Deep Discount Perscription Card, Some Needed Help For The Uninsured, Limited Coverage Dahon Owner/User Options

[folder fanatic]

I know that health care might at first glance have no relationship with folding bikes-or Dahons for that matter. People who live in Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada, count your blessings and I ask for a few moments of your time to alert the people in the US who have limited private or no health insurance about a program I just signed up for. It may seem rather laughable to others, but a true help for limited income or broke people who don't qualify for even public assistance. Beside in a perverse sort of way or logic, if you are not healthy, you cannot enjoy your nice Dahon bike. Normally I don't tout any particular store or brand. But today something happened to me unexpectedly that was positive and helpful for an unemployed, struggling person such as I am in right now.

I have a serious dental problem. I went to my dentist today & received a prescription for Cipro, an extremely strong (and expensive) antibiotic as my left side of my cheek is very, very swollen. I went to Walgreens to fill the prescription. I stumbled on this discount card from Walgreens. For only 20 dollars a year, I alone get the benefits. For 35 dollars, even my pets are covered! It is a godsend for struggling people like me who are not on public assistance for health care. Or have animals that are close to your heart-that was even a bigger surprise to me!

The Cipro was very expensive at around 33 dollars. It was discounted down to only 9 dollars. So a huge aid for me. Even my sister who has health insurance would do well to have this card. Sometimes the co-pay or premium will absolutely kill you if the medical or dental problem won't.

https://webapp.walgreens.com/MYWCARDWeb/servlet/walgreens.wcard.proxy.WCardInternetProxy/RxSavingsRH?erule=prescription%20discount%20card

Some examples from the FAQ Page includes:

How much does the Prescription Savings Club cost?
Enrollment for an individual is only $20 a year - or just $35 a year for families. Family price includes spouse, dependents under the age of 23 and pets. Additional adult family members living in the same household, like a parent or grandparent, need to enroll separately at the individual rate.
Why is there an annual enrollment fee?
The fee enrolls you in an exclusive club that provides special discounts on prescriptions and rewards for purchases. Enrollment fees cover the administrative and maintenance expenses associated with the program.

If I already have insurance but want my uncovered drugs to be filled under the Prescription Savings Club, would the club be considered secondary insurance?
The Prescription Savings Club cannot be used in conjunction with other prescription drug insurance or discount cards on any one purchase. If the Prescription Savings Club has a lower price on your medication than your insurance or co-pay, you can use the club in place of your insurance. Of course you can always use the club to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by your insurance. Having other prescription drug coverage does not disqualify you from enrolling in the Prescription Savings Club unless it is a publicly funded health care program.

Is the Prescription Savings Club a substitute for prescription insurance?

This program is not an insurance plan. However, if you do not have insurance, have prescriptions that may be excluded by your insurance plan or not covered because you have exceeded your insurance plan's maximum, or your co-pays are too high, this program can save you and your family significant money on your prescription needs.

Thank You All For Your Patience And Understanding. Because I was able to afford the Cipro, I hope to ride my Dahon Boardwalk & Piccolo again soon! If you forgive me, I have to log off. I feel a bit tired.

[Steveroot]

Ciprofloxacin is an antimicrobial that has limited use in dentistry. It is not very effective against the anaerobic bacteria which commonly are involved in serious dental infections. As an endodontist (you know, root canals...), I *never* prescribe ciprofloxacin. One reason is the cost; once, years ago, I had a patient for whom I prescribed an expensive antibiotic. A week later, the patient returned much improved. I said, "I guess the antibiotic worked", and the patient said "No... it was $80 so I didn't buy it." That was an epiphany for me, I can tell you.

Most dental infections respond well to penicillin V potassium or amoxicillin. Severe infections generally get clindamycin, or I add metronidazole (Flagyl) to the penicillin/amoxicillin because those are synergistic. People who are allergic to penicillin can have clindamycin, erythromycin or clarithromycin (Biaxin). There are others, but I would say 95% of my infected patients do well on one of these, all of which are inexpensive except for clindamycin (Cleocin) and Biaxin.

