Monday, March 21, 2016

My day at the breast imaging center and why I Tweeted the POTUS.

Ethics is knowing what you have the right to do and what is right to do.
~Potter Stewart

As I walked inside the imaging and breast care center at the Women’s Hospital, I made sure I had all of my necessary information.  I had my insurance card (premium paid, deductible paid, etc.) as well as my ID and a solid case of nerves.  It’s never easy, going in for testing.  Even if it’s something considered routine.  As a woman, testing/screening is often embarrassing and invasive.  I have a history of breast cancer in my family (my father’s mother) therefore I know it’s something I have to do.  As women, we should do it anyhow, history or not.

I was greeted by a very kind receptionist who asked me to sign in and then turn around and address the machine (I had thought it was an ATM) behind me to check in.  I entered my answers to the various questions and scanned my palm (technology!) 

I then turned back to the receptionist who proceeded to ask me if I wanted the 3D imaging.  She had asked the question so quietly, I thought she’d asked me if I wanted a 3 day image.  I asked her to repeat her question and she again asked if I wanted 3D imaging. Before I could answer, she informed me that my insurance does not cover it and only covers 2D imaging.  She informed me of this with her eyes down, seemingly embarrassed to pass along the information.  I asked what the difference was and again she sort of mumbled and said that “3D is better than the other”.  I asked what my cost would be for the 3D imaging and she quickly and quietly said that my out of pocket is around $1000.00.  

Seriously?  I was flummoxed.  I had insurance.  I paid my premium, deductible, copays, co-insurance, etc.  Surely this is a mistake.  But I was shocked, unsure and a little confused at having to pay $1000.00 up front in order to have the test.  I told her 2D was fine and I went and had a seat in the waiting room.

My stomach started to hurt as a recalled a conversation I'd had with my doctor a week ago.  My doctor wanted me to have an MRI due to severe headaches, pain, blurry vision, pressure, etc.  But that unless I had multiple ER visits, my insurance would not cover it.  She stood there helpless to help me.  I asked her, “So you are telling me that my health insurance company is deciding my health care plan and course of testing and treatment?”  She said that yes they were and there was nothing she could do. 

My name was called and I walked back to a rather nice, smaller waiting area.  The television had a news program playing and there was fresh coffee to drink.  A cheerful tech told me to change in to a gown, “nothing on from the waist up.”  

Miracle upon miracles – THE GOWN FIT!  I repeat – THE GOWN FIT!  My fluffy, large breasted sisters know the struggle of ill-fitting hospital gowns.  Don’t even get me started about the PAPER gowns at the gynecologist’s office.  Seriously.  The tighter you wrap, the more it tears.  By the time the doctor comes in, I have a crazed, panicked look in my eyes and look like I’d had some sort of breakdown in my shredded, too small, now sweaty from trying to cover myself up, paper “gown.” 

After I had changed, I opened the door and was greeted by the same friendly tech and was told to follow her across the hall.  I gathered my belongings and stepped into the mammogram room.  The lights were dimmed.  It was a pleasant atmosphere.  She went over my information.  

As she was doing this I couldn’t help feeling panicked.  My mind was racing!  This is my health.  I have a history of breast cancer in my family.  Do I pay for the 3D imaging?  Can we afford it?  What should we not pay this month so that I can have this testing?  Oh my God!  What about the people who can’t even think about being able to afford it?

I asked the tech to please explain the difference between a 2D and 3D mammogram.  She said the simple answer is, “A 2D mammogram is like an x-ray.  A 3D mammogram is like a CT scan.  It will show everything much more clearly in slices and create a more thorough diagnostic picture.” 

Who wouldn’t choose to have the 3D image?  Why is 2D even an option if there is a better, more effective diagnostic tool?

She could see I was struggling.  She asked what insurance I have.  I told her I had Humana through the Obamacare Marketplace.  She said that no Humana plan purchased through the Obamacare Marketplace covers 3D imaging.  She said with a history of breast cancer in my family, if insurance and money wasn’t an issue, she would get the 3D herself. 

Standing there, shivering (mostly from frayed nerves), in my gown I had to make a decision between my health and my family.  Will my family go without so that I can have the appropriate testing?  I asked if she would please check and see the definite cost of the 3D image.  She very kindly said, “Sure” and went up front. 

When she returned she said if I paid in full today, it was be $297.00.  If I paid only half it would be $167.00 now and $167.00 later.  I quickly texted my husband to check our bank account and then told her I will go ahead and pay full price and get the 3D.  She said that since I was already in a gown, I could pay after.  Um, thanks?

The mammogram was completed in a matter of 10 minutes.  She placed markers on my nipples.  (They look like little band aids.)  She then placed each breast, one at a time, on the tray and slowly cranked down the machine.  It was slightly painful, more pinching then anything.  I was asked to briefly hold my breath and then it was over.  She was kind, discreet, gentle and patient.

I was escorted back to the smaller waiting room where I changed back into my clothes and then was escorted to the front desk to pay.

