Port Dr followup?

smeburg
smeburg Member Posts: 5
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi, I'm a newbie and I started Folfox chemo yesterday, and now I'm at home with my pump. I had my port put in last Friday and they connected to it yesterday. My oncologist checked it yesterday, as well as the lab nurse, PA, and chemo nurse. I then received a call from the office of the doctor who put it in because he likes to do a followup visit, 7-10 days after the procedure. This doesn't really seem necessary to me. Is this common? I hate to waste another day going to him for no reason.

Comments

  • here4lfe
    here4lfe Member Posts: 306 Member
    #2
    Hello, and welcome to the board. There are some really great people here, and the "senior consultants" will be along to assist with your continuing care.

    When my wife's treatment started, there was a lot of energy (visits, calls, checkups) from the oncologist, his staff, interventional radiolotist, whomever. I don't remember specifically if the portman called, but it wouldn't surprise me.

    Take care,

    Best
  • John23
    John23 Member Posts: 2,122 Member
    #3
    Follow-ups
    Well, from how it was explained to me....

    Medicare, and many other private insurance companies,
    require a "follow-up, if they may be paying for your equipment
    continuously, or again at a later date.

    I called one doc, and asked if I need the follow-up since I
    had been examined by another doc, and have future visits
    with that doc. They cancelled my appointment, and I've had
    no problem with Medicare or BC/BS since.

    Give the doc's office a call and tell them what you've explained
    here, they may do for you what my doc's did for me.

    Best wishes,

    John
  • smeburg
    smeburg Member Posts: 5
    #4
    John23 said:

    Follow-ups
    Well, from how it was explained to me....

    Medicare, and many other private insurance companies,
    require a "follow-up, if they may be paying for your equipment
    continuously, or again at a later date.

    I called one doc, and asked if I need the follow-up since I
    had been examined by another doc, and have future visits
    with that doc. They cancelled my appointment, and I've had
    no problem with Medicare or BC/BS since.

    Give the doc's office a call and tell them what you've explained
    here, they may do for you what my doc's did for me.

    Best wishes,

    John

    Follow ups
    I did talk to the nurse and she said he usually likes to follow up. My private insurance pays except for a copay, and sometimes I think these types of quick visits are a money maker for the doctors. I can be very skeptical of the medical profession, putting so much faith in them is one of the hardest parts of my diagnosis and treatment. Funny thing is that my son graduates from Med School next month, at least his pure belief in the profession helps counter me.
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #5
    For me, no follow-up
    They put in the port and sent me home. Didn't see me again until they took it out. If it's not working or there is severe pain, you'll know there's a problem.

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