Update on EPTS for Ethan...

October 14, 2008

Cigna is insanely stupid!!! I suppose that is the nicest thing I could say about how I really feel. I've been trying to get an EPTS Tens 1000 by Acumed for Ethan since July. Finally after sending this paperwork, that letter, another letter from pcp, cpt code, hc pic code, diagnosis code... and everything else different they requested EACH AND EVERY time I called... they denied paying for the machine. I am so freaking mad! Come on, how stupid can they be? The machine cost 471.00 which includes tax and shipping and handling. I won't even weigh the benefits of this machine but just cost of machine vs botox shots every 3-4 months... or cost of machine vs rounds of serial casting... or better yet, the cost of machine vs surgery! AGGGGH! Stupid, stupid Cigna! I finally got so fed up that I called Acumed directly and ordered the machine. (back ground: EPTS machine was used during physical therapy on Ethan during the summer. The EPTS is a tens unit that releases the tension in the tendon/muscle.. not to mention all the other benefits it offers. Ethan's Achilles heel on right side is so incredibly tight that he walks on his tip toe on right side. Every time Ethan goes through a growth spurt his tendon gets that much tighter. I've seen personal results after only one use during our hour of physical therapy. Ethan walked with a flat foot! The results only last for the day... thus I asked for our orthopedic Dr to write me a script so I can use it daily. This machine will eliminate casting, botox, and surgery. Plus I can use this machine on Evan when he comes home.) Stupid, stupid, stupid Cigna. Cigna said I can dispute the denial which I am going to do. Cigna denied it based on the EPTS being "new technology." When I called to order the EPTS they said the first model was made over 8 years old and the new model has a new name. They even said that Medicare covers this machine. They are going to send me tons of research material and studies they conducted for my dispute claim. Stupid Cigna... big sigh! Machine should be here in about a week.