TVT Mesh Erosion - Ins code calls it "Foreign object in Vagina"

I got my usual email from <> about a new health condition that had been added to my records (after my GYN diagnosed me with TVT mesh erosion). When I opened the email link - right there in big bold letters it says "Foreign Object in Vulva and Vagina" That makes me so mad ... makes it look like I stuck something in myself! Just to the right of the diagnosis is an icon I can click to find out more about "Articles related to foreign objects in the vulva or vagina". When opening that ... I find out about the dangers of leaving tampons in ... sticking toys inside ... and then how to properly wash my hands & try to remove it.

You know ... if they are going to make these medical devices to stick in us ... the least thing they could do is come up with a code that more accurately describes it when they fail. Can't you just see the insurance employee ... some guy picks up my doctor's insurance claim on me ... and sees "Foreign object in vulva or vagina." Laugh, laugh ... what a strange bird this woman must be.

Does this make anyone else angry?

I can just imagine my horror if my employer asks for medical records to explain my lengthy absence & finding out that <> says I had to have surgery because I STUCK SOMETHING IN MYSELF! NOT!!!!!

I'm mad enough about how the doctors made me believe this mesh was the latest & greatest miracle that would fix my sagging urethra for the rest of my life. But I really don't like it when the diagnoses makes me look like a freak who sticks things in myself ... and then forgets to take them out.

Sound off! Can't someone let the medical experts & insurance companies know this description doesn't come CLOSE to describing what is truly going on here. As they use us as guinea pigs for their playground ... they should at least come up with accurate descriptions for our what we have to endure because of their mistakes.

Surgery to remove mesh, remove cervix, repair prolapse (again) and repair rectocele will be on July 2. ALL that needs fixed ... and they code the whole thing to "Foreign object in Vulva and Vagina" I just don't get it. Thanks for any & all prayers! (and for indulging my frustration) I was scared to death at first ... when I saw what they coded my problem to ... I became angry ... I hope that these emotions settle to acceptance soon.

I just told my hubby about this because we have <> insurance as well. I just had mesh removed as part of my fistula repair. My hubby said, "You will now have this code as well." I am doing my best to laugh about it.

I know the "mad" I feel will pass - it always does. But - I have been out of work so much this year with neck surgery & asthma - that I have to explain WHY I will be out of work again. They will want medical records for the FMLA files. It just makes me sick to imagine what they will think of this 53 year old Christian woman who sticks things in herself, according to <>. I know, I know ... God knows the truth. But - I have to work with those folks who don't. Sometimes - when I have cried about something so much ... as I have this diagnoses ... I only get over it when I go through a short period of "mad." It is really just frustrated & embarrassed ... but that feels like mad at the moment :-)

(((bagleybj)))

I can understand your frustration! Insurance codes aren't always written as I would write them!

One good thing to know is that people in the medical field are going to understand the code. They will not be confused. And if your employer needs info from your insurance company, it should include an explanation that will clarify things.

I hope that being able to vent has helped ease the anger a bit for you!

It does help to have a place to talk about this. My husband was really worried about me a few days ago. I couldn't stop crying - even at work. Then I remembered Hystersisters and how it helped me through my hysterectomy in 2006. Once I found "soul mates" again ... people who truly understand ... I began to stop feeling so down ... yeah - I'm going through this small period of "mad" ... but I know me ... I know it will pass. Then I can go into surgery ready to face what comes. And if I get confused or scared about something ... I can come back here where someone will TRULY know what I'm talking about. THANK YOU HYSTERSISTERS!!!!!

My goodness, as though you have not gone through enough, you have to deal with this added stress. I am so sorry. You most certainly will be kept in my thoughts and prayers.

I am not so sure that your employer is even entitled to your medical records--or your health insurance forms for that matter. Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), both are confidential.

The only way to avoid HIPAA is for your employer to request that YOU provide specific information (medical certification) from your doctor to the employer for purposes of FMLA. And the information the employer is allowed to request is very limited. It can only request that the doctor provide a letter detailing:
1. the medical facts that support the determination that your condition constitutes a serious medical condition (as required to take medical leave);
2. the date the medical condition began and its expected duration;
3. the type of leave you will need (continuous or intermittent leave);
4. the length/duration of the planned leave;
5. if the medical condition is a chronic condition, whether you are presently incapacitated and what the duration and frequency of episodes of incapacity will likely be; and
6. if additional treatments are required, an estimate of the probable number of such treatments.

Your employer does not have broad discretion to seek or obtain info. from your doctor or ins. co. Under HIPAA and FMLA, an employer may not acquire the employee´s medical records or a summary medical report that contains any information beyond what I just listed.

I highly doubt that your doctor would actually provide you with a letter that read he had to remove a foreign object you inserted into your vagina and vulva, as that would simply be factually incorrect.
If he did, you would certainly be able to hand the letter back to the doctor and tell him to try again--this time using the more accurate medical terms he should have learned by now! (like prolapse and rectocele repair!)

I hope this puts your mind at ease somewhat, so you can focus on the surgery itself and your recovery.

*Sending you positive energy and healing vibes*

Thank you! I hope everyone will use discretion in filling out all the FMLA & ins forms! I do wish someone could change the wording on that code though. Going through this is bad enough without having to be insulted like this by such an inappropriate code definition. Thank you for the encouragement & prayers!

I'd be mad too. And I suspect there is a more accurate code and someone messed up----tell me that's nut the best they could do. Maybe you can ask them to re code it----didnt your Dr submit the code to the ins? Its worth a try to have them find a better code, as that does not seem accurate to me. Medical device, not foreign object. Removal of implanted medical device? I believe there's a better code and they should use it. If I knew how to look up codes I'd do it for you. That's ridiculous, I agree.