Being the good little citizen that I am, I went ahead and scheduled my yearly check-up. Especially with the possiblity of Obama's health care plan being voted in--hey, that is another story-- My doctor told me that Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI had contacted her and told her that she was being required to ask her patients if they would take certain tests. No problem, I thought--my insurance carrier is being proactive rather than reactive So, my doctor ran the tests that Blue Cross Blue Shield had asked her to ask me about. Well today I receive a statement from BCBS showing me what I will OWE my doctor for some of these tests that were run because my Doctor doesn't accept what BCBS pays as adequate. My question--does anyone know of a doctor who ACCEPTS what the insurance companies pay as payment in full?
Receiving the statement from Blue Cross Blue Shield was a another stab to my heart after their rates were raised in MI. My monthly increase is $50/month. When will the bleeding stop?
ITS OCTOBER AND ITS FREE MAMMOGRAM TIME AGAIN!
Free mammograms available to some Livingston County residents
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and residents of Livingston County who are over age 40 and don't have insurance that covers mammograms might be eligible for free mammograms.
A mammogram is an X-ray-based image that has been proved to detect a majority of breast cancer, According to the American Cancer Society, regular mammography is the most effective screening test for the early detection of breast cancer available to women today.
"We have two offices in Livingston County offering the Title 15 program, free mammograms provided by the state of Michigan for those who qualify," says Phyllis Bennett, physician reimbursement representative with Livingston Obstetrics and Gynecology. One of those offices is adjacent to the St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell on Byron Road and a second office in the Woodland Health Center on Grand River Avenue in Genoa Township. "In addition to being over 40 and not having proper insurance, a woman must also meet certain income guidelines to qualify."
Bennett says the Title 15 program began about seven years ago, and that Livingston County Obstetrics and Gynecology sees up to 80 patients every year who qualify for free mammograms.
"It's no secret that early detection saves lives and increases treatment options," says Tamara Rummel, area executive director of the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, who says that it is important that the nation's underinsured population have access to mammograms.
Breast cancer ranks third among cancer deaths in women in Michigan (after lung and colon cancer) and second in the nation (after lung cancer). It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Michigan women.
According to Kady Davenport, communications specialist for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, during the past decade, an average of 80 women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Livingston County. Between 2000 and 2004, there were an average of 16 deaths per year in the county due to breast cancer. Early detection through mammograms and clinical breast exams remain the most effective weapons against breast cancer according to the Livingston County Department of Public Health.
The Michigan Cancer Consortium recommends monthly breast self exams for women age 20 and older. Women should report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Mammography is recommended annually for women starting at age 40.
Free mammogram information: Call 1-877-221-6505.
Lisa Carolin can be reached at lcarolin@livingstoncommunitynews.com or at 810-844-2010.
Fannie Mae, sellers of the many foreclosed properties on today's market, has issued a ruling on how to manage the dispostion of Real Estate Owned Property in a way that makes financial sense and also has a level of integrity for local real estate markets. The program is called "First Look." How the program is geared to work is that when a property first hits the market, during the first 15 days of the listing, only offers from owner-occupants, public entities or their designated partners will be considered. After the initial 15 days is up all offers will be considered. This means that investors, who have been bumping first time home buyers out of the market, will have to wait their turn before their offer can be submitted.
Remember, this program is only for Fannie Mae backed real estate. These listings will be designated in the MLS system only available to licensed real estate agents. So, as a buyer, if you are considering taking the leap, contact me at 810.844.2280 and I'll be able to help you locate those Fannie Mae properties.
As a realtor, I am happy to see Fannie Mae being proactive! It is very disappointing to write offer after offer for a qualified first time buyer only to have them get kicked out of the game due to the investors ability to have a line of credit to draw on and make a cash offer--meaning a quick close.
"Bringing Home Buyers & Home Sellers Together in a Competitive Real Estate Market"
"Marvelous" Mary M Novak, CDPE
Its bad enough that our automotive jobs are being shipped off shore, but did you know that your medical xrays may be sent overseas to be read by a foreign doctor? Yep, that is right! I was talking to a friend today and she said that her son had a serious leg injury, and when she reviewed the xray stuff she asked the doctor what one statement meant, they told her that the statement said this particular XRAY would be read in the UNITED STATES, since it was a RUSH/EMERGENCY--if it wasn't an emergency they would be required to send the xray to India to be read. So, the next time your doctor wants to take an xray be sure to ask him if the xray will be read by a doctor located in the United States....after all, I am sure the doctor is not charging us INDIA rates! I am curious....wondering what the misread xray rating is overseas? I am sure they are not required to follow a SIXTH SIGMA guideline for proper procedures.
"Bringing home buyeres & sellers together"
Here is a fun and inexpensive way to get relax and enjoy some natural beauty!
Are you in the mood for Spring and Summer? Do you want some gardening inspiration? If so, then for only $12 (preshow ticket purchase), you can visit Livingston County's finest gardens. July 11-12 from 9am-4pm. This is a yearly fundraiser for LACASA. LACASA is an organization for battered and abused spouses and their children. The money raised helps shelter, counsel, support and prevent domestic violence, child abuse and sexual abuse in Livingston County. Eleven gardens will be featured this year. Trust me, you won't be disappointed--you will be inspired!
Thinking about relocating to Livingston County MI? This is a wonderful way to get a feel for our small town living with big city amenties!
For more information on the 2009 LACASA Garden Tour check out www.LACASA.org
Thinking about purchasing a home or selling a home? Then let me put my expertise to work for you! Contact Marvelous Mary at 810.844.2280
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I unite home buyers and home sellers SUCCESSFULLY in Michigan's challenging real estate market! As a CDPE and SFR I can help homeowners avoid foreclosure & save their credit.
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