10 June 2023
I am really upset. Holy Cross has an app called MyChart. MyChart sends me email notices when there is something that needs my attention: forms to fill out, appointments, test results, etc. Today I received an email that said there was a new questionnaire available. I logged into MyChart and was confronted with 118 new appointments starting Monday the 12th for infusions, Magnesium, Clinic appointments, CBC Differential and a comprehensive metabolic panel. In essence, I’ve been scheduled for 2-3 hour appointments weekly until April 2025.
When I called, their phone system was inoperative and I couldn’t even leave a message for a return call. Later in the morning I managed to get to the voice mail of the hematology/oncology nurse for Dr. Arnaoult. About 2 pm, I got a return phone call from Inger who was subbing for the hematology/oncology nurse. She had no idea what I was talking about nor could she see the same screen at which I was looking.
I do remember Dr. Arnaoult coming by during my first infusion to inform me he was taking steps to keep me hydrated but that was the only thing he said. I’ve only recently come to grips with the idea of a total of 14 infusions of chemotherapy. I did not sign up for 118 other visits to Holy Cross for the next 2 years for treatment.
I can understand they would like to check my electrolytes and magnesium levels after the first infusion and to check if I were staying hydrated. However, why would they need to do this on a weekly basis other than my insurance will cover the treatments?
Here are the charges to Medicare from April 21-May 5, 2023
| DATE | CHARGE | CHARGED | MEDICARE APPOV |
| 4/21/2023 | Tissue Marker | $69.61 | $69.61 |
| Pathology | $880 | $880 | |
| Genetic Analysis | $671 | $671 | |
| Additional Genetic Anal. | $1,342 | $1,342 | |
| Ultrasound of Breast | $243 | $243 | |
| Outpatient Clinic | $358 | $358 | |
| Biopsy of Breast | $4,234 | $4,234 | |
| Genetic Anal. | $876 | $129 | |
| Pathology | $123 | $36.86 | |
| Biopsy | $541 | $162.03 | |
| New Patient | $448 | $139.83 | |
| Ultrasound | $283 | $33.97 | |
| Staining tissue | $115 | $34.49 | |
| Aspiration small joint | $786 | $786 | |
| Outpatient Clinic Visit | $358 | $358 | |
| Injection | $14 | $14 | |
| 5/3/2023 | X-ray of chest | $41 | $10.78 |
| Insertion of Needle | $15 | $15 | |
| Blood Test | $638 | $638 | |
| CBC Count | $528 | $528 | |
| Urinalysis | $340 | $340 | |
| X-ray of chest | $458 | $458 | |
| 5/10/2023 | Office Visit, Burgers | $478 | $148.82 |
| Office Visit, Patel | $608 | $189.81 | |
| Office Visit, Arnaout | $608 | $189.81 | |
| Outpatient Clinic | $358 | $358 | |
| Electrocardiogram | $167 | $167 | |
| Totals | $15,580.61 | $14,736.01 |
There was no aspiration of a small joint on 4/21/2023 and as you can see, there seem to be some duplicate charges but it could all be down to coding error. Who knows and I certainly don’t want to spend hours on the phone with Medicare straightening out the bills. Even though the Medicare approved amount is official, that’s not what Medicare often pays. Thank goodness my supplemental insurance covers the rest.
I hate to be a doubting Thomas but I really can’t think of why I would need to be monitored for 118 sessions for electrolytes and magnesium. I can understand to do periodic tests of CBC differentials and a full metabolic profile but not to the extent of this plan.
In reality, they may have scheduled these as possible infusions/Magnesium/CBC Diff/Metabolic Profiles but they have now actually scheduled me for them all they way through August of this year. Those are on the books with times of the appointments. It takes at least one hour for the blood test to come back – if they are not backed up.
I’ll go in Monday and do the required procedures and then I intend to raise hell.
12:37 pm
I’m very, very sick today. I didn’t get much sleep because I tossed and turned over the anticipated treatments. Diarrhea set in around 6:30 am and nausea hit me a little later. I was down to three Gatorades for electrolytes and texted John, Joel and Keith to see if anyone could bring me some. They got me two packs of Gatorade so that should last a little while. This is the sickest I’ve been since the first infusion on Monday.
I actually messed the bed one time before I could get to the toilet and had to change the sheets while feeling horrible. My mouth is sore, I’ve got a sore throat, my tongue feels like it is getting sores on it. I have stomach cramps and I’m exhausted. I have pangs around my heart and my joints ache. Oh the glories of chemotherapy.
I also tried to cancel Monday’s appointment but again their phone system didn’t work and when I reached the infusion center (finally) they said I couldn’t leave a message.
I’m discouraged and depressed and sick and pretty much in a foul mood.
