Friday, February 13, 2009

Mares Eat Oats and Does Eat Oats and Rachel B Eats Celery

You are going to get ranting and raving Rachel today, I’m afraid. Once upon a time, I worked in a medical billing office. I know EOB’s (explanation of benefits), CPT and ICD9 codes like the back of my hand. By the time I get a medical bill, I know exactly what we owe to the last penny and let me tell you, the Dr.s offices, and hospitals FREQUENTLY make mistakes and there would have been many times I would have overpaid had I not understood the insurance end of things. A few weeks ago, my son’s pediatrician’s office submitted the claim with the wrong insurance #. As soon as I got word I called and made sure they had the right one to resubmit to our insurance and sure enough I got the EOB a few days later with the claim paid in full. Today I got a bill and I called. The girl was rude, unapologetic and at the end of the day I would not be surprised if I still get a bill even though they have been paid. Here’s why: I could tell instantly that she had no idea what she was doing! She got upset to cover her obvious lack of competence. How often does this happen. The guy who cuts you off is flipping you off when he’s in the wrong because (deep inside, I hope?) he feels guilty so he uses anger to cover his mistake. I see it all the time. I do it too. When I am impatient or quick to anger, the problem lies with me. Therefore, I see in writing this that I’ve got a lot of work to do.

Here’s the big thing. Even a few days ago I would have never written this post, because I would have been afraid to show my fiery side. I don’t know what I was thinking. Somebody thought I was LD and I OD’d on chocolate until they had to open me up. So there you have it. Hi, I’m Rachel and I am a redhead and with that red hair comes a big ole’ side of attitude. Oh and it’s that time of the month, and I no longer eat sugar, cheese, or fried foods and have you ever experienced PMS without these coping mechanisms…OH boy.

But here’s the good news. Since my gallbladder was evicted, I’ve lost 18 pounds. Here’s the before


and after pics. Wait, I just realized in the before picture I have make up on and my hair's done and I'm in a fancy dress. Yah, my face is fuller, but I have red shoes on. Was chocolate really that bad? Wait...don't answer that...

28 comments:

Erin said...

You no longer eat sugar, cheese or fried food? I would be cranky ALL OF THE TIME!

I was the billing person for six years in a chiropractic office, so I know those things too. And my pap smear from Nov 3 still hasn't been paid by my insurance company. What is wrong with those people???

Cami said...

Is Rachel, without the fire, really Rachel?
I mean, come ON! If you can't stand the heat, get out of her immaculate (probably cuz she's not baking chocolate chip cookies) kitchen.

Devri said...

Man, you are one hot lady!!!

I was on the biggest loser last time around and lost 42 pounds, now, I think I have gained it all back.. chocolate, you evil thing you!!

Kristina P. said...

You look great!

Christine said...

I hear you on the insurance thing. They're still trying to get us to pay in full for Isaac's birth, even though it was 80% paid years ago and the hospital screwed up the other 20%. Hello, he's almost 5! Grrr.

You look great, by the way. I guess you'll have a head start if we ever have to live off of our food storage!

Robin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Hey, good for you on the weight loss and cutting of those foods that are so good yet so bad! And you can still wear red shoes.

Jen said...

Congrats on losing 18 lbs! That's awesome! And I totally understand what you were ranting and raving about. I see that too with people. Like the other day I'm driving up the parking ramp and a guy is driving down the ramp. He was hogging the whole ramp and as we passed, he flipped me off. What? I didn't get it. Obviously he thought he owned the whole road. Have a wonderful valentine's day! You rock!

Rhonda said...

Oh, this post nailed it good. I too have done so much to try and meet our insurance policies and all I get is a run around. Like today was the FIFTH time going back to WALGREENS and having them tell me it is the Ins. and the Ins. folks telling me it's the Dr...who in turn tells us it's the pharmacy.

ACKKKKKKKK. Sometimes, I just want to tear my hair out. However, until I am rolling in the millions...I must be at the mercy of those folks on the other end of the phone in my Ins. Co.

