The Old Folks Home

[ronott1]

I've been on the phone with the scheduling team at the cancer center. It's getting worse, instead of better. They've added new, more, protocols regarding the infusion team, and scheduling. The infusion center has it's own scheduling team, which is not part of the regular scheduling team, so there is additional frustration that the two teams can't coordinate their scheduling more seamlessly.

All shots, and infusions must go through the infusion center. They don't seem to have any nurses outside the infusion center that can give my shots. One of the new protocols for scheduling chemo infusions is 90 minutes after the doctor visit. Some of that time is for the doctor to confirm, modify, or cancel with the infusion center appointment. 30 minutes of that involves them ordering, and getting the chemo infusion meds from their pharmacy, which are not ordered until after the doctor visit. EVERYTHING going through the infusion center is treated as if it's a chemo infusion, thus subject to the scheduling protocols. It's not unheard of for the required 90 minutes (1.5 hours), to turn into 2 to 2.5 hours of wait time, depending on how busy they are.

The problem is, I don't get a chemo infusion, but have to use the infusion center to get my shots. It takes less than 10 minutes, from the time they call me back, get me into a cubicle, give me my shots, and release me. I hate waiting around the extra hour and a half, to two hours, because of a broad-spectrum protocol that doesn't apply to my situation, for shots that take less than 10 minutes. I'm not the only person experiencing this, but it seems I'm one of the first few to bring it to their attention.

In an effort to help cut the wait time for me, my doctor has put it into my notes that I do not have to see her, before getting my shots, thus bypassing the extra wait time. That's got them all aflutter. The schedulers can't override the protocol(s). Supervisors have been notified, and supposedly they're trying to figure out how to override the protocol(s).

that does sound frustrating!

 

[pertnear09]

I've been on the phone with the scheduling team at the cancer center. It's getting worse, instead of better. They've added new, more, protocols regarding the infusion team, and scheduling. The infusion center has it's own scheduling team, which is not part of the regular scheduling team, so there is additional frustration that the two teams can't coordinate their scheduling more seamlessly.

All shots, and infusions must go through the infusion center. They don't seem to have any nurses outside the infusion center that can give my shots. One of the new protocols for scheduling chemo infusions is 90 minutes after the doctor visit. Some of that time is for the doctor to confirm, modify, or cancel with the infusion center appointment. 30 minutes of that involves them ordering, and getting the chemo infusion meds from their pharmacy, which are not ordered until after the doctor visit. EVERYTHING going through the infusion center is treated as if it's a chemo infusion, thus subject to the scheduling protocols. It's not unheard of for the required 90 minutes (1.5 hours), to turn into 2 to 2.5 hours of wait time, depending on how busy they are.

The problem is, I don't get a chemo infusion, but have to use the infusion center to get my shots. It takes less than 10 minutes, from the time they call me back, get me into a cubicle, give me my shots, and release me. I hate waiting around the extra hour and a half, to two hours, because of a broad-spectrum protocol that doesn't apply to my situation, for shots that take less than 10 minutes. I'm not the only person experiencing this, but it seems I'm one of the first few to bring it to their attention.

In an effort to help cut the wait time for me, my doctor has put it into my notes that I do not have to see her, before getting my shots, thus bypassing the extra wait time. That's got them all aflutter. The schedulers can't override the protocol(s). Supervisors have been notified, and supposedly they're trying to figure out how to override the protocol(s).

Lol Clue, you threw a wrench in the works. Be interesting to see how it works out. I know it has to be irritating to wait so long.

 

[getaclue]

I was reading that they're talking about releasing mRNA treatments for various cancers.
I've been researching about this for quite a few years, and was quite excited about it. There were a couple major hurdles they were having trouble with, but they were working to overcome them. I was even ready to get enrolled in the third generation trials, after they worked out the major hurdles.

They have NOT worked out the hurdles, and are still having the same problems with it, BUT they're releasing it anyway. To date, with the unresolved hurdles, it's not a question of IF it will kill the patient, but WHEN it will kill the patient.

 

[getaclue]

My scheduler called me back. His supervisor was able to override the protocol slightly, reducing my wait time by 30 mins. That actually helps some. In the meantime, now that his supervisor is aware of the problem, they're passing it up the chain of command for further resolution. Hey, at least it shaved off 30 minutes of wait time for me.

 

[pertnear09]

My scheduler called me back. His supervisor was able to override the protocol slightly, reducing my wait time by 30 mins. That actually helps some. In the meantime, now that his supervisor is aware of the problem, they're passing it up the chain of command for further resolution. Hey, at least it shaved off 30 minutes of wait time for me.

That is a little better if it actually works out that way.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Afternoon Old Folks, had a pedicure this morning came home took a hot shower.
Clue I am sorry for the frustration you having.

 

[Sequel]

We had appointments at 11:00 this morning for our shots. Apparently they scheduled a whole herd at that time! We waited almost an hour, no big deal for us because we can stand, but other old folks can’t and Safeway only had one chair to sit in. We felt for the pharmacy crew because everyone was getting grumpy
3 people right in front of us in line after checking in left. The nurse said the doses were drawn for them and would be discarded. When they try to get a shot next they’ll have to pay for it!

 

[Nomadicus]

Good morning Old Folks.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Hi

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello Dawg