1st trimester hopes 11/7-11/8

[Debs]

Hey, girls!

I am having a hard time figuring out where to "shoot the breeze" on here. I don't want to have to start a new post for every thought, and I don't want to subject anyone to my m/s blues who feels like they are done with that! I think I am going to start a first trimester thread each day (or someone else can if they like). Anyone is welcome to post here, not just 1st tri buddies, but I thought this would be a good place to kind of keep track of this stage of pregnancy.

So, I know there are several of you out there: Angela, Debbie, Liz, Heather, Dawn, Sylvia, Crys, and anyone I missed, come and join me!!!

[rachelandtyke]

I've passed 2 of the 4 hurdles from my previous miscarriages already, and possibly a third . . . OB never called with second set of #'s, so I assume no news is good news. The 20th and my u/s can't get here soon enough!

BTW - I used to live in Midvale

[Debs]

So how is everyone?

I stayed home today for most of the day, which was nice since I am usually running around so much. I am nauseous, but not as sick as I usually get. Of course I am reading too much into that, and worrying about it. U/S is one week from today.

So, we got a call from a collection agency today, saying that we owe the medical clinic where our family doctor and pediatrician are about $600 in charges from 2004-present, and they are threatening to take us to court over it. Umm...we still go to that clinic. Do you not think I would know by now about $ 600 in outstanding charges?!? I spent the day on the phone between the collection agency, the medical center, and our insurance. A good portion of it is for a well child visit with immunizations in January. They billed the insurance wrong and instead of fixing us, tried to charge us $375!!!

Most of the other charges are amounts that were over the maximum allowable in the contract between the insurance and the medical center. Instead of writing them off like they should, they have tried charging them to us. I talked to someone about this issue about a year ago and they said they would fix it. Apparently they did not, and sent all of them to a collection agency instead.

Because of their contract with our insurance, these are amounts that legally cannot be charged to us. I'm sure they do it because people don't read the bill and just pay whatever it says. They are in deep now. I am going to meet with them at the clinic on Tuesday, because the supervisor in charge of this is out of town. I am then going to file a complaint with our insurance, and any agency I can concerning this. About 8 years ago there was a big scandal that hit the news because of a similar issue with this clinic. It is very large and services thousands of patients. They messed with the wrong one this time!!

The downside of the whole thing is that I will probably change clinics. For dh and myself I am fine with that, but we have the most wonderful pediatrician. We have been with the same one since our oldest was born. I think I am going to write him a letter explaining the situation, and telling him if he ever decides to move clinics, we would love to come back. A good ped is hard to replace though. I'm not too excited about that.

[Debs]

Passing hurdles is a great thing!!! I didn't even do numbers because my last memory of it was so bad. So I am blissfully unaware! My u/s is the 14th, though, and I am hoping that really helps.

I live straight west of Midvale. Where are you now?

[rachelandtyke]

I was tempted not to do #'s since last time they were great and then I m/c'ed, but I wanted to check my progesterone since I am on a new supplement for that. Then since I had one draw, I wanted a second to compare, but then just didn't feel like calling to find out what it was. They got the results yesterday, I'd have thought they'd have called. Perhaps the policy is they don't call for good news? I am new to the practice, so not sure how it all works.

I'm on the East Coast now, so far from UT.

[Debs]

Yeah, that was my issue with hcg too...you just never know. I am really hoping that no news is good news for you. If you haven't had any spotting, I bet it is!

[nicegrumpy]

I here Debs!! Feeling a little rough tonight! DH and I had a little "date night" which including getting supper at the mall, and then some shopping. But I think that the chinese food I had is NOT agreeing with me! It is giving me nausea and a headache...not fun after 2 days of a migraine! But of course at the time, it was what I thought I WANTED!!!!!

As for me, my next u/s is on Sat 15th, only b/c my Dh can come with me and my RE is open then!!! I am looking forward to see that heartbeat again! And then getting measurements of this little bean!!!

As a cheer up for my stress over the past few days, I decide to buy myself a few larger not maternity tops at Walmart! That will work great as Mat tops too!!