Great post.

Leslie Kay said...

Oh yeah! I'm starting with 25 miles, then a 50 mile and hope to do a 100 mile by end of Summer. Not sure if I can do the 100 mile on my bike though and I WONT be buying a different one. I'm doing rides not races so it should be fun. Want to do it with me? BTW you look great and 18lbs way to go! At the start of the year I quit eating cake, candy and cookies and no coping without these is PURE misery. I just sleep a lot:)

Lara said...

I would give anything to loose 18 lbs. But I don't think I could give up chocolate, cheese, or fried food. I am sorry. But you look amazing!

Kerri said...

I couldn't do it! Those are all my favorite foods! But I'd love to lose 18 lbs. and is it becasue of your new diet or because you had your gall bladder out? I like it that you have an attitude. I can, but usually hold it back in front of people I don't know well. I am so sorry youare not on my blog list. I really thought I put you on, but never fear, I will definitely add you on now. I'm so glad you told me! I really never would've intentionally left you off! By the way, Sarah and Jack make my tummy do somersaults! Thanks for the recommendation!

Goob said...

We had a discussion with our old hospital yesterday, it went something like this: "I paid that bill when I was @ the appointment" "Yes sir, we see that, unfortunately, we paid the wrong department with that money, and we need you to pay it again"
WHAT? how does that work?
Oh, and good job on the 18 lbs!..too bad it took getting rid of a pesky galbladder, but hey! whatever works. :)

Amy said...

Ditto on the PMS w/o any comfort food...AND it's Valentine's Day. Without chocolate...who cares!
Double Whammy...thanks a lot!

R Allen said...

I've cut out starch after 7pm because for some reason my stupid stomach can't hack it.

I'm still waiting for the weight to come off.

Debbie said...

Medical bills drive me insane! They are such a huge drain of our time.
Congrats on looking so good.

Donna said...

You looked beautiful then and now!

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

WOW!!! Awesome that ousting the gall bladder caused weight loss! With me...I lost weight first but once the gall bladder was out...I gained weight! Ugh! You look awesome!

Kellie said...

I think you're awesome, with or without the sugar and fried foods! Other people PMSing make me feel better when I do it too, so no worries :)

scrapsidaisy said...

You go right ahead and show your firey side! That is what we love about you. After taking this nutrition class I can see now why you can't eat those foods without your gall bladder. It is a handy little thing when it comes to digestion!

Jeana said...

I still like that red dress, but you look great now!

Shauna said...

Man I wish I could lose 18 pounds. But with all the chocolate I eat... boy I am in trouble :)

Melissa said...

Congratulations on losing 18 pounds! You look fabulous!

Unknown said...

You look great :)

3 Bay B Chicks said...

18 pounds, Rachel?! Amazing. I am so, so happy for you. Your dedication has really paid off, too. You look fabulous!

Now if only this were possible without cutting out my most favorite three food groups. Someone should really work on that one.

-Wenda

PS: I took a closer look at your sidebar today and realized that we do not follow your blog. How is that possible? Let's correct this egregious oversight immediately, shall we?

Leslie Kay said...

You looked absolutely amazing at church today. I loved that you spoke to the kids - it was nice to see Brinlee sit up and listen. You're a blessing to know and be around. Way to go woman!

Melissa said...

You are looking fine! But don't come to my house, because cheese I can live without, but I am totally addicted to sugar. And I just got a deep-fat fryer. And it's also good to know that those coding mistakes are made. Now I feel justified in my indignance at having to pay so much that I don't really think I should have to pay. I don't think that was a real sentence that I just wrote back there. Good thing I'm not a writer :)

Anonymous said...

Ah, it's good to read you again, my friend. Even if you are complaining about poor customer service. Actually--ESPECIALLY if you're complaining about poor customer service. We've all been there, huh?

COngrats on your weight loss. You are beautiful. Me, I've GAINED 13 pounds since november. I really need to reign it in.