BG Medical Random Question Thread

[kuronosan]

Yes. It would be in the operative note as they're required to document exactly who did the procedure and if anyone else was present or assisted.

[Talus]

The funny thing about brief operative notes is the section for anesthesia frequently doesn't have our name, might just say something like "general anesthesia" or "GETA" or "general anesthesia and local. But like above, if another surgeon is assisting or there's surgical first assist, or fellow/resident/intern, it'll be documented, and there's usually language about how it was necessary to have them present to assist (even if they did do several non-key parts of the procedure like closing incisions).

[Meresgi]

Thanks Kuro and Tal, mom got in with a cardiologist in Glens Falls thankfully who was there in the ICU and was very friendly so hoping she'll get good news next week when she sees him. My buddy down in DC also goes to one of the top cardiologists for John Hopkins and his family have been going for years, so talked to him about maybe getting my mom in for a 2nd opinion too once i'm situated in MD and can drive her down.

[archibaldcrane]

Does anyone else have an HSA or FSA debit card through their insurance? I'm working on a project and I need to better understand under what circumstances using one of these cards is declined (because the purchase isn't a qualifying medical expense).

I have an HSA card through Fidelity that I've been using for years and have never had Fidelity question a single charge. If you have had a charge rejected (or never have), let me know the circumstances.

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[kuronosan]

I've only ever had it rejected if the company was trying to run it as debit. My HSA has an app that lets me scan any barcode or item and it'll tell me whether it's covered or not.

[Meresgi]

Does anyone else have an HSA or FSA debit card through their insurance? I'm working on a project and I need to better understand under what circumstances using one of these cards is declined (because the purchase isn't a qualifying medical expense).

I have an HSA card through Fidelity that I've been using for years and have never had Fidelity question a single charge. If you have had a charge rejected (or never have), let me know the circumstances.

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Never had the charge itself declined, I believe it will go through no matter what I believe but it's on your taxes end of year if you ended up using your HSA for something else. As for FSA I know there are a lot of lists and other things but I think still you can use it 100% of the time, but if you're buying candy with your HSA card then IRS will come calling.

[Byrthnoth]

Thirding "never declined" but I also only try to buy stuff with it that it should cover.

[Tyche]

I never have been declined and I have absolutely bought shit I was not supposed to on accident. Nothing ever came of it. My HSA is managed by Health Equity, which I think is a Bankcorp subsidiary.

[Byrthnoth]

Apparently the account administrator (the bank) is not liable if you use it for something inappropriate, so it is a pretty safe bet that there are no guardrails and whatever you buy is between you and the IRS

[jelkwaz]

I never have been declined and I have absolutely bought shit I was not supposed to on accident. Nothing ever came of it. My HSA is managed by Health Equity, which I think is a Bankcorp subsidiary.

I've never had mine declined, but mine will only pay for things it's eligible for.

So like at Kroger if I'm buying medicine and checking out with the medicine and groceries at the same time and I use the HSA debit card it will only cover the medicine and give me a remaining balance for the groceries. Mine's through Anthem so idk if theirs work differently than others.

[archibaldcrane]

Thank you all, this is my understanding as well. Very helpful.

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[Melena]

Does anyone else have an HSA or FSA debit card through their insurance? I'm working on a project and I need to better understand under what circumstances using one of these cards is declined (because the purchase isn't a qualifying medical expense).

I have an HSA card through Fidelity that I've been using for years and have never had Fidelity question a single charge. If you have had a charge rejected (or never have), let me know the circumstances.

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I have one. Ironically enough, the only time I have it declined is buying Meclizine over the counter at Kaiser.

My understanding is the POS systems have to have the items flagged as FSA eligible. Typically though, I do have to submit receipts/prescriptions if it's something over the counter, like the insoles I have to use on my shoes, or my eye exams. If I go to walmart and get FSA eligible stuff there, I swipe that card first, it pays the FSA eligible stuff, and it leaves the remaining balance for me to pay normally.

[archibaldcrane]

Yeah I think FSA cards are much more restrictive, like food stamps, while HSAs are "that's between you and the IRS, you can charge whatever"

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[Meresgi]

Yeah I think FSA cards are much more restrictive, like food stamps, while HSAs are "that's between you and the IRS, you can charge whatever"

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Yeah this sounds about right, roommate had an FSA they had to burn through end of last year since they put too much $$ into it and they were struggling to find stuff that would accept the card.

[Melena]

I have to up mine starting next year. $500 just isn't enough for glasses, eye exam, and my meds. Adderall is only 1 month supplies, and my copay on that is 15 as is. So that's already 1/3 of what I was withholding to begin with.

[Talus]

I have to up mine starting next year. $500 just isn't enough for glasses, eye exam, and my meds. Adderall is only 1 month supplies, and my copay on that is 15 as is. So that's already 1/3 of what I was withholding to begin with.

The HSA contributions also lower your taxable income (at a maximum contribution of $4300 for self/$8550 for family in 2025). I know that's a lot of money to a lot of people but it can make a difference for some.

[Dimmauk]

Anyone take GLP 1 injections? Any tips on this process?
When is a good time of the day to start? Can you take the medicine if you're sick with flu or sinus infection?

[kuronosan]

You can, but it might make you want to throw up.

Generally I'd advise taking it the same time every day. Some people do better with food, others do better on empty stomachs. If you feel unbearable nausea or really fatigued you should call your doctor and/or check your blood sugar.

[Dimmauk]

I think I'll wait for the weekend since I'm commuting to Austin all week. I want to be comfortable, just in case of random possible side effects

[archibaldcrane]

I think I'll wait for the weekend since I'm commuting to Austin all week. I want to be comfortable, just in case of random possible side effects

Just start low dose if you are controlling it. It's easy to titrate up as side effects allow.

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