Health Care Story: Mitchell: Panorama: Rocky Mountain PBS: a1

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Health Care Story: Mitchell

posted Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 12:12pm

See more on: Health Care Stories

I had an on-the-job injury that led to me losing my job and my health insurance. Two months ago I developed some hoarseness. I went to my physician at Metro Community Physician Network (MCPN). The evaluation was done and resulted in a recommendation for a direct laryngoscopy, so I was referred to an ENT specialist. With the help of the patient navigator at MCPN, I was able to see Dr. M Tralla (previously a volunteer physician at MCPN) in his office. At the time of my first visit I was told by the front desk that I needed to pay $450. up front. I didn't have the money so I left. I was called by the patient navigator and was told that the physician services would be free, and this was communicated to the office staff. I was seen at the time of my second visit. After the exam he told me that I needed a biopsy of the vocal cord. The physician service is donated, however, I would have to pay for the facility service. My son had to co-sign a promissory note so that I could get my health services at the facility. The surgery is set up for mid-October.

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