California second opinion

AARP, that's a waste of dues! Our ppo is a BC/BS one in Illinois. We havent had any issue with anything they wouldn't pay for - and boy oh boy, do we got bills. Looks like we have hit the max out of pocket again with my wifes lymphoma.

And lets not forget the latest addition - getting run down by dogs in the dog park!!! (severe sprain - but we save money 'cuz she got run down last year too and broke her other foot) We still had the crutches and big black boot! On a positive note one of the involved dogs turned around and came back to lick her face as if to say "sorry, lady"

Oh they're getting pretty picky about everything...I was on a PPO from Aetna and my hospital just dropped them...but not medicare......I was able to transfer over to Medical Mutual which they just signed a 3 yr contract with but only because i'm insured with State Teachers Retirement . I'm not sure others can do that. Getting pretty sticky out there especially with Medicare Advantage.....
A new survey of Texas doctors, conducted by the Texas Medical Association, indicates more Lone Star State physicians are severing all ties with the federal Medicare program, possibly as a reaction to anticipated cuts in physician payments.
And just what is AARP doing?
pat

Nope. I am 65 and on my wifes PPO policy from work. It is primary and we don't use medicare at all. That of course gives us a much wider choice of physicians and hospitals, now that many physicians are not taking medicare.

I thought Medicare was always the primary and you can go anywhere with that.
I would recommend USC/Norris and there's not a bad doc there you could pick. Dr. Inderbir Gill is head of Urology, Dr. Sia Daneshmand, Eila Skinner
http://keck.usc.edu/Education/Academic_Department_and_Divisions/Department_of_Urology.aspx
follow the link to the Urology department and read their bio's.
They're tops.
pat

First off I am sorry your family has to go through all this but I am glad you found us.

Call your fathers insurance and ask them what has to be done to get a second opinion and what centers they will pay for it can vary.

On our home page is a list of cancer centers by state and they will give you contact information.

http://bladdercancersupport.org/

Others will pop in with personal recommendations for doctors and centers.

Good luck and keep us informed.

I received this in my email today.

My dad is scheduled for TURBT next Wednesday. We will know nothing until the pathology results. He lives in Los Angeles, CA. Right now he is being treated at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica. From what I have researched, not a top cancer center. I would like him to get over to a doctor at UCLA or USC. He has an HMO (Health Net) and then has Medicare as his supplemental. Any idea how to go about getting a second opinion of path results and treatment options at UCLA and/or USC? Does his primary care doc need to order a second opinion or is it a matter of calling the insurance? Also, what facility do you think is better? Any particular doctor you recommend? UCLA is closer to him, if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance for your help. Scary to have to keep waiting!

A