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Medical Bills & Expenses

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Im a believer!!! And I need your help please.

My name is Melissa Cottingham and I am an inspiring Director and Producer of Motion Pictures. I am originally from Memphis, TN and now reside in Los Angeles, CA of two years. I am an extremely hard worker with many goals to accomplish. My motivation comes from when my deceased mother would tell me how proud of me she was and that one day I would be on a billboard and winning awards. I am just someone who likes to live and not exist because life is short. I enjoy Boxing, golf and tennis in my free time.

About 11 years ago I dislocated my knee in gymnastics and it has popped out twice since then. I work in the film, tv, commercial and music video production industry which mostly requires long hours and standing the whole time. I think the 17 hr day/night shifts have started to wear on my knee. I was on set and my leg came from under me and I fell, it felt like my leg was no longer connected. I purchased a knee brace which gave me a little bit more support and took tension off of my leg. I continued to work regardless up until I physically couldn't stand anymore. In the past when my knee popped out, I could just bend it and it would pop back and Ill be good. This time. I cant apply any body weight on it, it burns, throbbing, I cant full extend it and I have the feeling when you try to pop your knee and cant. I have been off work for the past 3 weeks due to this injury and literally was dragging my leg before I purchased crutches off craigslist. I was referred to a clinic that accepts patients with no insurance and works in the film industry. The doctor I was appointed I felt was not as educated and experienced in the matter. She had X-rays taken and it showed nothing was fractured bone wise but she requested I get a MRI and suggested, not referred me, to a place that was $300 just to be seen. She also wrote me a letter saying I could return to work in a week. I literally dragged my leg in there to see her and was going to have to drag my leg out of there to get home. I also requested for her to fill out disability papers since I would now be out of work and she refused saying even though something may be torn in my knee she feels I can return to work. I researched orthopedics and sports medicine specialist with hopes of finding someone who specializes in knee injuries. When I called orthopedic sports medicine offices they too had $300 consultation fees and not to mention how much the MRI would cost. I applied for health insurance through the government and was given Medi-Cal health insurance. I was rejoicing because I could now go get this checked out. I called at least 50 orthopedic doctors and NO ONE accepted patients with Medi-Cal. After a continuous dead end and my knee getting worst by the day, I decided I would go to the hospital because I know they cant turn anyone away regardless. I went to Cedars Sinai ambulatory center and was examined by the physician. He feels I have a torn ligament, PCL, or ACL and feels I need a MRI ASAP. He stated he would make an order for me to have a MRI and he would refer me to their Orthopedic Specialist Center there in the hospital. I received a call today and the nurse told me because I have Medi-Cal health insurance I wont be able to get my MRI appointment for 9 weeks because its not life threatening. Also that their Orthopedic Center has a rule, they do not accept patients outside a 5 mile radius. 

My bills (rent, car note, car insurance, cell phone, and utilities)  total $1,600.00 a month. To see the Orthopedic Specialist it is a $300 consultation. For the MRI with the dye that thoroughly shows everything it will cost $1,200.00.

Your help is much appreciated so much!!
 

Be blessed!

Organizer

Melissa Cottingham
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA

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