Doctor's Appointment and Insurance Frustrations

My yearly oncology appointment was due in March. I had it yesterday. All is well physically. Not so well dealing-with-insurance-wise. It is a very long story, but the condensed version goes something like this:

I contacted the base referrals office, told them what I needed and who I see. A week or so later they sent a referral for another location much closer to home... hmmm. Cool? I like closer to home, although I don't see the point in changing doctors. Call for appointment. There is no one at this practice who can help me--they specialize in other cancers. This is exactly what happened last year, although they were closer to what I needed this year. Last year I was referred to a hematologist. This year it was a breast cancer doctor....

Anyway, I call the referrals office, who tells me I must call Tricare directly and have them correct the problem. It took five phone calls from me between the Insurance Company and the doctor's office before they were satisfied that the doctor was still taking the insurance (seriously, shouldn't the insurance company's computer system have that info at their fingertips?) and that he would accept me as a patient (why wouldn't he? I am already his patient). When I asked "What do I need to do to avoid this problem next year?" I was told "You can't." Seems it happens all the time. I feel really badly for people whose cancer is life-threatening. How do they deal with this on a continual basis?

The doctor's office wouldn't make an appointment until they had a copy of the referral in their office...so a week or two later, I call to find out if they have it. They do not. Damn! Call Tricare, who tells me all three prior phone calls had been noted in their system, although no one actually DID what they said they would do! SO she transferred me to 'Medical Management' because the issue was not being resolved. The woman there took forever, but actually did solve the problem -- although I have to say I am not impressed with lack of training these people receive. I gave her the name, address, facility name and phone number of the doctor they sent me to last year--and she told me she could not refer me to him because he is an Oncologist/Gynecologist Obstetrician. I was the one who told her 'he needs to be.' Finally got the appointment. Three days later I get a letter from the doctor, telling me he is leaving for California in June. I will need a new doctor next time. Argh.

More bullets

• Cold water pipes now complete (I believe). The man amazes me.
• Lots of yard work done yesterday while Tom worked on pipes. LOTS more to do.
• Have had five companies come look at some tree work we need done. I am amazed at the difference in price! One company turned down the work, and between the highest and lowest of the other four, there is about $5,000.00 difference!
• Lily was a joy to have visit this week--she was lots of fun for both me and Grandpa.
• Ryan had a fabulous report card. When I suggested I take him out for an ice-cream sundae to celebrate, he said thoughtfully, "I think you should buy me...a car!" Pretty sure he was going for the laugh. At least I hope so!
• Planning a theatre evening with some friends from SHAPE. One of them is appearing as 'Abigail Williams' in The Crucible, and we will be attending the show with our Director from SHAPE. Very cool. We are looking forward to it.
• Both my kids had birthdays this past week--Happy Birthday, Jenny and TJ! Then there are my nephew's wife's (Michelle)birthday, as well as their lovely daughter Laura, my niece's husband Dan, my other niece's husband Travis celebrated yesterday, both my parents were earlier in the month, and Tom's mother's birthday is Tuesday. April seems to be THE month for birthdays!

Catch up in bullets

• Easter Sunday: hosted the family here for Easter. 20 adults, 3 kids, 3 dogs, egg hunt, cold cuts, pickled eggs, deviled eggs, veggie tray, fruit tray, cole slaw, sauteed mushrooms, cheesecake, Dutch crumb apple pie, orange-pineapple cream cake...beautiful weather and a good time had by all.
• Monday: took leftovers and a green salad to Mom and Dad. Mom wasn't feeling well, so this meant they didn't have to cook. I stayed for dinner and shared a nice visit.
• Roses and coffee from Tom: he stopped by the Fort Meade Commissary to pick up groceries for an event at work, and at the same time got me 6 cans of the cappuccino I like that is not available at our commissary AND some beautiful pink roses that smell heavenly! I'm so lucky.
• Pre-school Reading: Wednesday was my last day for this school year. I enjoyed it, each time. I will probably do it again next year.
• Dog-sitting for the weekend: Jodi went to SC to see her parents, and TJ had very long hours at work. Lola would have been in her crate for 20 - 23 hours a day. Not good. I agreed to keep them here. They keep me busy, but I definitely agree with the Peanuts quote "Happiness is a warm puppy."
• Tom working on pipes: Tom replaced all the hot water pipes, because the old ones were beginning to spring leaks now and again. The acidic water was wearing out the metal. Tom is putting in PVC.
• Orioles game: when I bought 2 Orioles tickets for Mom to give Dad for their 60th Anniversary, I secretly bought 4 extras. The game was yesterday, and Jay and Ryan joined Tom and me to surprise them at the park. Unfortunately, Mom wasn't well enough to come with Dad, but Tommy took her place. We met Dad on the platform at the Light Rail Station (and Tom's mother, too!) but Tommy was late, so Dad sent us ahead. He didn't seem to realize the surprise until they arrived at their seats on the Club Level of the park, and we were there. Watching the ball game with Ryan was lots of fun. He liked everything except losing. Says he'll go again if we can promise the Os will win. :)
• After the game, we had Chinese food picnic-style at our house. It was lovely-nice weather, good food and family. What more can you ask for?