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Dotsey's avatar
Dotsey
Member
11 years ago

Insurance Questions Stage 1 TNBC Treatment Plan

Since being diagnosed with TNBC in Jan this year, I have undergone a lumpectomy, six rounds of chemo, and I am currently half way through my radiation. I worked up until the day of my surgery then started chemo 3 weeks later, I then had a 4 week break before commencing radiation where I have to travel 1hour & 20min each way for treatment. I work in a Pharmacy & didn't work during my treatment because of the exposure to germs so lodged a claim for Personal Income Protection. While I was waiting for the claim to be approved (over 120 days) I used all of my sick leave, annual leave & long service leave. Now the insurance company wants my GP to fill in a progress form & is questioning the duration of my treatment because of the Stage 1 diagnosis. They want to know the factors contributing to the prolongation of my recovery! What??? It's not like I've enjoyed the past six months & if they did their homework they would know that those of us with TNBC usually have to have chemo even if we are Stage 1. Sorry but it's very frustrating.

4 Replies

  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    11 years ago

    We used the company I have my superannuation with REST and I claimed for my inability to work for a year.  We had a lot of paper work and documenting to do, phone call interview, and it was well monitored by the insurance company.  It was upsetting and frustrating, because I allowed to be.  Easy to say, looking backwards.  I was a Stage 2 - Grade 3 bla bla bla, lets face it, the youngsters who have the job of handling you claim dont know what you have.  What is important is that you journal everything, because your memory is lousy.  Fill out the forms, and be prepared to talk to the appropriate doctors about your insurance company, your claim, and the documents, pages of, that ask lots of questions.  Now I look back, it wasnt anything personal, the person asking us to fill out their forms were just doing their job.  They do like to push the question- "So, when are you returning to work?" and without a crystal ball, we didnt know.  We had always predicted and were advised a year was fair.  I am a Pharmacy Assistant.  I have to remember an amazing amount of information to work in my job.  We have minimum staff, so I do a lot of manual labour, and merchandising.  I work along side staff who help me when I need it.  I remember being upset about the process of being paid my $400 a week by an insurance company when I had a year away from work, and believe me, I didnt go back too early.  You need to be able to think, function, and do enough work, that you are worth having around or you it is difficult for the staff to understand.  Hope this helped. Bel

     

  • sueblue's avatar
    sueblue
    Member
    11 years ago
    Have to agree with the other comments. So much paperwork involved to get paid the income protection! Had to use all sick and annual leave in the 90 day waiting period. As soon as they started paying it they sent another lot of forms for me and my doctor. Would not want to be claiming on something that was hard to prove!
  • Dotsey's avatar
    Dotsey
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm sure my GP will know what to write.I was just annoyed because I felt that I was being questioned about my treatment, or that I am trying to scam the insurance company. I do want to return to work but only when I feel physically and mentally well enough. I do feel a bit anxious about it, the closer it gets, but I'm sure I will know when the time is right.
  • AlisonMew's avatar
    AlisonMew
    Member
    11 years ago

    Yes, Dotsey. The "factors contributing to prolongation of recovery" - 4 words: Triple Negative Breast Cancer!!! And why would your GP be required to provide the info - s/he probably wouldn't know. Should be your oncologist!! Jeez - what a bunch of ........paper pushers!! As if you don't have enough to deal with! Take a deep breath - take lots of deep breaths and fill out the forms....

    Take care of yourself and try not to let it get to you. Easier said than done, though, I know.

    Alison