come back when it's worse

Well, the doctor visit today was very unsatisfying.

The good news is that most causes were ruled out for now (although zhey seemed to hedge in case of possible future sclerosis evidence).  The bad news is that what the EMG doctor did find (some slowness in one of my leg nerves) was not enough to suggest any particular diagnosis.

Basically (paraphrased), "Come back when you're falling down or dropping things."

*unthrilled*  A single muscle in the left side of my right calf is jiggling right now.  I am not a happy camper.

I paid my $3 bill (the rest of the cost covered by Minnesota taxpayers) expecting "House" diagnostics, but I got "M.A.S.H." triage instead.  Yeah, yeah, I know intellectually that it's the proper use of resources.  Instinctively, though, I want to understand what's happening with my body.  The internal medicine specialists were left scratching their heads 7 years ago, wondering why my gut wasn't working properly.  The podiatrist was left scratching zheir head 4 years ago, wondering why my feet were developing neuropathy.  Today the neurologist is left scratching zheir head, wondering why my nerve issues persist and progress.

*stupendously unthrilled*

it gets better

Delivered in the mailbox this afternoon:

"... First Date of Service: 02/26/2010 ...
THIS IS A NOTICE OF DENIAL OF PAYMENT
Dear TERRY W WALKER
We reviewed the claim your provider sent us for Professional Medical Services - Lab / Diagnostic
The claim is denied because: this service is not covered in your benefit set.
This decision is based on MN law: 9505.0270, subp 10(DD)."

Joy.

It doesn't say what service is denied. I thought from the name that it was the bloodwork.  The date, however, suggests that it was the EMG testing.  Does this mean that the torture session was done on my own dollar?  Criminy, how would I even know what that costs?  The notice doesn't include a bill.  What dollar amount was not covered?

A separate paper includes instructions on how to appeal.  That page is densely worded "member rights" and "state fair hearing" info.

I despise bureaucracy.  Why doesn't the decision of the doctor determine what happens?  Why does it have to be any more complicated than that?  I really, really, really dislike the American health care system.