Managing Moving Pieces

I was speaking with a young woman who'd recently been treated for cancer. Shaking her head in exasperation, she recounted a series of "unnecessarily painful" experiences. There was the diatribe by the condescending oncologist about the in-network infusion center to which he was "forced" to refer patients. And the day her treatment was delayed because radiology hadn't received oncology's report. And how she had to repeat her clinical history and review her medication regimen four different times, in four different offices, in two geographical locations—in one day. And the close encounter with a supplement—"anaphylaxis in pill form"—recommended by a nutritionist who knew nothing of her severe allergy. The woman said the added burden of plugging the communication gaps around her own care was almost more than she could bear.