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Breast Cancer Sucks, Love Amy: December 21, 2022: Scheduling

Scheduling.


My first consult with a general surgeon was scheduled with the help of the Intermountain Breastcare clinic (the folks who called me with the results of the diagnostic screening).  The second surgeon was recommended to me from a friend in the local medical community.  When I called the surgeon's office, the front desk initially told me that the surgeon could not meet me until the end of the next month (a month1+ wait).  


The attitude and availability of schedule changed drastically when I indicated that my reason for calling was because of a breast cancer diagnosis.  When I mentioned my diagnosis the scheduling MA told me that there would be space within the week for an appointment, because the surgeon reserved space for breast cancer cases specifically.  


Although I would love to think that the surgeon alloted special room out of the goodness of her heart, the critical thinker in me is inclined to think that the breast cancer awareness movement, compounded with the Womens Healthcare and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, compounded with the Affordable Care Act make it profitable, legally incumbent, and fashionable to provide timely care for patients with breast cancer cases.

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