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What a difference a day makes! My husband has an appt with Dr. Menon next week.

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Posted 8/23/2007 12:57 PM (GMT -8)
First of all let me say that truly all of you are the "wind beneath my wings"! I couldn't have gotten this far, or do all the things I did today, without your support, knowledge and encouragement. Every time I started to get upset I remembered your sweet words and took a deep breath. And actually it worked out much better that I handled all this today instead of yesterday (remember I was beating myself up for not acting sooner). I started at 9AM this morning and it worked out much better.

My husband has an appointment with Dr. Menon, Henry Ford Health System, Vattikuti Urology Institute, next week.

I'm thinking our out of pocket costs may be near $13,000. I feel bad for those who have no insurance. Do you folks have any information or comments regarding a financial situation like this?

Bless you folks! I truly am grateful for all of you!

Love,

Maria Teresa
Posted 8/23/2007 1:12 PM (GMT -8)
Well, Maria Teresa,
The doctors facilities in my experience have been nothing short of fantastic. Not so good with the insurance companies. And that is stated even though I am blessed with excellent benefits. I am covered 100% in network, and 75% out of network to a maximum of 3,000.00. Other than that just co-pays. My meds aren't that easy though all I am complaining about is the ED meds. My company is a little screwy with those drugs. That stated, my advice to you is don't take your first answers from the insurance companies as rule. You will likely have to get on the phone with them several times as I have had to. I was told by my new insurance provider that my oncologist was off network even though I could clearly see him on their web site. After about six calls by my oncologists office and one by me, they finally said that my visits to him will be on network. But the first answers tend to protect them not me. So put up your dukes! Stay on them and you will likely fare well.

Tony
Posted 8/23/2007 2:16 PM (GMT -8)
Mariateresa, I'm so happy to hear things are moving in the right direction.  I am confident you and your husband will get the attention and the treatment you need.  Hang in there and stay in touch!  Bless you both. 

Posted 8/23/2007 4:51 PM (GMT -8)
You're in great hands with Dr. Menon..... he has associates at Ford that DO particpate in insurance programs. Ask the "PR" people in his office who they are. THen you can decide if Menon is worth the out of pocket expense vs on of the other docs there. I'll bet they're all pretty good there.

GOOD LUCK!
Posted 8/23/2007 5:11 PM (GMT -8)
One more thought....

I read you other thread where your first doc reconmmended non-neve-sparing RP.....which can be scary.

For what it's worth, I elected to have non-nerve sparing surgury, due to my cancer volume, PSA level. etc. I'm in the minority, but I'm glad I went that route. In my case, the cancer was very extensive and right up to the edges on my pathology report. Nerve-sparing RP would have certainly left a lot more cancer behind. As it was, I still had a positive margin and have had RT and HT since.

The reason I share this with you is the this DOES NOT end your ability to be initmate. It changes things, and you need some extra help...but it does not end things. Keep that in mind as you weigh your options --- remeber, the whole point here is to be cured......
Posted 8/23/2007 6:53 PM (GMT -8)
Maria Theresa,

Well, look at the progress you're making in such a short time! That's good to hear...yes, the support here is wonderful.
We'll be looking forward to hearing your report on your consult with Menon. Keep going bravely forward.

All the best,
Susan
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