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GB_RN

(3,296 posts)
50. Deny, Deny, Deny...
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 08:10 PM
Dec 9

You are correct (I’m a nurse, so like the author, I get to experience all sides of the morass). My mom had a rare form of melanoma, called non-pigmented or amelanotic melanoma. It’s just what it sounds like. Like regular melanoma, it can have a decent five year survival rate. But like its darker sibling, it’s often found late - and for one big, glaringly obvious reason. Hers was found late. A few years ago, her doctor - a physician at Duke who is specialist* in her type of cancer - ordered a PET scan. Ironically, it was United Healthcare who had the state retiree’s insurance contract. A desk-goon, with absolutely no medical experience, denied the pre-clearance claim. Her doctor called to argue (which happens more than you might expect). For more than two hours, he fought this clown, but he wouldn’t budge. His reasoning was that 1) Mom had a PET scan earlier in the year and 2) she had…get this…melanoma (wow, that was a big fucking shock to us to hear that bit of breaking news🤦?♂️🙄 ). In support of statement 2, he said, “Melanoma is a skin cancer,” thus, no need for another scan. This assclown had NO goddamned clue. Skin cancer. How the fuck he thought skin cancer would be fatal - assuming he even thought it was often fatal - I seriously have not one goddamned clue.

These are the people making decisions about what treatment you can/cannot have, regardless of what your doctor says.

*Mom’s physician is an MD and PhD who does research into immunotherapy for cancers. Especially those that are or become non responsive to treatment. Why not chemo you ask? Chemo for melanoma, is worse than the disease on patients over the age of 70. So, it’s just not done. Immunotherapy offers the only hope for that patient population. And it’s expensive. Which means that unless you have a good insurance plan, good fucking luck. Better start your GoFundMe account now.

Sadly, Mom passed away a year ago, not quite three days after Thanksgiving (339 am, 11/26/23). But thanks to her doctor at Duke, we had 7 more years with her. I am NOT asking for donations, so please don’t think what I’m about to say next is begging for money. In honor of Mom, and as a way to thank her doctor, we set up an account with Duke, that would funnel donations directly to his research (researchers spend inordinate amounts of time trying to keep their funding up, applying for grants, etc.). We asked that in lieu of flowers or food, people make a donation to her memorial fund. Should anyone be interested in hearing about her doctor and his research, please feel free to contact me.

