Discrimination against Mexico patients by US Insurance?

[LJBravado 0]

Hello everyone! Reading the subject line sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it...

I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience, or has any thoughts on how to deal with US doctors and insurance companies who know - or who might need to know - that you had surgery in Mexico.

Does anyone know if there are any laws that protect us from discrimination by doctors or insurance companies for that reason?

I had a slip a few months ago and am fighting with my health insurer to cover the slip surgery. Thing started to unravel when I had to tell them last week that I pay cash to the doctor I see for fills. Talk about awkward.

Things got more complicated when I consulted with the law firm (obesitylawyers.com, if anyone ever has questions on that subject) who I hired to help me with my appeal.

My health insurance company didn't ask me about my (cash) fill doc's records [yet], but what I've learned now is that my fill doc does -not- keep records on cash patients at all. Which, according to the lawyer, is illegal. Gulp.

I have a sinking feeling that if my health insurance company finds that the doctor who was treating me prior to my slip was doing something illegal, it's going to reflect pretty poorly on me and my appeal.

Taking this one step further leads me to question what would happen when the insurance company found out that my original surgery was in Mexico. I'm thinking this would end my appeal for sure, whether its right or wrong.

I have to admit, when I opted for surgery in Mexico I didn't realize that any of this could be an issue later. Don't get me wrong... it's still worth it, I would still do it again in a heartbeat.

I welcome any thoughts that anyone has on the topic...

Thanks, and much success to all,

Laura