Is this even possible?

Chelee · 12-13-2006, 11:13 PM

Is there, or has there been anyone that has went out-of-network to see an oncologist for there over-all care...yet stayed at the cancer center closest to you for your on-going infusions of chemo or herceptin? (Is this something that is possible?) Or do you have to have infusions where you oncologist practices? I didn't know if this type of arrangement could be made? (The new onc would be a almost a hour drive...but I would like to continue my herceptin infusions where I am at currently which is only 10 min drive.) I was hoping the NEW onc could phone in my infusion orders to my current place? Has anyone ever done this...or heard of it being done? (Sure would be nice.) (Probably no such luck...right.)

Chelee

Cheryl E · 12-13-2006, 11:26 PM

Many years ago, my dad traveled over an hour to see an oncologist at UCLA, but did recieve chemo through his local drs. office. you just need to communicate your wishes with the docs and of course clear everything with insurance. Where are you in so. california?

Cheryl

Chelee · 12-13-2006, 11:38 PM

Cheryl, That is exactly where I was hoping to go...UCLA. I am in Southern Ca kind of close to Disneyland if that helps. With traffic these days it wouldn't be too bad if I was only driving into UCLA every 3 months or so. They have some great oncologist there.

But to finish my herceptin trts, & get my zoladex implants I was hoping I could just go where I am now since its so close. Plus I love my infusion nurse & all the people there. But I do want a different oncologist. But I wasn't sure it could be done? Your post gives me some hope.

Chelee

kk1 · 12-14-2006, 07:57 AM

Hi Chellee;

yes it is possible. But usually for the infusion costs to be covered under your insurance the orders have to be written by a doc in your network. I was able to make this work by finding an in network doctor that was willing to work with a consulting onc. Basically the out of network doc would send instructions/orders to the in network doc who would submit them to the local hospital. I would also have to see the in network onc periodically. It was an interesting experience as sometimes the they had differeing opinions....the key is finding two good oncs that are willing to work together. I found the pair by going thru the provider directory and calling their offices and asking them if they would be willing to work in a cooperative way with the consulting onc. The Onc at UCLS may even know someone in your area.

KK1

chrisy · 12-15-2006, 10:52 PM

Hi Chelee,
Wow, that was weird - I just clicked out of the middle of my response!
I see a doctor in San Francisco and get my treatment from my local oncologist in Santa Cruz. It's a bit of a different situation, as both doctors are involved in the treatment decisions but I am technically being treated by the local doctor. It works well for me; the key being that they work well together.
Your situation is different, but I think the principal that you can be treated locally still is possible.
Good luck
Chris

Chelee · 12-16-2006, 12:16 AM

KKI, I think I will toss this idea at them and see what they say? If that type of arrangment could be made I would be thrilled. Its sounded more and more like this might be possible after hearing from all of you. The trick is to get the insurance company to ok it...and two oncologist to work together it sounds like. Thanks so much.

Chrisy, Since your doing something close to what KKI mentioned...I am curious if you both have PPO's or HMO's? Sometimes with a PPO you have alot more options. But at this point I think my cancer center wants me gone so I am not sure if they will let me arrange this or not, but I sure will find out? Now that I am armed with this information...time to call the HMO lady I have been dealing with & see what can be worked out regarding this type of arrangment. (I'm crossing my fingers & toes.) Thanks again to all of you!

Chelee