Recommendations

10 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

This country makes me fucking sick XanaDUer2 Dec 9 #1
Wonder if it is on purpose. Next stop long-term-care, and then end-of-life. erronis Dec 9 #3
There is no long term care unless you get long term care insurance- probably in kerry-is-my-prez Dec 10 #60
In one of the large Fla. cities near me, there is one of those nice facilities. I toured its website. allegorical oracle Dec 10 #61
Whoa! My bf and I are just praying we can keep safely living in his condo. kerry-is-my-prez Dec 10 #72
Of by and for the white man. onecaliberal Dec 9 #9
The stupid voters that allowed the orange fat felon back in the WH wolfie001 Dec 9 #13
For many, getting healthcare is a big gamble. Irish_Dem Dec 9 #2
When I first went on Medicare, I chose an advantage plan. Mid-way through the year, it allegorical oracle Dec 10 #62
I am on regular medicare. Irish_Dem Dec 10 #66
They play whack-a-mole on the drug plans as well. travelingthrulife Dec 10 #71
Sicko Johnny2X2X Dec 9 #4
SOP for insurers The Wizard Dec 9 #5
Deny, Deny, Deny... GB_RN Dec 9 #50
For profit health care is both immoral and obscene. The Wizard Dec 10 #70
The USA is a very backward country for getting health care. For-profit Corporations controlling it. IrishBubbaLiberal Dec 9 #6
This is wealth care,NOT health care. BattleRow Dec 9 #20
GOOD one. calimary Dec 10 #57
You forgot to add DENVERPOPS Dec 9 #23
And almost got Senate Majority Leader.. Evolve Dammit Dec 9 #29
All of his CABAL DENVERPOPS Dec 9 #36
I think you are right. Evolve Dammit Dec 9 #44
Medical care in the U.S.A. isn't all that great for people who have lots of money either. hunter Dec 9 #41
My mother-in-law died from leukemia that went untreated until it was too late Aristus Dec 9 #42
What amazes me is how all the wealthy people choose to have so much allegorical oracle Dec 10 #69
A duel-citizen British friend of mine needed surgery. Went to U.S. doctors and was told allegorical oracle Dec 10 #68
I had abdominal pains Old Crank Dec 9 #7
wow -- lucky you (regarding the bill, not having gall stones) nt orleans Dec 9 #10
I was about to say "impossible!" but then I saw the word "Euro" and thought "well, of course". nt eppur_se_muova Dec 9 #11
In Hungary Doodles Dec 9 #32
Whoops! Not in Hungary. Doodles Dec 9 #37
We had a friend who broke (cracked) her hip on Crete. Old Crank Dec 9 #40
My son was born in Prague. bamagal62 Dec 9 #53
Place your wagers ... healthy, wealthy, wise ... you could emerge with or without any or all three. bucolic_frolic Dec 9 #8
A lot of people say we can't afford Universal Health Care. patphil Dec 9 #12
"But, I want to be able to choose my own doctor." ECL213 Dec 9 #22
Yup. My doctor isn't taking my health insurance next year. Mariana Dec 9 #39
It down to whether health care is seen as a human right. ShazzieB Dec 9 #25
Not only that, I see it as an investment in the future of the country. patphil Dec 9 #43
Your point is well taken, and the money Mr. Mustard 2023 Dec 10 #63
Four guys worth a trillion dollars Aviation Pro Dec 9 #14
When it comes to healthcare in the US of A... 2naSalit Dec 9 #15
Not even. Tried to save the "baby" that was a nonviable fetus, and let the woman die... Hekate Dec 9 #16
The words that immediately jumped out at me: "In the United States health insurance is so extraordinarily complicated". bluesbassman Dec 9 #17
Like I've said: healthcare and capitalism don't mix DinahMoeHum Dec 9 #18
Thay are lying about healthcare companies Beck23 Dec 9 #19
Parts A and B are "original Medicare." You are talking about Medicare Supp, which costs an arm and a leg. valleyrogue Dec 10 #55
I have supplemental for $222/mth. It's not THAT expensive. kerry-is-my-prez Dec 10 #59
America's soul has long been corroded misanthrope Dec 9 #21
The trick is not to get sick...However you can do it...don't get sick..nt mitch96 Dec 9 #24
Insurance companies profit more when patients die faster IronLionZion Dec 9 #26
Unfortunately old people seem to be a profit center Beck23 Dec 9 #30
Long Term Care Insurance is a scam HappyLarge Dec 9 #54
Yes. evolves Dec 9 #34
If folks here knew how often this question is asked, they would be appallled Docreed2003 Dec 9 #27
We're all fucking scared of being denied coverage. It's the #1 cause of bankruptcy and anxiety for millions. Needs to Evolve Dammit Dec 9 #28
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have some proposals Beck23 Dec 9 #31
They have been the leading voices of rationality IMHO. We needed it 30 years ago. It just gets worse every year. Evolve Dammit Dec 9 #45
I'm also a physician, evolves Dec 9 #33
I have heard similarly from Docs and NP's in my med orbit. It's very disheartening. Congress is owned. Thanks Evolve Dammit Dec 9 #46
The CONservatives claim Medicare for All is Socialism LogDog75 Dec 9 #35
Any system wrhere most people havevto depend on their employer for their health care coverage is messed up. ShazzieB Dec 9 #38
I stopped going gypsy11 Dec 9 #47
You will never get Medicare for all or oldmanlynn Dec 9 #48
Funny that he thinks only he Meowmee Dec 9 #49
Medicare for all now. Clouds Passing Dec 9 #51
"Am I covered?" is not a question a sick person should ask. Aussie105 Dec 9 #52
My rheumatologist and my dad's former cardiologist are against anything that helps lower healthcare prices LeftInTX Dec 10 #56
Which is another reason why money in politics will end us. Passages Dec 10 #67
My husband's niece is an MD. She's GOP. LeftInTX Dec 10 #58
bean counters poozwah Dec 10 #64
The reasons we do not have universal healthcare is due to the lack of Passages Dec 10 #65
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