Self Advocacy At Work

The woman was so ill that at one time she weighed only 87 pounds and could not leave her house. All she wanted was a chance to see her own doctor, an expert in the condition that was making her so ill: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). Her private insurance carrier had denied her request. When she went to see her primary care physician, she had felt so ill that the nurse had to meet her outside in order to draw her blood. She just could not tolerate most doctors' offices or any other public place for that matter. She was sensitive to the chemicals in carpet and paint; pesticides and perfume made her ill. Even upholstered chairs and office machines caused reactions. But she would not give up.

She tried to find out what her rights were. She contacted Protection and Advocacy. She called up Dr. Ann McCampbell, a former physician who was also experiencing similar severe effects from chemicals in the environment. The women took her dilemma to the Superintendent of Insurance, Managed Care Bureau at the NM Public Regulation Commission. They agreed to hear her case. But, they requested that she see a doctor of their choosing.

The client called the recommended Doctor's office and asked a few questions. What kind of training had the Doctor received in treating conditions like hers? She learned that the doctor had not received any specialized training in treating patients with MCS. Was the office environmentally safe? She found out that there was no scent free policy in place. The office was new and had new wallpaper, carpeting, upholstered and vinyl chairs, all potential sources of noxious chemical fumes.

She promptly wrote a letter to the Medical Director of her insurance plan outlining the information that she had documented carefully. She stated her intent to present these facts at the upcoming hearing that she would attend by telephone. Within just a few days, she received a letter from her health care provider. Her request to see an out-of-network doctor had been approved! The letter said she could see her specialist for the next 12 months for routine and preventative health care. This is just one example of how someone, armed with information and filled with determination to receive the benefits that they may require, can prevail.