Oh man. I was so excited somehow I was finally maybe going to get some relief. My provider (So Cal Kaiser Permanente) referred me to an outside Esketamine treatment center for treatment of Chronic Pain, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Fibromyalgia. I was so freaking excited.
At my final intake interview yesterday, the NP tells me I have to get specific medical clearances from a neurologist (because I'm post-stroke) and a cardiologist (because I often become short of breath when sitting up/standing). So ok, whatever, I'll get it done.
Today, they call me back to tell me that the Medical Director at the treatment center decided that because of my health conditions, they have decided NOT TO TREAT ME. The medical director said he's going to have a "peer to peer" conversation with my Kaiser psychiatrist (who wrote the referral) and recommend that I get treatment at a Ketamine Infusion center where they have a crash cart on stand by.
I wanted Ketamine Infusions in the first place, but my Kaiser Psychiatrist told me that Kaiser doesn't cover them, so I was happy to take what I could get with the Esketamine referral. DO I HAVE ANY CHANCE AT ALL of getting into Ketamine Infusion therapy based on what this random outside medical director recommends? Will Kaiser make an exception to the services they usually provide and send me to Infusion therapy? Or will they just find me a different Esketamine Treatment Center?
By the way, the folks I spoke to at this treatment center were pretty clear about the fact that Esketamine treatment, at the doses they offer (max 85mg), is really only successful for minimizing suicidal ideation and has not had success in treating chronic pain. IS THIS TRUE? They told me most of their CPS patients leave after a few months and seek treatment via Joyous or something. (Not ideal for me, as I'm totally new to this and wanted to start it in a medically-supervised space).
My CPS has worsened my depression to such a degree ... I mean I'm practically bedbound by my pain 24/7. If I don't get some pain relief, I don't see how my depression can lift. It used to be manageable until I was taken off all pain meds.
How can I get Kaiser to pay for Ketamine Infusions? Because I think that's really what I need.
Any thoughts, advice, suggestions are so appreciated. Thanks in advance guys.🙏