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Follow up appointments, how extensive?

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 9/27/2014 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
I've had two follow ups, one at 6 months and recently at one year out.

List of tests that are performed along with extensive blood work;
OFFICE VISIT
PENILE VASCULAR STUDY
SET RADIATION THERAPY FIELD
ULTRASOUND TRANSRECTAL;
CT ABD & PELVIS
CAT SCAN OF CHEST

These are getting expensive for me. My 20% co pay becomes 40%, as the Doc is out of network.$$$$$

Are these typical tests that are performed based on the type of treatment I had? Would a PSA test suffice?
Posted 9/28/2014 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Think I'm getting more info then I need with these tests, things I don't want to know. Take anyone over a certain age and do extensive ct scanning and probes, and scare them with a list of potential problem areas.

Before this thread fades into obscurity, any thoughts on how extensive follow up testing needs to be, just wonderin and paying out of pocket,

already pay a fortune for full family health bennies, add in co-pays, deductibles insane pricing from everyone with a hand in the till in this FOR PROFIT system we have .
Posted 9/28/2014 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
I'd ask why each test is needed.

My doctor is only interested in monitoring my PSA. He doesn't see the need for more tests unless the PSA numbers come back weird.
Andrew
Posted 9/29/2014 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Andrew; there doesn't seem to be any need for more than PSA and possibly testosterone if you think that your T is not recovering as it should. Other tests would follow if (a) PSA starts to raise (b) you have symptoms of some kind or (c) you start on further hormonal therapy and need to monitor it.
Posted 2/14/2015 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Just dusting off this old thread, here we go again, follow up for year and a half out. RO's protocol results in app $1,600 out of pocket, that's with insurance folks, for my one day follow up.

While I'm looking forward to the pre-visit enema and the ultra sound probe, rather not get more CT scan radiation and the bill.

I have nothing to compare to, so with my treatment, DART radiation, ADT brachy and additional DART "boost" radiation 3 months after seeds, very aggressive treatment, can't I just get blood work every 6 months and if something is amiss, go for the extensive testing

To put it simply, is there a standard of follow up care for this type of treatment, or does it come around to "it's prostate cancer" there is no standard. It's China town, Jake
Posted 2/14/2015 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a surgery guy, so maybe it's ifferent for Radiation patients. But it would seem to me that you are being checked for PC. So get a PSA test and if it's not rising , tell the doc, see you in six months.

Push the doc on it, make him give you a good reason.
Im all for spending whatever is necessary on our health. But the operative word is necessary
Posted 2/14/2015 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
I just get my annual PSA done at a local lab and email that to my RO. He sends me an annual IPSS and EPIC questionnaire to fill out and mail back. He doesn't get a dime out of me anymore.

- Allen
Posted 2/15/2015 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
After my RT, my RO discharged me back to the care of my URO who only has been ordering 6 month follow up PSA tests. They didn't seem to think any other testing was needed. My URO told me he'd see me anytime I had concerns but all he needed to see was the PSA tests.

Andrew
Posted 2/15/2015 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
I've only had a one-month follow up and they just got some blood and called me a few days later with my PSA result.

The NP asked me about a lot of things, answered any questions, diet, exercise, etc. of course they got my blood pressure and all that basic stuff. My RO came in and just asked me about how I was doing, side effects (sex and urinating).

$45 copay is all I think I was charged.
Posted 2/15/2015 1:29 AM (GMT 0)

InTheShop said...
I'd ask why each test is needed.

My doctor is only interested in monitoring my PSA. He doesn't see the need for more tests unless the PSA numbers come back weird.
Andrew

That is my experience, also. I had surgery about 5 years ago and my PSA testing is on a six month schedule. There has been no change in my PSA number over this length of time and my doc has not talked about any other tests. I'm sure that if something odd showed up then there would be some extra checks made.
Posted 2/15/2015 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
Fauntleroy, could you post your post treatment PSA test results? Where were you treated and are now being treated? Any lingering side-effects?
Posted 2/15/2015 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
My RO did one followup with a PSA test after my ART, then sent me back to my uro. Then she retired.

I would question why all the tests. I get new bone scans and CT when the PSA goes on a joy ride, or the bladder / colo-rectal bleeding gets too bad, but as infrequently as possible.

How did you wind up out of network? It takes a lot of work to stay in, but except for a couple of "invisible" docs who reviewed tests, and a nurse who was a contractor, I've managed.
Posted 2/15/2015 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
It does excessive. I've been told that my followup will be PSA every 3 months for 2 years, then 6 months for 2 years, then annual thereafter. More will only happen if there is a PSA change.
Posted 2/16/2015 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all,

Fairwind, I was treated by Dattoli.
PSA test, current PSA not tested yet
.1 @ end of treatment, .1 @ 6 months out and .1 @ one year out
Posted 2/16/2015 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Faunt,
Since your psa is stable you only need a psa test twice per year and a DRE once per year. This can be done by your PCP at a regular office visit. If psa starts to rise then you should see your RO or a medical oncologist for further tests. You are the best person to monitor your own health and you don't need a specialist and be spending a lot of $ at your current stage.
These needless tests are one of the main reason our medical costs are so high. As long as someone like insurance of the government is footing the bill, patients get these doctor ordered tests. If you are absorbing the costs your decision becomes much more rational as you will weigh their worth against your costs.

Post Edited (John T) : 2/16/2015 12:29:03 PM (GMT-7)

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