We need to do better

A local man experienced some left-sided flank pain and began to worry that the left kidney cancer he had eight years prior was returning despite the nephrectomy he had to remove it. Following a visit with his primary care provider and a CT scan, his worst fears were confirmed. The cancer was back, only this time it was in the right kidney with two lesions instead of one.

A comforting visit with the urologist provided hope that a procedure available locally called cryoablation would eliminate both tumors and leave him cancer-free. In about one month it would all be over.

Only that was not the case. Scheduling conflicts delayed the procedure for five months. The reason for the delay was never confirmed, but excuses provided included not having the paperwork from the referring office (which was reportedly faxed several times), not having insurance approval (the outpatient procedure did not require approval), and a missing physician signature.

This is one of our local healthcare systems. This man made 13 calls trying to get scheduled. It took a call to the corporate compliance office to get a response from the hospital. Even then, it was two weeks before the procedure was scheduled, yet the patient received a letter from the hospital letting him know the matter was closed in their eyes.

It seems there is a lack of care coordination among health-care providers/organizations, and it is the patients who suffer. Had this man not had a health-care provider as a friend, helping maneuver the system, he may still be waiting for care. We have great health care in Arkansas, but we need to do better. Patients shouldn’t have to work so hard for lifesaving procedures.

HOLLY LANGSTER

Conway