On Tuesday, we have our first meeting with a doctor who is going to do an autism evaluation for the J-man. I’m of 2 minds about this: I’m afraid to go forward, because I worry that he will come back with a diagnosis of autism… but I’m also looking forward to it, because one way or another, we will know something at the end. The first meeting is actually just for the parents – it’s not until March that J-man will actually meet up with the doctor for a two-hour evaluation. We haven’t had the best luck with the county evaluators at this point – one that occurred in our home had the doctor actually yelling at my son. That’s part of the reason we’re going with a private practice this time, even though that means we have to pay $1400 out-of-pocket.

I’m afraid, and I’m excited. Reminds me of worrying about labor…

Last year’s health care spending orgy will stand another year as the fastest ever to our $2,200 deductible. J-Man’s two-day hospital visit for the norovirus vomit-fest last February assured its place in history.

That said, we’re pretty close already. We’re doing Rx roulette right now to figure out the right order to submit our prescriptions to get the least out-of-pocket costs. Once we go over the deductible, $600 medications suddenly turn into $35. Woot! (pathetic as that is…)

Thank God for flexible spending accounts. We’re essentially borrowing against future contributions into it at no interest. It’s sad that we fully expect to soak our $5,000 annual contribution to it well before the end of the year.

Next week’s autism evaluation should help that out…