I'm not telling you this to disagree with your dentist; you may have special circumstances. What I *would* recommend is to get the essential problem fixed, as the antibiotic will only palliate the problem and not cure it.

Good Luck!
Steve

[Wild Bird]

Ciprofloxacin is an antimicrobial that has limited use in dentistry.

Most dental infections respond well to penicillin V potassium or amoxicillin. Severe infections generally get clindamycin, or I add metronidazole (Flagyl) to the penicillin/amoxicillin because those are synergistic. People who are allergic to penicillin can have clindamycin, erythromycin or clarithromycin (Biaxin). There are others, but I would say 95% of my infected patients do well on one of these, all of which are inexpensive except for clindamycin (Cleocin) and Biaxin.

Absolutely spot on, bang on advice from an expert! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

'Cipro' is best for some Respiratory (lung and chest) infections, Urinary Tract Infections, ie: Prostatitis and other Urinary Infections which reveal the need, also prescribed by Urologists, used also for Septicemia and Gonorrhea!

The good news is that if you take the Cipro you have been prescribed, it will clear up the 'Clap'! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

I applaud Steve's self restraint!

The dentist who prescribed you Cipro is a clown, and I can't believe what I read!
If possible change Dentist would be my advice!

Cipro is a big gun in the world of antibiotics, and not to be prescribed lightly.

I wish you well, and a speedy return to full health! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Wild Bird
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Steveroot]

'Cipro' is best for some Respiratory (lung and chest) infections, Urinary Tract Infections, ie: Prostatitis and other Urinary Infections which reveal the need, also prescribed by Urologists, used also for Septicemia and Gonorrhea!

Plus, it will take care of your anthrax! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

I don't know that I'd be so quick to condemn the dentist. There may be a temptation to use the latest "designer drug" (thank you, pharmaceutical sales reps!), but I think often the more severe the presenting infection, the more likely something with a long name will be prescribed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
It could be a latent desire to impress the patient... I think I could plead guilty to yielding to this in my early years.

WB, are you in healthcare? Just curious.

Meanwhile, we hope FF is on the mend; sounds like a root canal treatment or an extraction may be in order.
Steve

[Keith C. Johns]

Wow you guys really gave Folder Fanatic more than she ever expected--what a real resource of knowledgeable people we have here on this forum! My commendations!

I want to thank Folder Fanatic for alerting low income people without health insurance (I too am in this category) of this plan. I think other pharmacies probably offer similar incentives, so it would be wise to ask.

And health care IS of prime concern for cyclists, both to maintain our ability to cycle, and due to the risk of being in a serious accident while riding a bike no matter how careful we are. It is a factor in all the risks we take as cyclists.

I was prescribed a topical anti-fungal cream which turned out to be something like $75 for a small tube even at a discount pharmacy. So I called the dermatologist and asked if there was an acceptable generic cream that would do the job. He told me, Yes, but it would take twice as much of it to do the job. He mentioned the type to look for and I ended up buying a tube for $5! Even if it took ten times as much I would have been saving money! I think it is important that people who are have to shell out of pocket for their own meds should always ask if there is a generic drug which can be substituted at lower cost.

I think one of the reasons, perhaps THE reason that health care costs have ballooned in the US in recent decades is the fact that "someone else" is paying for it. Of course the costs come home to roost when we have to pay for our insurance coverage. Until there are grass roots checks on costs by people where the rubber meets the road, there will always be skyrocketing costs for drugs and tests, far in excess of the actual costs to manufacture these drugs. If more people refused to buy the $75 drug but instead substituted one for $5, the drug companies would have to curb their greed.

[HGR3inOK]

... what a real resource of knowledgeable people we have here on this forum! My commendations! ...

IMHO, this topic supports the need for a "Not Dahon/Cycling Related" area. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[Wild Bird]

There may be a temptation to use the latest "designer drug" (thank you, pharmaceutical sales reps!),

The above thought of yours did cross my mind Steve!

In the context of temptation and medical rep's!

I once came across female medical rep who used "Unfair sales aids" when promoting company products to G.Ps. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Need I say more? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

On that note.

