Day 74
Our oncologist has decided he wants a second opinion from another expert on how to proceed with treatment. He had tried to request an authorization for City of Hope, which is a very well known cancer center sponsored by the National Cancer Institution. Since I am under an HMO, there are many hoops we needed to jump through for such a referral to go through. Yesterday they told us that an approval was given to go to Loma Linda University for a evaluation. Even thought Loma Linda is a very good institution they are not as well known for cancer treatment compared to other hospitals. That was definitely very disappointing. It seemed like such an exciting idea to go to a great facility to receive another opinion. Jackie even called City of Hope for a cash quote. They quoted us 1035 for a consultation and needed a 700 deposit. We ended up calling the doctor and asked him in a very humble type of way “do you think the information from Loma Linda would be valuable to you.” I guess he was able to catch on so he sent another referral saying they want another hospital. I called our insurance company and without any sort of pause, the lady said we do not contract with UCLA or City of Hope. I realized insurance companies do not care about your health. They think only in money. If a patient were to die before treatment then that means more money in their pockets. Anyways, we are currently getting a different referral now to another contracted facility called Cedars Sinai. At least Cedars Sinai is ranked in the top 50 cancer hospitals in the U.S.
I must vent about the insurance a lot. In this world money is god and insurance is your wallet or purse. No matter how much money you have a lack of insurance and the right diagnosis can bankrupt you.