Allergist appointment today and insurance vent!

We met our new allergist today, and I was very impressed. He saw Emily and our son, and we got some very good information for both of them. Emily was skin tested again today for corn, potatoes, soy, tomatoes, and peas. Although the last skin testing was all negative, she was positive for a corn allergy! NO WONDER she reacts to the emulsifiers in some of these formulas--they are corn derivatives! She is negative for soy, the allergist suggested that we try her on soy milk. If she can tolerate it, that could mean no more Neocate! This dr thinks there are 2 possibilities for what is causing Emily's troubles, and both of which she will outgrow. At best, she will outgrow it by age 2, at worst maybe at 4 or 5.

The allergist highly recommended two pediatric GIs in the area, and I am going to call tomorrow to see if Emily can get in to see one of them sooner than the other one. Apparently, these doctors work closely together--which will be a nice change of pace for us. I am pretty tired of hearing conflicting information between all of these specialists!

Our new insurance company is denying coverage for Neocate. I called the company to appeal the decision. The woman on the phone told me that it is just not a covered benefit. I asked why. She said she didn't know and repeated that it is just not a covered benefit and that I could appeal, but it wouldn't make any difference. I explained that Neocate is a medical food--not jsut an infant formula--only to be used under the direction of a doctor, and here's what she said in response (paraphrased):

Some drs prescribe things that are not covered by your insurance. If your child has asthma and the dr tells you that jumping on a trampoline will open his lungs, the trampoline is not a covered benefit on this insurance.

So, okay. It took all my restraint to remain courteous, but I did somehow.