I handed the woman my bank card, hands shaking, still confused at everything that transpired.  She handed me back my card and a printed receipt.  I tentatively asked if this receipt showed that I had paid in full.  She said, “Yes, but you may still get a bill from the radiologist that reads the mammogram.” 

Are you kidding me?

I came to this appointment assuming that since I had health insurance, I would get the appropriate testing and that it would be covered.  I mean, don’t all women deserve to have a mammogram?  The "better" diagnostic mammogram? 

According to BreastCancer.org 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.  1 in 8!

Why then, is the INSURANCE company deciding our health care plan? 
Why is the INSURANCE company deciding what tests we are “allowed” to have and what tests THEY decide to cover? 
What are we paying our (very high) premiums for? 
What are we paying our outrageous deductibles for?  
What are we paying our ridiculous co insurance and co pays for?

And, what in the heck happens if, God forbid, I or anyone in my family gets really sick?  If the insurance company won't pay for a test that my doctor deems necessary, that I now have to pay out of pocket for - how will I afford further testing, treatment, medication, etc.? 

I sat in my car shaking with anger and bewilderment.  I am furious at a government that allows the health insurance companies to determine our fate and decide our health care plan.  I am angry at a government that promised healthcare for all but really meant healthcare for those who can afford it.  After premiums, copays, co-insurance, deductibles, etc. who has money left over to pay out of pocket for testing, treatment or medications?

Affordable Healthcare Act?  Can our lawmakers really say that with a straight face?  Of course they can, THEY can afford it!

How is this morally acceptable?

I took to Twitter to voice my frustration:

We shouldn't have 2 worry abt becoming sick/dying because we can't afford tests/trtmnt/meds ins co wont cover. @Humana @POTUS @BarackObama
Reply

Retweet


Like

View Tweet activity

My dr ordered MRI (headaches, blurry vision, etc.) INS co @Humana won't cover. I don't have 10K OOP. I pay my premium. @POTUS @BarackObama
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Who is better able to determine my health care? Dr or ins co? Why r ins co given so much power? @Humana @POTUS @BarackObama #ethicallywrong
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

1 pycheck away from no #healthcare, ability to pay premium/copay/coins/deductible, tests, meds. @Humana @POTUS @BarackObama #whendoesitstop
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Grateful I can afford #marketplace ins @Humana premiums+deductible+copays+coins. What about the MILLIONS that can't? @POTUS @BarackObama
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Ethically/morally, why is it acceptable that a health ins co @Humana decides whether we live or die-life saving test or food 4 fam? @POTUS
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

I'm just 1 person in a sea of people whose health plan is decided by their INSURANCE co!Not dr. This is insane! @POTUS @BarackObama @Humana
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

According to my #mammogram tech no @Humana plan will cover 3D imaging for women. None. What r we paying for? @POTUS @BarackObama #notok
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Why r the health ins co deciding my health care? My dr is frustrated at this. She can't order tests because ins won't pay! @Humana @POTUS
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

They were able to do the #upcharge 3D #mammogram for $297. That is a life or death decision for some ppl! @Humana @POTUS @BarackObama #notok
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Why do women have to pay for better standard of care? We are already paying monthly premiums+deductibles+copays. @Humana @POTUS @BarackObama
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

My husband is disabled. I pay out of pocket monthly 4 my ins +yrly deductible. Why isn't 3D covered? #mammogram @Humana @POTUS @BarackObama
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Why do I have to decide between my children being fed or paying for a better #mammogram? @POTUS @BarackObama @Humana #marketplace
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Why is 3D imaging for women w a familial history of breast #cancer not standard FREE care? @POTUS @BarackObama @Humana
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Why is #marketplace ins allowed to do this? Grateful I cld pay. What abt those who can't w a history of breast #cancer? @POTUS @BarackObama
Reply

Retweet


Like


View Tweet activity

Yearly #mammogram. Just found out AT my appt #marketplace ins does not cover 3D. Only 2D. @POTUS @POTUS My out of pocket is 1k!

Within a few minutes of my Tweeting, Humana messaged me saying they wanted to check into this and to give them my name, zip code and phone number, which I did.

I was contacted by a rep who informed me that 3D imaging is NOT covered under the Affordable Healthcare Act for preventative screening.  I am told it is only used for "further diagnostic purposes."  Even though it is considered a "better" preventative tool.  

Me:  "So you are telling me that there is a better preventative test to diagnose breast cancer but you refuse to cover it?"

Rep: "The government under the Affordable Healthcare Act needs to change the law before we can cover it."

Me: "No.  You, the insurance company, need to decide on your own that women deserve better, more thorough testing and take it upon yourselves to decide to cover it."

Rep: "Yes, that's true.  But I don't make the decisions."

I'm told she will be looking into why an MRI isn't covered for severe head pain, dizziness, blurred vision, etc and why a 3D mammogram wouldn't be covered with a family history of breast cancer.

I voted for and believe in my president to do the right thing.

I will not stop speaking up for myself, for women everywhere who deserve to have appropriate healthcare deemed necessary by their DOCTOR.  

For ALL people who were promised affordable healthcare  -  and never received it.

For myself and for women everywhere –


I CHOOSE LOVE!