Along with a further confirmation of my admiration of your prescribing regime, I shall fly off on the winds of anonymity! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Cheers
Wild Bird.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[folder fanatic]

Ciprofloxacin is an antimicrobial that has limited use in dentistry. It is not very effective against the anaerobic bacteria which commonly are involved in serious dental infections. As an endodontist (you know, root canals...), I *never* prescribe ciprofloxacin. One reason is the cost; once, years ago, I had a patient for whom I prescribed an expensive antibiotic. A week later, the patient returned much improved. I said, "I guess the antibiotic worked", and the patient said "No... it was $80 so I didn't buy it." That was an epiphany for me, I can tell you.

Most dental infections respond well to penicillin V potassium or amoxicillin. Severe infections generally get clindamycin, or I add metronidazole (Flagyl) to the penicillin/amoxicillin because those are synergistic. People who are allergic to penicillin can have clindamycin, erythromycin or clarithromycin (Biaxin). There are others, but I would say 95% of my infected patients do well on one of these, all of which are inexpensive except for clindamycin (Cleocin) and Biaxin.

I'm not telling you this to disagree with your dentist; you may have special circumstances. What I *would* recommend is to get the essential problem fixed, as the antibiotic will only palliate the problem and not cure it.

Good Luck!
Steve

Thank you, Steve. I was a bit surprise myself. But my dentist was very concerned when he x-ray ed my tooth and compared to the last one taken less than 2 years ago. Then, the root was fine. Not it is a major problem. I thought that it was something I did or did not do. That is not the case. I am 1 year older than Michael Jackson was. So I do think my body is simply falling apart like his was. I am taking a series of photos (starting today) that will help me see my poor body actually heal itself. I realize that dentistry and medical science has come a long way. But it does not stop the aging process, plus I really don't expect it to do so. It does slow it down some. Plus doing and eating healthy and practice good habits like riding bikes helps greatly too.

Ciprofloxacin is an antimicrobial that has limited use in dentistry.

Most dental infections respond well to penicillin V potassium or amoxicillin. Severe infections generally get clindamycin, or I add metronidazole (Flagyl) to the penicillin/amoxicillin because those are synergistic. People who are allergic to penicillin can have clindamycin, erythromycin or clarithromycin (Biaxin). There are others, but I would say 95% of my infected patients do well on one of these, all of which are inexpensive except for clindamycin (Cleocin) and Biaxin.

Absolutely spot on, bang on advice from an expert! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

'Cipro' is best for some Respiratory (lung and chest) infections, Urinary Tract Infections, ie: Prostatitis and other Urinary Infections which reveal the need, also prescribed by Urologists, used also for Septicemia and Gonorrhea!

The good news is that if you take the Cipro you have been prescribed, it will clear up the 'Clap'! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

I applaud Steve's self restraint!

The dentist who prescribed you Cipro is a clown, and I can't believe what I read!
If possible change Dentist would be my advice!

Cipro is a big gun in the world of antibiotics, and not to be prescribed lightly.

I wish you well, and a speedy return to full health! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Wild Bird
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Don't worry, Wild Bird. I have every confidence of my particular dentist. He was a student of my family's previous dentist (who was a USC teaching dentist & lecturer) before he retired around 20 years ago and graduated from the same USC School Of Dentistry. My family has been going to both dentists for a combined almost 50 years. He has already extracted my nasty lower wisdom tooth and will end up extracting another lower opposite one later on. I only had to take the over-the-counter Ibuprofen that he recommended then. That is why I think we are both so concerned now. I am already responding to the present medication as I don't feel so tired and run down today (which is dangerous condition for me to be in right now with the H1N1 Flu floating around here & there is no vaccine for me). Antibiotics Do Not stop viruses so it is worthless for fighting Influenza, but the nasty infection that is within my body only. This will help rebuild my immune system back (I hope) in time. The swelling has not noticeably changed yet, but to be fair, I only started taking it yesterday.

'Cipro' is best for some Respiratory (lung and chest) infections, Urinary Tract Infections, ie: Prostatitis and other Urinary Infections which reveal the need, also prescribed by Urologists, used also for Septicemia and Gonorrhea!

