I'm a 4th year medical student, aspiring to become the best physician from an African university. This dream was almost shattered in May this year.
I had sudden onset "thunderclap" headache. Questioning subdural haemorrhage, my girlfriend rushed me to the ER. I went home with drugs but was taken back 2 days later with worsening headache. I was eventually admitted to ICU for pain management (I was put on Morphine). Tests were done and a diagnosis of viral encephalitis was made. I got better. Now, 3 months later, Discovery refuses to pay because they feel that I shouldn't have been admitted to the ICU, because the tests don't indicate encephalitis. Who are these people to second guess an experienced physician's call? 50% of the diagnosis is made on history and examination. They weren't there to see me? The physician sent them a motivation as well! According to medical sources, the tests (CT and LP) are normal in a percentage of patients presenting with encephalitis. Now I'm stuck having to worry where I'm going to get the money. Isn't this why we have medical aid? NOT to worry about things like this? If I died of respiratory arrest in the general ward, would they have paid then??
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