Won't schedule surgery because I'm paying cash

rogue_life
rogue_life Member Posts: 2 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in April, It took until June to have the colonoscopy done. The tumor is located in the ascending colon and Dr requested a surgical consult on June 28. Tomorrow is August st and the appointment is still not scheduled. When I asked why they said it was because I was paying cash instead of using insurance. Why does form of payment disqualify me for treatment?

Comments

  • GarlandCan
    GarlandCan Member Posts: 27 Member
    #2

    Hi,

    I too had no Insurance when I was diagnosed. It’s awful. I would look into financial assistance programs from the hospital. Sometimes they will schedule surgery with a down payment. I’m not sure what Country you live in but Insurance enrollment for USA private insurance starts in November and takes effect in January.
    It’s very sad and disturbing that money can stand in the way of a necessary surgery.

    Wishing you the best!

    Garland

  • rogue_life
    rogue_life Member Posts: 2 Member
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1717432#Comment_1717432

    I looked into the Financial assistance. Surgery was scheduled for Sept 23 but the assistance did not go through so we canceled the surgery. I now have reduced work hours. from 55+ a week to 25 hrs a week.Reapplied for the assistance, surgery now scheduled for Oct 22 but still waiting for the approval from the finance department. what worries me the most is, it's been 6 months since my diagnosis, Instead of dealing with it right away I feel like we're just giving it a chance to grow or spread. I'm stressed. I feel like Doctors said "Hey you have Cancer, let us know how it goes." I know that's not what happened but that's how I feel.

  • GarlandCan
    GarlandCan Member Posts: 27 Member
    #4
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718408#Comment_1718408

    I can so relate. It feels like yeah you have cancer but you don’t have Ins so you’re screwed. Meanwhile we worry that the situation is spreading and getting worse. It really does cause immense stress. Do they have a cash price they could give you? I had a friend who had colon cancer diagnosis and they didn’t have insurance either so they asked for a cash price and had to pay half before surgery. Then they scheduled surgery. So awful that you just want help and you’re forced to work less to have less money to pay for the surgery not to mention other bills!! I’d constantly check in with assistance department and let them know this adds tremendous stress to an already very stressful time. I will pray for your situation. Keep focused and keep moving forward. ❤️🙏🏻

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