Polly, I had 8 teeth extracted before radiation and back in 2003, Medicare was just beginning to reimburse for this, at the rate of $50/tooth. I had the oral surgeon come in while I was under general anesthesia, getting my PEG and portacath put in at the same time.

Regarding cutting back or saving costs, your approach would have one questioning every procedure and maybe opting out of some, in hopes of reducing the overall bill. I don't think it is realistic and unless you can perform or provide the service, I'm not sure it's the best decision, either. I assume this care is from a major cancer center as well. The treatment protocols are standardized, in a sense, with the allied health requirements determined before treatment begins.

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023