I just don't want to be stressed out this year. Okay, I don't know anyone who wakes up and says, "I'd really like to be stressed out right now." Over the last few years, I've been able to identify lots of things that cause stress for me, that I can sort of control. I like things planned out (I plan my spontaneous time). I like to know where my family is at all times. I like to know how much things will cost, what will I need, where am I going. I like my plans to go "as planned". I like to be on time. I prefer that YOU are also on time, early is okay, late makes my pulse race. I do not like when people stand too close to me. I am not a fan of "foolishness" as my friend Gwen says. (It does sound much nicer than stupid idiots!) There are lots of other things too, but I understand that I can't change the people around me, I can only change my reaction to them. I really want to work hard at that this year because it keeps me healthier and obviously, happier!
With that as background, I got up this morning to head to my endocrinologist appointment that I made months ago. I had an early appointment so that the doctor wouldn't be running late. New insurance went into effect yesterday, so I needed to find out what was covered and how much I would be paying. Hours on the computer yesterday had not really enlightened me on the costs that would accompany my visit, so I called the insurance company.
"No ma'am. Seeing the endo..., um, ...specialist is a office visit, not a maintenance appointment. I know what our website says, but it is wrong."
"Well, I can't tell you what they are going to charge you for this appointment. But, they aren't allowed to charge any more than our contracted price."
"No, I don't know what the contracted price is. I don't have that information, yet. Maybe I will have it next week, but you can just ask the doctor. They'll be able to tell you."
That went well. I already had a pretty decent idea that the doctor's office would be able to tell me how much it would cost, but it is a little alarming that the insurance company doesn't have the information. I took a really deep breath and decided it just didn't matter. I can't change that lady. Screaming at her, getting her supervisor, nope, not going to help. The deep breath wasn't really working, so I rolled the window down. Cold rain and fresh air made all the difference. By the time I got to the doctor's office, my blood pressure was back down to normal. I know, they checked!
Back home, I calmly relayed to the girls that they were not going anywhere or having anyone over until they had their rooms clean. (To MY standards) This was a big one, it shouldn't be, but it was. My girls are notoriously rebellious over foolish things. However, when the question came about the movie and my answer was, "Nothing, until the rooms are clean." They seemed to acknowledge that I was serious. One got very busy, while the other got into the shower. While they did that, I tinkered with the Christmas ornaments.
Off to the dentist for the mess mouth. We just found this dentist last week, but oh what a find! Julie, the office manager, really gets me! She gives me a detailed breakdown of our costs as soon as she is able. If she can do it before the appointment, she does. If not, she does it as quickly as possible, so I don't have to deal with those sorts of surprises. Happily, we left the appointment with a cost breakdown for our next four appointments and only a short list of procedures that has to happen soon. By finding an office that works so well with me, a potential HUGE stress pit was totally fine! How fantastic!
I know, only two days in to the year, but this is what I need. I am not going to keep every day this low on the stress meter, but every time I can keep the levels down, it is a winning day for me!
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