Dealing with Gatekeepers

Steve talked with Dr. Mahli today. She told him the University of Washington confirmed that the cancer on his liver has the same cell structure as his previous bile duct cancer. Not good news.

Trying to get appointments for further consultations has proven frustrating. Finally, after several calls, Steve managed to get an appointment with Dr. Liu, a radiologist, in Spokane. Dr. Liu is outside the Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Seattle, triangle of interconnected health care, and hopefully will offer a totally different perspective. Steve will see Dr. Liu this Friday afternoon.

Steve wants to go back to see Dr. Back (oncologist at the University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) in Seattle even though Dr. Back seems to be talking with and consulting with Dr. Mahli. We’re not sure why Steve has been unable to get an appointment. Steve is making lots of telephone calls and is reluctant to leave the house in case one doc’s office or the other tries to call.

As Steve’s options get slimmer, dealing with gatekeepers, scheduling administrators, and medical assistants, becomes increasingly difficult. We know that they are only doing their job, but they sometimes make decisions that delay his medical treatments.