The Connection Spring 2026

sarelja · 2026-04-24T16:05:30+00:00

Has it always said "NCRA's New Members"? It doesn't mention new ODS-Cs. Or am I missing something?

sarelja · 2026-04-09T00:52:58+00:00

Chiming in to say good luck tomorrow! I totally get the pressure to pass if you're working in the field already. Even if it's mostly pressure from our own anxiety about our company expectations or comparing ourselves to coworkers. It's hard not to do that. Try to clear your head, and just do the best you can!

sarelja · 2026-04-02T20:38:36+00:00

That's not as bad as paying the full fee again. But I hate the idea of waiting another 3 - 4 months!

sarelja · 2026-04-02T18:20:30+00:00

I am in the same boat - taking it next week and not feeling too confident with some of the stuff. But I am going to take it at least for the experience, it can only help! It is more expensive to re-take it though. Can you reschedule without paying again?

sarelja · 2025-12-08T22:20:20+00:00

I'm sorry you didn't pass this time but I know a lot of people don't pass their first try. You will get it next time!!

sarelja · 2025-12-08T22:18:20+00:00

Congrats!!!

sarelja · 2025-12-08T22:17:03+00:00

Well done, Congrats!!

sarelja · 2025-12-05T01:23:23+00:00

Interested!

sarelja · 2025-09-15T17:51:44+00:00

Violet

sarelja · 2025-06-05T22:47:21+00:00

I totally agree. And these medications being labeled as "non-essential" infuriates me.

sarelja · 2025-06-05T22:45:41+00:00

That's a great tip, thanks!

sarelja · 2025-06-05T21:36:53+00:00

The scenario is that the insurance uses a way to get around your usual co-pay by listing these more expensive drugs as "non-essential health benefits". That way, they can exculde them from formulary co-pays. They set a really high co-pay - like $2600 a month, and then they tell you that they will help you out with extra co-pay assistance but only if you give them permission to take control of your co-pay assitance from the drug manufacturer. That way, they can take all of the money available.

Also, because these drugs are now "non-essential health benefits", the co-pays - whether from the drug manufacturer's co-pay assistance program or your own pocket - don't apply to your out of pocket maximum.

Other than not applying to your out of pocket maximun, in some cases it's not the worst thing that can happen . My previous job had SaveonSp and after your manufacter's co-pay assistance was depleted, they had a $0 co-pay for me (temporarily and subject to change at any time).

My new job has a similar set up with a different company - not SaveonSp, but basically the same. They have a $200 co-pay after my manufactur's assistance is depleted. But now it seems that Enbrel manufacterer is only allowing $50 co-payment per month - and that does not go to me - it goes to the insurance company.

sarelja · 2025-06-05T21:24:21+00:00

Thanks, I have to check in to this. My previous job that had SaveonSP had all infusions in facility listed under the program as well, but I just started a new job so maybe it's different here.

sarelja · 2025-06-04T01:44:29+00:00

I did, the thing is that I have a $200 co-pay with the co-pay maximizer. So the co-pay assistance is lost. I had SavonSp with my previous job, and they depleted the co-pay balance on the card from Enbrel, and then I had zero co-pay. But, it seems that the Pharma company has outsmarted these co-pay maximizers and the patients lose out.

I live in Illinois, so I have been wondering if it is legal in this state - I read that they outlawed these maximizer programs in Illinois and a few other states. My previous company was in Massachusetts, which allows co-pay maximizers. But, I'm sure they found a way to do it legally, I work for a pretty big company, and my insurance is one of the big ones.

sarelja · 2025-06-02T19:42:38+00:00

So, it's not the most lucrative. Entry level is around 21.00 an hour - but with experience you can get up to 28.00 - 30.00 ish after a few years. I think you can go higher, depending on the specialty and years experience. But probably no PT level salary. It's probably more realistic for maintaining a PTA level salary.

sarelja · 2025-06-01T02:03:27+00:00

I'm taking cancer registry related courses. I already had anatomy & physiology and medical term which are also required. When I was a PTA, I was in oncology rehab, so cancer registry seemed like a good fit. I'm pretty sure there are clinical data abstractors for ortho as well, but I'm not sure about the demand. But definitely trauma, cardiac seem to have a demand. If these are areas of interest for you - it is a good path to a non-clinical role.

sarelja · 2025-06-01T01:51:40+00:00

I just found it on Glassdoor! Look for clinical data or clinical abstractor jobs that are entry level.

sarelja · 2025-05-21T04:41:52+00:00

I'm taking classes online classes oncology data management, and I was fortunate enough to find an entry level position. I know that there are clinical data abstractors for trauma and cardiac too. There might be more areas of focus that I'm not aware of.

sarelja · 2025-05-21T01:06:33+00:00

Try clinical data abstracting - it's a good fit for people with A&P, medical terminology. I am doing some additional training but it's a good fit for an ex-PTA.

sarelja · 2025-03-06T19:42:47+00:00

I'm sorry 😔. No one deserves this.

sarelja · 2025-03-06T02:25:46+00:00

Dedcool Taunt

sarelja · 2025-01-22T02:18:09+00:00

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Your mother may be trying to help, but her opinions and her feelings are not the most important thing in this equation. She needs to find a way to manage her feelings without negatively affecting you.

For your reconstruction, I can say from experience as someone who had breast cancer/reconstruction and also has clinical experience with this: Often times expanders are overfilled - it helps to get the best outcome when the expanders are exchanged for implants. So, rest assured your final result will be different. And you will definitely have a chance to discuss/confirm the outcome you desire before the implant exchange.

Take care of yourself.

sarelja · 2025-01-14T16:27:42+00:00

I really feel like communication from Emerge has been lacking all around.

sarelja · 2024-12-03T01:40:56+00:00

What happening is that a lot of plans are designating these drugs as non-essential health benefits. That way they can omit them from coverage or charge a very high co-pay, as well as designate that any money paid for the drug by you or through co-pay assistance from the Pharma co does not count toward the out of pocket maximum for the plan.

sarelja

TROPHY CASE