Okay, super desperate. My insurance just changed from Amerigroup to traditional Medicaid and now my OB won't see me (yes, I tried the 'continuance of care' thing and it didn't work). I'm 36 weeks pg and I've called probably 20 doctors and NO ONE will see me at this point. I am terrified! I would prefer to deliver at Presby Plano or Medical City but I'm willing to go to a hospital that can handle high risk pregnancies (that's my third strike against me). If anybody could point me to someone they adore that would be fantastic...I'm only 17 days away from what would have been my c-section date! Thanks!
BTW, I've been dealing with case managers w/Medicaid and the hospital for over a month and both have basically said I'd do better doctor shopping on my own. Believe me, I've exhausted those resources. :(
Without going into too much detail, a repeat c-section is neccessary. There is too much risk to me and baby, although if given the option I would have tried v-bac. I have nothing against it. :)
I found a very nice doctor who was willing to take me on, risk factors and all, AND takes my insurance! His name is Dr Wei Zhang and his office is in Baylor Carrollton (although he also has privilages at Presby Plano). I also toured both hospitals and actually prefered Baylor Carrollton to Presby! Presby is big and beautiful, but I prefer the smaller look and feel of Carrollton. Both hospitals have a level III NICU, so either way baby is in good hands. The major difference seemed to be that Presby was so big that you're on one floor for delivery and move upstairs for recovery. No biggie, but I like the cozy feel of Baylor. Thank you everyone for your suggestions, I really appreciate it!
Both Presby dallas and Presby Plano have a womens health clinic that takes medicaid. Just call the main line and ask for the Womens health clinic. (presby dallas ###-###-####) I dont know who you would talk to once you get to the WHC but I know they take medicaid patients.
Good luck and sorry you are having to deal with this.
Is it possible to have your traditional Medicaid change to Amerigroup starting in the month of April? Before my son I worked with Medicaid for children, but not pregnant women so I don't know if the same rules apply. What I can remember is our patients would be switched to traditional Medicaid if they forgot to renew in time, or it was their first time to get Medicaid. Then after a month or so of being on traditional Medicaid they would be switched to a managed Medicaid like Amerigroup. If it works the same for pregnant women I would call Medicaid and make sure they put you back on Amerigroup for the month of April.
Also you may try to contact a financial counselor at the hospital you were planning on delivering. They may have some contacts to help you in this situation. I just delivered a month ago at Presby Plano and I know they have financial people just for maternity.
I'm not sure if my physician takes Medicaid, but if you can't find one, and you can't get back on Amerigroup for April let me know and I can give you her contact information. Good luck.
Try Dr. Marvin Gerard at Presby Dallas. I was in a similar situation 9 years ago (though much, much earlier in pregnancy), no insurance (student insurance would not cover pregnancy as pre-existent condition), no Medicaid, no one would take me in, and someone gave me his office number. He was (is) great! Hopefully he takes you in. Good luck!
Marvin Gerard, MD
8160 Walnut Hill Ln Ste 228
Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####
I was exactly in your same position down to high risk and wanting Plano Presby. Call Dr Bruce Rajala he is at Allen Presbyterian. I've had to go into the hosp 6 times all ready and they are wonderful! He is wonderful! He literally has my life in his hands with my risks and I wouldn't put it in anyone else's. No question. He accepts medicade and treats everyone with the utmost respect.
Or, possibly try getting contact with "Angel Clinic" They are located around your area.
Also, if you happen to deliver, and go to the hospital, they can do an emergency medicaid form I believe.. Sorry I am not much help!
You might be better off spending what will take many hours on the phone with Medicaid supervisor and program managers to find a way to get your Medicaid back to Amerigroup. Call the hospital you were set to deliver at and ask for their social worker. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
Try Dr. Roberts in SWMC at St. Paul ###-###-####. She is really good but i don't know if she takes that insurance and if she would take you being 36 weeks but it is worth a try.
Tiffany,
I have several questions for you. Why do you "need" a c-section? Many women who have had a c-section in the past do not need a repeat c-section. I am a birth doula and a childbirth educator. If you are in a high risk catagory for another reason than you had a c-section before; then yes you should keep trying to fine an OB. If you are only considered high risk because of the c-section then would you be willing to see a midwife? There is a midwife, Dinah Waranch at the Lovers Lane Birth Center at Cottonwood in Richardson that takes a limited number of Medicaid births per month. She is a wonderful midwife. If you do not want to go that route, you can just be a walk-in patient at Baylor University Medical Center downtown Dallas. If you are in labor, any hospital must take you in. They cannot turn you away. If you want to talk about other options, give me a call at ###-###-####. I will be glad to talk to you.
K. Voigtsberger, CD(DONA)
www.wholeheartbirth.com
