Breast Cancer Patients Skip Followup? - My Breast Cancer ...

My Breast Cancer Community

3,916 members1,848 posts

Breast Cancer Patients Skip Followup?

vocalEK profile image
4 Replies

I'm wondering if treatment of breast cancer in the U.S. differs from that of the U.K. Medpage Today has just published an article saying that 20% of breast cancer patients "skip" followup after 5 years. The comments are scathing.

If memory serves me correctly, I believe you have to join Medpage Today (no charge) to read their articles.

medpagetoday.com/hematology...?

Written by
vocalEK profile image
vocalEK
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
4 Replies

I was discharged after five years but the door was left open so that I could be fast tracked I need to see someone. I am not sure if it’s the same all over the UK.

charlie12 profile image
charlie12

Perhaps they have to pay in the US or have to pay a copayment to the insurance company.

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK in reply tocharlie12

It depends. If they have a "major medical" policy (covers doctor visits, including preventive) they may have a co-pay. If they are over 65, they are on our Government insurance for old folks, Medicare. Medicare picks up 80% of expenses, with patient responsible for the rest. Medicare also tells the doctor what a reasonable charge for their service is. The doctor is not allowed to charge the difference to the patient--only the 20% of whatever Medicare said the service is worth. Once you start getting serious illnesses, that 20% could bankrupt you, so most folks purchase a "Medigap" policy. Ironically, my husband and I each pay about $120 / month for our Medicare premium, and his gap policy from where he retired costs another $500 month and covers us both. That's right, 80% coverage for $240, and 20% coverage for $500. In all fairness, plain old Medicare does not cover prescriptions, but you can buy a separate policy that only covers Rx. There are different type of gap policies. Ours is a "Medicare Advantage" plan that covers doctor visits, lab work, procedures, operations, hospitalizations with no co-pay. Prescriptions are covered with a low co-pay--usually $5 for a 3-month supply, but it is a tiered system. I pay $23 for 3-months of my inhaler, on which the suggested retail price is over $100.

charlie12 profile image
charlie12 in reply tovocalEK

That’s so so much for a retired couple. It could be a significant chunk of income , before this copay.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

positive news for breast cancer patients

Very positive news in the BBC today about a new targeted therapy for breast cancer - hopefully this...
PhilGolz profile image

Breast cancer

Hi not been on for a while finished my chemo in may which shrunk my cancer after 2mths my hair grew...
trg3 profile image

Breast Cancer

In 2001 I was diagnosed with themost aggressive type of Breast Cancer. While awaiting surgery I...

Breast Cancer

My name is Bronwin i am 33 Year old female...about a month ago I felt a lump in my left breast...
Bronwin profile image

Secondary breast cancer

Has anyone had secondary breast cancer in the bones? I need some help and advice. I had breast...
maddie50 profile image

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.