Results of mammo? - Page 2

tousled1 · 12-21-2006, 11:26 AM

Chelee,

When I got my mammograms I always found out if everything was okay before I left. When I moved to Georgia last August I went to the Imaging Center where I had all my mammograms done and got the films and written reports so that I could take them with me to Georgia. When I had my mammo last October before I even was allowed to leave the room, the doctor came in and told me that my mammogram revaled invasive ductual cancer and that he was going to call my primary care physican that day. After that, you know what happened -- I was on a roller coaster ride. Still on the roller coaster but enjoying it a little. The films are yours and you should be able to pick them up along with a written report the day after the mammo. I find it hard to believe that with a history of breast cancer that the center where you had the mammo would not give you an instant report. The last thing you need now is added stress. Good luck to you.

AlaskaAngel · 12-21-2006, 02:01 PM

Hi Chelee. I hope that by now you have at least a verbal report from either your doctors' office or the place where you had the mammogram.

You do seem to consistently running into these kinds of bumps with your health care plan. All health care is not created equally, unfortunately. It may be a question of deciding to change plans and put more of your resources toward health care, of if you can't do that it may mean spending more time and effort trying to get the plan to actually work by complaining up the line over and over. Sometimes the choices aren't simple or easy, but you do have only one keester.

I had my mammo this year at a major cancer center and spoke directly with the radiologist, so I had the gist of the report right at that time. Immediately afterward, I signed a written request to get a copy of the actual report mailed to me. Those are not always available within one day, but should be available within 2 to 3 days. I did not receive anything, so I called and talked with the radiology department and they apologized and said they would send it. Today the envelope came in the mail... and instead they sent a copy of my 2002 mammogram.....

My doctors would send me a copy, but I don't think that would end up making much of a difference in the way things seem to be happening. (Is it just me? Or are there really more dunderheads out there getting paid for their "work" than there used to be?)

So I'll try putting a dent in someone's day where it counts...

AlaskaAngel

P.S. Personally, I think legislation is needed, requiring all written reports to be sent to the patient within 10 working days. We and our insurance PAY for the test.

Bev · 12-22-2006, 10:01 PM

Yes, if you switch it's not convenient. You become the courier. You need to travel to a remote location, bring ID and sign forms. Docs do invest in other medical service companies, so he may be referring you to his own company. I believe in voting with my feet, but you can keep complaining up the chain. BB

Chelee · 12-22-2006, 11:46 PM

A while ago I was advised to file a complaint with the hmo about these on-going problems with my onc. It was implied that something would be worked out so I could go to another center like UCLA or Cedars...and have them work with an onc at my current center. I had several options mentioned that sounded positive. Since my complaint, things have gotten worse which I was PROMISED it would not or I would of NEVER done it.

Advice to others...these complaints are only to help THEM...they get your information and run it by their legal dept to see if they might be liable in any way. Then they get back to you and tell you they can't tell you anything...but your complaint has been handled. (Its ridiculous.) Thats not what they told me would happen when I did it. But I was told something WOULD be worked out...I hope it happens soon.

But until then...I called about my mammo and was told they are out of the office and will return the 27th. So I won't find out till next week or after new years. Who knows. This part is on purpose because of my complaint. You make one mad...then there all mad. (I should of NEVER believed them and filed this against my onc.) I hope their promise of letting me go to UCLA or Cedars works out...and soon. I can't take much more. I have spent so much time making calls and gathering information to make a positive change...its turned into a very draining nightmare. Nothing is ever as easy as they tell me it will be. (My surgeons office would of NEVER done this to me before...but since the complaint...its pay back.)

Chelee