Plus, it will take care of your anthrax! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

I don't know that I'd be so quick to condemn the dentist. There may be a temptation to use the latest "designer drug" (thank you, pharmaceutical sales reps!), but I think often the more severe the presenting infection, the more likely something with a long name will be prescribed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
It could be a latent desire to impress the patient... I think I could plead guilty to yielding to this in my early years.

WB, are you in healthcare? Just curious.

Meanwhile, we hope FF is on the mend; sounds like a root canal treatment or an extraction may be in order.
Steve

You are right, Steve. I have a major decision about the next step as the antibiotic will only grant me a reprieve for now. I have to decide whether or not to keep this tooth by Thursday morning's check-up. It is an important tooth as it is the left #20 lower Molar one. It is also has intact mirror teeth still on top to allow me to chew. While I had an couple of necessary extractions done as an adult, I take saving teeth seriously, as far as I know, dentistry cannot grow new adult teeth yet. Unless there is something financially that I am missing, I feel confident that the new austere budget that I am drawing up will allow me to keep my tooth, have the root canal & even a new cap. But I must decide very soon as I miss my bikes (I can't be out in the sun right now without my umbrella and gloves, and I think I make a poor patient-I serve others, not the other way around).

I am beginning to look at this in a different light. I better keep this tooth as I expect to survive World War III, a bacterial terrorist attack, or anything else that is thrown at me!

Wow you guys really gave Folder Fanatic more than she ever expected--what a real resource of knowledgeable people we have here on this forum! My commendations!

I want to thank Folder Fanatic for alerting low income people without health insurance (I too am in this category) of this plan. I think other pharmacies probably offer similar incentives, so it would be wise to ask.

And health care IS of prime concern for cyclists, both to maintain our ability to cycle, and due to the risk of being in a serious accident while riding a bike no matter how careful we are. It is a factor in all the risks we take as cyclists.

I was prescribed a topical anti-fungal cream which turned out to be something like $75 for a small tube even at a discount pharmacy. So I called the dermatologist and asked if there was an acceptable generic cream that would do the job. He told me, Yes, but it would take twice as much of it to do the job. He mentioned the type to look for and I ended up buying a tube for $5! Even if it took ten times as much I would have been saving money! I think it is important that people who are have to shell out of pocket for their own meds should always ask if there is a generic drug which can be substituted at lower cost.

I think one of the reasons, perhaps THE reason that health care costs have ballooned in the US in recent decades is the fact that "someone else" is paying for it. Of course the costs come home to roost when we have to pay for our insurance coverage. Until there are grass roots checks on costs by people where the rubber meets the road, there will always be skyrocketing costs for drugs and tests, far in excess of the actual costs to manufacture these drugs. If more people refused to buy the $75 drug but instead substituted one for $5, the drug companies would have to curb their greed.

That is why I posted this topic right here on our folding bike forum. I am not able to enjoy my bikes right now. I did not realize how connected we are to our physical bodies. If the body is not healthy, you cannot ride the bike. So I do think this is worth other's time or I would not have bothered to post it here. I will let the untouched photo of my unmade up lower face below allow all of you the opportunity to grasp the connection for yourselves.

Attached File(s)

 Day_2.jpg ( 19.57K ) Number of downloads: 12

 

[Steveroot]

IMHO, this topic supports the need for a "Not Dahon/Cycling Related" area. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

True. Sorry for keeping it alive. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Steve

[Steveroot]

I will let the untouched photo of my unmade up lower face below allow all of you the opportunity to grasp the connection for yourselves.

That looks like a buccal space abscess. Tooth #20 is a lower second premolar, BTW. Keep in touch with your dentist, and be sure to let him know if you start running a fever or feeling "bad". I hope you are better soon.
Steve

[webmaster]

Hi folder fanatic,

I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from a very serious dental problem. As moderator to this forum, I am closing this thread since this topic is way off from folding bicycles.

I am happy to see the concern and the wealth of information the members of our forum family have provided to you. What a great community.

I do hope that you get better soon.