Loop recorder implantation, and Shingrix

I called my insurance company (Medicare Advantage plan) about the procedure to implant the loop recorder. They quoted me a copay amount of $295. That’s the same cost as the (not yet rescheduled) echocardiogram.

I reached out to the doctor who suggested the ILR to ask if he has a preference as to which I do first. For that copay, I will have to do one in February and one in March. Until I get a response to that, I will wait to schedule either procedure. I’m not excited about that cost, but “needs must”, as the phrase goes.

I just got a response from the doctor’s office, while typing this up. Echo first, continue using my smartwatch to monitor until I can get the ILR.

Later this afternoon, I am getting my second dose of the Shingrix vaccine. As usual, I will walk down to the pharmacy. It’s a roughly one mile round-trip. That first dose kicked my butt. And from what I’ve heard through the grapevine, the second dose is worse. Tomorrow might be fun. Oh well, needs must.

Tags: Cardiac Health, ILR, ImplantableLoopRecorder, Medicare, NeedsMust, Shingrix