You will probably be on a waiting list for some time to get into Neurology.

Once you get in... you will be prescribed medication there, and go to the pharmacy there...you will pay a very minimal expense for meds.

In the mean-time there are some prescription advocacy programs out there where you pay a flat rate fee each month and it covers certain medications. As for a Neurologist in the mean-time try finding one that works on a sliding scale.. or the cheapest around .. just until you get into neurologist at county.

Well, there is 1 other thing you can do. hate to say this...but its something I learned from being admitted to the psych ward (note my case was genuine)

He could go down to psych ER (again univeristy county) and tell them he is feeling suicidal because of his epilepsy... they have to admit him .. while he is in psych in-patient .. they have to follow up on his Neurology case and will prob do an EEG...might help him get into Neurology quicker also.

Just my 2 cents.. I have been through this process myself.

All the best.