I am happy to say that I got a few Christmas presents tonight too! We got a great deal on Kung Fu Panada for Caleb! It is regular 26.99 but we got it for 16.99 at Blockbuster tonight, it was a one day only sale! Plus a dollar off b/c we have the rewards program!!! He loved that movie back in the summer, so I know that he will be excited to get it!!! YAY for a great deal!!

Well that is me for now!!!

Rachelandtyke, I hope that no news is good news too! Praying for steadily growing numbers!!!

Debs, sorry that you have to lose such a great ped b/c of someone else's mistakes. Irresponsible definitely!

Have a good night! Catch up with you tomorrow!
Angela

[Debs]

Angela, 7 weeks!!! One more until that all important u/s for both of us!!!

My concern with the ped is that the mistake was not a mistake...I am wondering how many others they are charging "extra". If it was a simple mistake I would clear it up and move on. but it is for bills that span four years, mostly small amounts. I would think "computer glitch" if they hadn't been fined eight years ago for doing the same thing. It was a huge news story.

It is a huge practice, with probably 100 doctors, so my ped. has nothing to do with the billing. As I went through them one by one and showed the billing specialist how they were all erroneous, she got more and more nervous. She tried to call the collection agency to get it recalled, but didn't know how to do it. Finally I just told her that I could talk to her supervisor on Tuesday and straighten it out. I hate to lose such a good ped. But I hate to deal with a dishonest company. This will take hours of my time to fix, and who knows how many people just paid the overcharges?

I'm sorry dinner isn't sitting well for you, but yay on the Christmas shopping!!! I guess I ought to start thinking about Christmas!

[swtrdnkgurl]

Debs ~ That would have me irate ! I'm anal retentive when it comes to bills like. I call and want a detailed explanation for what the bill is for! lol Sorry you have to find a new Ped. ((HUGS))

Debs & Angela ~ yay for 7 wks!!

Angela ~ As I read about your chinese my tummy turned...I dont think we like chinese anymore either! lol Glad you had a good time shopping though!

Rachelandtyke ~ Praying no news is good news!

As for me....I need to whine a little! I'm beyond uncomfortable right now. My lower back is achey, my tummy is sore from all the growing and I'm a gas machine! (sorry for TMI) lol Only problem is no gas wants to come out, so I'm uncomfortable because of the stupid gas! Why? of all things do we have to have issues with gas too? lol Isnt it enough that we allow our insides to be come mashed potatoes to allow a baby to grow? lol

Oh well! I'm having a baby!!! I'm beyond happy! I cannot wait for my next US on the 25th!

[mrs.w]

The thread was a great idea, Debs. I got a bill from the anesthesiologists who gave me the epidural during Elliott's delivery demanding 1,100. They hadn't even billed insurance or sent me a bill in the first place--just a collection notice. I was so angry with those people!

Angela, I had an incident with shrimp-fried rice in my first pregnancy that resulted in me swearing off Chinese food while pregnant. Except for maybe beef with broccoli.

Rachelandtyke, Hope the numbers come back excellent!

Liz, I'm having the same gas issues. It's so painful! But, I heard the heartbeat yesterday with my shiny new doppler so I'm on cloud nine! ;D

Today dh and I are taking dds to get Christmas portraits (and youngest dd's bday portrait) done. I think we'll stop by Old Navy as all their outerwear is 50% off today--I'm going to need a winter coat that isn't as fitted as the one I have now to accomodate my belly.

[swtrdnkgurl]

Crys ~ If you look online at OldNavy.com they have a few maternity coats on sale too. GL shopping!

[sarabear]

Debs you still need to do a debt validation letter with the collection agency. DO NOT TALK TO THE COLLECTION AGENCY AGAIN. As far as they are concerned, you owe money. Only work with the clinic. You still need to do a debt validation letter to the clinic to preserve your rights. Here is a sample. DON'T SIGN IT. Send it certified mail return receipt requested. I have to do one for dh for a worker's comp claim this weekend that was paid by workmen's comp and now they are trying to collect $86.41. We never got a bill for it.

