Healthy High Five for Voodoo Rx

While honeymooning in Jamaica, newly minted LRK came down with ear pain. It was the day before we were set to depart, so we wanted to get it taken care of prior to boarding a plane. We headed over to the resort nurse, who looked in the ear and declared it filled with water and infected. Very bad, painful flying, she exclaimed. She could not give us any medicine, but could summons the doctor (who could prescribe and provide medicine). The resortcall would run us about $135. We decided to go for it.

The doctor arrived about 45 minutes later. He looked in the ear, seemed unimpressed, said it was minor irritation, prescribed and handed us a packet of pills. He was rather interested in the upcoming Pennsylvania primary, though. Odd. Anyway, 5 minutes, $135.

We submitted the invoice to Highmark, our health care provider. Just because we were in Jamaica didn't mean they were off the hook. A few days ago we received an envelope with a check from Highmark for $120, reimbursing us for all but a $15 specialist's copay. Nice! But who knew Highmark considered voodoo doctor-y a specialty?


High five!