Well, after harassing "Ryan" (not his real name) at my Doctor's office this past week (total of about 10 phone calls/messages), I was able to get the determination from my Medical Group that my request for surgery at UCLA was - DENIED.....Bummer.
So, how do I feel about it? Still processing it all, I think. Still asking the simple question of who is it that makes the decision to "Denied (sic)" my request. The request seemed reasonable. I thought so and I am the most reasonable person that I know.
So, this average reasonable person read my request and said no. They took into consideration (I am sure) that I wanted to go to a surgeon (an expert in cancer of the head and neck - oh, that's what I have), to a hospital that is in network that specializes in cancer (its all they do); but he is not in my medical group. I am sure they did all of this. And this person made this decision without ever talking to me. Me, the one with the tumor. Me, the one with the occult primary cancer. Me, the one who waited for seven (7) days to find out if the referral to UCLA would go through - not! No wonder health care in the states is the way that it is.
But, I need to have the surgery. I want to have the surgery. I have given enough to my "friend" on my neck and the time has come to cut it out.
PS: I was asked to add the ability for folks to leave comments. It took a while, but I finally figured it out. Just click on "Comments" below.