Aetna Prednisone Decline?

[vic120]

I just had a Declined for med supp because of prednisone. I called Told them The Client only takes 1 Anxiety med and had taken prednisone when she had the flu a month ago for a few days, However, she showed me it's on the decline drug list for any reason,

I was Dumfounded

Can this be real?. I mean don't most people take that if they get very sick with Flu or whatever, I know I have been prescribed many times, Even my Sons have been prescribed in the past, It seems like its as common as antibiotics So what gives?

 

[goillini52]

I just had a Declined for med supp because of prednisone. I called Told them The Client only takes 1 Anxiety med and had taken prednisone when she had the flu a month ago for a few days, However, she showed me it's on the decline drug list for any reason,

I was Dumfounded

Can this be real?. I mean don't most people take that if they get very sick with Flu or whatever, I know I have been prescribed many times, Even my Sons have been prescribed in the past, It seems like its as common as antibiotics So what gives?

"What does prednisone do to your body?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It also suppresses the immune system. ... Prednisone treats many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders."

Lots of companies won't take it. Lumico and Atlantic Coast Life won't take it if they take over 10 mg a day. I didn't look at all of them.

 

[vic120]

Seems strange to me

They seem to prescribe it very often whenever there is a seasonal sickness that affects the chest

my 9-year-old as prescribed 3x in 4 years, He has no health conditions

it's just so common for non-serious things

Now how bad it is as you described I will think 2x next time before using But I doubt most people think about that if doc prescribes it they take it but its not in itself an indication of a health condition especially when its prescribbed for a one time 5 day supply

 

[Todd King]

Seems strange to me

They seem to prescribe it very often whenever there is a seasonal sickness that affects the chest

my 9-year-old as prescribed 3x in 4 years, He has no health conditions

it's just so common for non-serious things

Now how bad it is as you described I will think 2x next time before using But I doubt most people think about that if doc prescribes it they take it but its not in itself an indication of a health condition especially when its prescribbed for a one time 5 day supply

Wow! I'm in the dark ages or something. I've never seen one person (including myself with chronic bronchitis) ever be prescribed Prednisone for a common cold, flu, or anything except COPD (think more on the emphysema side). I know my mother was prescribed Prednisone for that reason. I've ran across others that take it...but all for COPD.

 

[vic120]

Wow! I'm in the dark ages or something. I've never seen one person (including myself with chronic bronchitis) ever be prescribed Prednisone for a common cold, flu, or anything except COPD (think more on the emphysema side). I know my mother was prescribed Prednisone for that reason. I've ran across others that take it...but all for COPD.

They usually prescribe with a decreasing dose over a 5 day period If I remember correctly take 3 pill day 1 and 2 then 2 pills day 2 and 3 then 1 pill days 4 and 5

My whole family has been prescribed at least twice since we moved to TN, Never got it in NY

If It were me I have a heart condition I would think maybe precaution,

But My wife and My oldest son Have no health conditions, and my youngest has only autism and everyone has been prescribed, Especially last year due to a bronchitis outbreak in this area

Also, most people won't mention when you ask what meds you take, I mean its a one and done with antibiotics you don't mention antibiotics so why would you mention prednisone in this situation

My client did not mention Aenta told me, I called her back she said Yea I took 5 day prescription with antibiotics because I was sick, I am already familiar with the situation personally, But Aetna does not want to hear it

 

[margostl]

I also had a client declined for prednisone, she took it for fluid in the ears following a cold.Atlantic Coast life underwriter stated auto decline if taken within the year any steroid.
This needs to be thrown out the window so ridiculous.

 

[goillini52]

I also had a client declined for prednisone, she took it for fluid in the ears following a cold.Atlantic Coast life underwriter stated auto decline if taken within the year any steroid.
This needs to be thrown out the window so ridiculous.

I wish these companies would follow their UW Guides!!! ACL says Prednsone (>10mg/day) for RA and COPD is a KO.

 

[Millwood]

Maybe the underwriter? I had something simailar happen with them. Lady type II diabetes. Declined didn't know why....called with client was told had diabetic neuropathy. Long story short had taken neurontin for shingles not diabetic neuropathy. Doctors letter and policy was issued.

 

[somarco]

Prednisone provides relief for inflamed areas of the body. It is used to treat a number of different conditions, such as inflammation (swelling), severe allergies, adrenal problems, arthritis, asthma, blood or bone marrow problems, endocrine problems, eye or vision problems, stomach or bowel problems, lupus, skin conditions, kidney problems, ulcerative colitis, and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). It works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.

Prednisone (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic

To get the most benefit from corticosteroid medications with the least amount of risk:

• Try lower doses or intermittent dosing. Newer forms of corticosteroids come in various strengths and lengths of action. Ask your doctor about using low-dose, short-term medications or taking oral corticosteroids every other day instead of daily.
• Switch to nonoral forms of corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids for asthma, for example, reach lung surfaces directly, reducing the rest of your body's exposure to them and leading to fewer side effects.
• Make healthy choices during therapy. When you're taking corticosteroid medications for a long time, talk with your doctor about ways to minimize side effects. Eat a healthy diet and participate in activities that help you maintain a healthy weight and strengthen bones and muscles.
• Consider taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. Long-term corticosteroid therapy may cause thinning bones (osteoporosis). Talk with your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to help protect your bones.
• Take care when discontinuing therapy. If you take oral corticosteroids for a long time, your adrenal glands may produce less of their natural steroid hormones. To give your adrenal glands time to recover this function, your doctor may reduce your dosage gradually. If the dosage is reduced too quickly, your adrenal glands may not have time to recover and you may experience fatigue, body aches and lightheadedness.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet. This or similar identification is recommended if you've been using corticosteroids for a long time.
• Get regular checkups. If you're taking long-term corticosteroid therapy, see your doctor regularly to check for side effects.

Prednisone and other corticosteroids: Balance the risks and benefits

 

[vic120]

Maybe the underwriter? I had something simailar happen with them. Lady type II diabetes. Declined didn't know why....called with client was told had diabetic neuropathy. Long story short had taken neurontin for shingles not diabetic neuropathy. Doctors letter and policy was issued.

That's what I was hoping for

but when I called to see what letter needs to say, they said decline no matter the dose or the reason So letter won't help