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Healthy with MAC: What's your follow up like?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Feb 14, 2022 | Replies (38)Comment receiving replies
I was diagnosed 4 and a half years ago- I live in SW MO- two good sized hospitals in my town but they are not teaching hospitals. My pulmonologist told me “not to do anything different “ and infectious disease doc recommended “hot steamy showers” to clear my lungs! I learned on this forum that was not good advice!
I was on a year course of the big 3 which turned into big 2 as I could not tolerate one. Still growing some MAC at the end but chose to stop.
I am doing saline nebs each morning and can get some phlegm up, and have a slight cough occasionally but no other issues. I’m very active-biking,hiking,etc.
My pulmonologist doesn’t want to see me regularly at all! I am retiring in May and will be eligible for Medicare in August. Now the decision to get traditional Medicare so I can get seen where I choose, or managed Medicare where I will be limited to same providers. Obviously there will be a big cost difference. I haven’t had a CT scan or cultures in 2 years.
Thoughts?
Replies to "I was diagnosed 4 and a half years ago- I live in SW MO- two good..."
I was diagnosed over 4 yrs ago with bronchiectasis & MAC after landing in the ER due to hemoptysis. I switched from a Medicare advantage plan to a supplemental plan to insure that I could go to the medical provider of my choosing. Obviously it is more expensive monthly but I have had no copays for doctors, procedures, or scans. My Mayo pulmonologist does an annual CT & has ordered multiple sputum tests while contemplating whether to treat me. My symptoms are a slight cough & occasional (now) hemoptysis. I walk 2-4 miles, 4 times per week, garden & generally stay active. I faithfully do airway clearance twice a day with 7% sodium chloride & altho MAC is still present in my sputum, I feel very fortunate. Regular CTs, sputum samples, & Dr. visits make sense to me. Take care.
Hi, I'm 67 and had to make that same decision. I decided on traditional Medicare with a Plan G supplement. I am so thankful I did. I am currently trying to get an appointment with NJH and would not be able to easily do so if I had an Advantage plan. The other thing I am learning is that your Plan D (for prescriptions) is also critical. Being on Medicare consumes a lot more of our budget than when my husband and I were both employed. Using an insurance broker to help you pick a plan is a good idea. Check your medical group to see if they have seminars that explain Medicare. That will help you wade through the details. 🙂
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Hi! I have a managed Medicare which is pretty liberal about my providers so you may find one where you can go where you want and still save some money. It has also not given me any difficulty about which facilities I am able to have procedures etc. It seems you should have a pulmonologist who definitely sees you on a regular basis, maybe can vary the frequency at times but that would depend on how your appointment goes. Might be time to find a new doc. We need to have confidence in our healthcare provider. Congrats on your upcoming retirement and good luck with insurance shopping. My medical doctor does provide a program to assist in choosing the right health care for your needs. It can be a headache, good luck.