She is a home bound, partially paralyzed 88 year old. I currently have to hire an ambulance at least monthly to take her to a pain specialist so she can pee in a cup! It’s extremely difficult on her. Isn’t there an at-home option for home bound patients?
Have you looked into palliative care? Or even Hospice. Hospice is not just for EOL issues, it's used for pain management also. I don't know what the rules are in TX. You'd need to ask her PCP about it.
I go to a pain specialist too. I've never had to "pee in a cup".
Yes, I'm sure there is another option. If it's a routine straight urine collection, I don't know why you couldn't collect it at home then you take it in. What are they testing for?
Explain to the doctor that it's too much for your mom and very costly in a transport ambulance. Tell him your mom can no longer do this. Then ask about taking in specimens. If he refuses, check out other providers who might be able to accommodate your mom.
My moms doctor knows she lives in Tijuana and is practically imobile. He only needs to see her once a year.
The cost of those urine tests is exhorbitant - one test can cost quite a bit ($300-600) which is totally ridiculous. Then the lab bills you directly so you get 2 bills - one for the visit and one for the lab.
That’s the cost of seeing pain management these days. Doesn’t matter how old you are.
Is she eligible for palliative or hospice care? Maybe that is an option and then the palliative care/hospice doctor can write the order for her pain meds & she won’t have to go out to pain mgmt monthly.
I am truly sorry for you & especially your mother, who at her age shouldn’t have to do this.
Maybe enroll her in palliative care vs hospice?
Situations like this anger me - that government can come in and require certain tests be done or else. A knee jerk reaction to fix opiate abuse. Never thinking of the hardship on elderly people it causes.
I hope something works out for you & your mom.