A Nexus fan

I am responding to Howard J. Gershon’s letter (“Who benefits?” Letters to the Editor, Nov. 12) questioning the value of the establishment of Nexus Health. I became a patient of New Mexico Cancer Care Associates in 2009. I have been a patient since then, through the merger with Christus St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center and now the establishment of Nexus Health.

When I learned the cancer care facility was merging with Christus, I was told the new Christus entity would be able to serve more people. I voiced concerns about increased costs at that time. Costs did rise rapidly. Lab tests and treatments are billed at the (much) higher hospital rate. Facility fees are charged. Did you know that when you sign that signature pad at check-in, you are agreeing to be admitted to the hospital? Nexus Health does not charge the hospital rate, to me or to Medicare. Between Medicare and my good supplement I rarely see a bill.

Gershon also cites the “anxiety and confusion” caused by some oncologists leaving the Christus practice. I was bombarded by mail and ads from Christus during the separation, most of which seemed to imply Nexus was not going to be able to provide comparable care. Another concern raised by Gershon is the potential competition for health care professionals. We have all watched Christus absorb many private practices in town. I believe many doctors, nurses and technicians prefer to work in a more autonomous environment. Perhaps this alternative will make Santa Fe a more attractive place to practice. Finally, Gershon is concerned a Texas contractor is building the new Nexus facility. I point out that the Christus Health Network is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Susie Hart Santa Fe