CERTIFIED MAIL #: _______________________________________________________
Your Name
Your Address
YourTown,, State ZipCode

Debt Collection Company Name
Their address
Town, State ZipCode

Date:

Re: Debt Collection Company Name; Acct # Debt Collection Company #; Original Creditor Name; OC Acct #

To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is being sent to you in response to a notice sent to me on DATE. Be advised that this is a notice sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692g Sec. 809 (b) that your claim is disputed and validation is requested.
This is NOT a request for “verification” or proof of my mailing address, but a request for FULL MEDIA VALIDATION made pursuant to the above named Title and Section. I respectfully request that your offices provide me with competent evidence that (a) the account is valid, (b) the amount allegedly owed is accurate, and (c) I have a contractual obligation to pay Debt Collection Company Name for this alleged debt.
All of the following MUST be provided to adequately validate the authenticity of the alleged debt AND provide proof of my contractual obligation to Debt Collection Company Name for this alleged debt:
• Signed credit application between myself and the original creditor
• Copies of all signed vouchers from the date account was opened until default
• Copies of all statements from the date account opened until default
• Proof of the statute of limitations
• Proof of agreement that you were hired by the Original creditor (creditor as defined by the FDCPA) or
• A copy of the contract Debt Collection Company Name purchased the alleged debt.
• If the alleged debt was purchased, provide a copy of an agreement between Debt Collection Company Name and myself, signed by me, stating that I have a contractual responsibility to Debt Collection Company Name for the alleged debt
• Provide proof that Debt Collection Company Name is bonded/Licensed for debt collecting in the State of Your State
Be advised that failing to provide ALL of the media requested to validate the alleged debt will invalidate any and all claims Debt Collection Company Name is asserting regarding this alleged debt. If Debt Collection Company Name can NOT provide all of the validation media requested above, ALL collection efforts MUST be stopped and the account MUST be DELETED from the Debt Collection Company Name. If you can NOT validate your claim, you can NOT, by law, collect on it, or SELL it to another collection agency. Also, reporting a debt to the credit reporting agencies that can not be validated is a violation of the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act), and carries a $2500 fine to be paid to me. I have two years to decide if I want to pursue this matter. PLEASE GIVE THIS MATTER THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES.
If your offices are able to provide all of the validating media as requested, I will require at least 30 days to investigate this information, and during such time, all collection activity must cease and desist.
I am also stating, in writing, that no telephone contact be made by your offices. If your offices attempt telephone communication with me, including but not limited to computer generated calls and calls or correspondence sent to or with any third parties, it will be considered harassment, and I will have no choice but to file suit. All future communications with me MUST be done in writing and sent to the address noted in this letter by United States Postal Service.

Best Regards,

Your Name


Can you tell that I hate collection agencies. I was looking for ways to improve our credit scores and came across a credit forum that had FABULOUS advice. I also had to deal with collectors when I had knee surgery. Both insurances refusing to pay and it was a huge mess to deal with. I finally got it taken care of.

[alyk]

Liz and Crys, I had terrible gas my first trimester. My OB told me it was okay to take Gas-X or Mylanta Gas. I was reading Logan's bottle of gripe water yesterday and apparently adults can take it, too. It's basically water with baking soda, ginger and fennel. It actually works. I hope y'all feel better soon.

[mrs.w]

My MIL loves gripe water but she hasn't sent me any since dd was 18mos. Maybe I'll go out and get some for myself.

[benner1976]

I've had so many issues with billing, insurance companies, and collection agencies. It would take me 2 weeks to tell you al the crap I have been through.

I've been really achey too. I have all of this gas that won't come out too. Last night I slept on my side all night and my hip was killing me this morning. UGH! So, now I'm on the couch whining about my hip. LOL!

I haven't bought my doppler yet. I didn't get many responses of what kind of dopplers everyone has yet. I'm also a little afraid of buying one and then not finding the heartbeat. I'm just a big chicken.

I hope it is okay with all of you that I'm here. I know i'm in my second trimester, but I hope you will let me be here all the same.