opinions needed on 6 mo. check

Our medical insurance doesn't cover well baby checks, and at $250 a pop for two well baby checks, I'm not sure I need a 6 month check. Of course, I'm totally torn, so I need some opinions. They appear on target with everything to me. They are my #4 and 5 babies, so it's not all new. They were in in December with colds, sinus infections, so it's not like they aren't ever seen by the doctor.

 

Our medical insurance doesn't cover well baby checks, and at $250 a pop for two well baby checks, I'm not sure I need a 6 month check. Of course, I'm totally torn, so I need some opinions. They appear on target with everything to me. They are my #4 and 5 babies, so it's not all new. They were in in December with colds, sinus infections, so it's not like they aren't ever seen by the doctor.

 

Mine had shots at 6 months...so you probably need to get in there and get those shots. Or, I think you can go to the county health department, where they are required to give you the shots that the babies need free of charge. Exams are not free...but the shots are I think.

 

quote:
Mine had shots at 6 months...so you probably need to get in there and get those shots.

Mine too.

 

I forgot to mention about the shots. Our town has a free clinic for shots (not even the county health department, just something our little town set up), and our doctor's office doesn't do the shots for that reason. Why waste people's money when you can get it done free?

 

Yes, the health department offers free or low cost shots. If you don't get in to see the doc, at least keep up with their shots! What kind of insurance do you have that won't cover well-baby visits? I beleive there are state programs that will give you extra insurance if you are under insured (which it sounds like you are). Good luck, let us know what you decide!

 

Ditto Jenny's advice -- I noticed you are in Nebraska, did a search and found this website for free state sponsored well-child coverage:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/med/kidsconxapp.htm

It has income guidelines -- so I don't know if you qualify -- but it also says that you should contact them even if you don't qualify. So, it seems work a call to see if you can get coverage for them!

Kim

 

We are self employed (farming industry), and the guidlines don't work very well with farming. They take the total income produced, but don't factor in the farming loans we take out every year to repay. So, what I'm saying is, unfortunately we don't qualify for assistance due to that. And, since it is single family insurance, they don't cover things like maternity or well baby visits (or shots, but fortunately our little town has that covered).

So, does anybody have a reason the 6 month well baby visit would be important? Did anybody have anything come up at their 6 month visit that could have been a concern that I may not be aware of?

 

My Dr does weight checks of course, and growth. If yours are good eaters, and no reflux, maybe this is no big deal.

He also checks for hip dysplasia, hernias, stomach distention, ears, eyes. My ped caught a staph infection on my DD at her 6 month which I just thought was a rash that wouldn't go away. Our twins both have plagiocephaly, and lots of babies would get referred to cranial specialists at this time for this.

I don't know, I am the cautious type. My kids were a bit early and so small to us, that I was always ready for a check to see if everything was on track.

I would just add... could you negotiate the price for appts with your ped since you are paying cash and they have no insurance filing hassles? My DH's physical therapy clinic does this.

 

Even if you don't qualify for state aide, you can apply then appeal it if they turn you down. All government programs have to give you this option, then your appeal is heard by a board or panel that has nothing to do with the program, completely independent. So then you could explain about the situation. Also, there are a lot of non-profit groups that might give you cash assistance for these things.

 

we just had our 6th month today. Other then shots, he did an overall physical exam. If you have other children, then you know what to expect. I on the otherhand, came in with a list of questions as these are our first. As others had said, if you think they are growing appropriately, no eating issues, etc. I say the most imp. thing from today was their shots. Other than that, it was for me as a first time parent to ask questions.

 

I would talk to the Docs about this and they will help you revise your schedule! I'm surprised your insurance doesn't cover it. Does the city health dept. have these services?