#52938 05-23-2005 05:12 AM | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 90 Senior Member (75+ posts) | OP  Senior Member (75+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 90 | Hi Everyone,
I need some advice. My husband Ron is 6 months post radiation tx and doing great (knock on wood). He is covered on my insurance through my work because he is self employed. We currently have Kaiser, and I have to say, I've been very impressed with the care he has been given since being diagnosed. He has a great team of Doctors whom he likes very much. I am in the process of changing jobs and my new employer doesn't offer Kaiser, they offer Blue Cross. I know we can buy Cobra insurance so that he can stay with Kaiser for awhile. My question is, is it wise to switch Doctors now being that he's only 6 months out or does it matter? I know we can get a PPO plan through Blue Cross, so he will be able to chose a good ENT right away. Have any of you had to switch doctors after treatment and did it work out OK? Ron is open to changing doctors, I just want the best for him. Would appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Shelley
Caregiver to husband, Ron. Throat cancer, Stage II. No Chemo or Surgery. Completed 35 Radiation Treatments in November 2004.
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#52939 05-23-2005 12:37 PM | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 417 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 417 | I lost my insurance six months out of treatment and had to give up all my doctors and change all of my health care to VA (Veterans administration). I am very happy with the care that I am receiving, it is actually more thorough than my civilian care.
Darrell
Stage 3, T3,N1,M0,SCC, Base of Tongue. No Surgery, Radiationx39, Chemo, Taxol & Carboplatin Weekly 8 Treatments 2004. Age 60. Recurrence 2/06, SCC, Chest & Neck (Sub clavean), Remission 8/06. Recurrence SCC 12/10/06 Chest.
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#52940 05-23-2005 02:20 PM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 | Shelley,
I recently switched to my husband's Blue Cross PPO after many years on my own employer's plan (and then a COBRA period). I haven't had to change any doctors in this process -- are you sure Ron would have to?
Cathy
Tongue SCC (T2M0N0), poorly differentiated, diagnosed 3/89, partial glossectomy and neck dissection 4/89, radiation from early June to late August 1989
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#52941 05-23-2005 03:53 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Don't assume that you will have to change doctors. Check with your current one(s) and see if they participate with Blue Shield. Most docs do.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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