Morgan Heintz: motivated by her mother’s strength

Mission Cancer + Blood prides itself in providing patients with a dedicated care team to meet their specific needs, including financial counseling. 

What is your position at Mission Cancer + Blood?

I’m a billing specialist and work closely with our financial counselors to submit claims for grants they secure for our patients. I submit, track, post payments and handle any denials we may have.

Why did you choose to work in healthcare?

My mother was diagnosed with stage 3B colorectal cancer in 2014. We weren’t sure what was going to happen because of how far along it was. She had a large mass removed as well as 18 inches of her colon and started chemo soon after. The doctor told her she would need to complete 12 rounds of chemo all while starting to develop neuropathy in her hands and feet. She finished ten out of 12 rounds, to the news of the cancer being gone.

During this difficult time, I saw how strong my mother was for us. When the opportunity rose for me to join the team at Mission Cancer + Blood, I took the leap. It wasn’t for me. It was for my mom.

What is most rewarding about your job?

It is fulfilling to know that I am helping people and families that are in the same situation I once was in. With my help, there is one less thing these families must worry about.

How have high out-of-pocket costs affected patients at your practice?

Tremendously. The large amounts leave patients feeling as if they have reached a brick wall with nowhere else to go. Luckily, our team at Mission Cancer + Blood can search for and secure funds to help take the burden off them.

How has the PAN Foundation impacted your patients?

We have lots of patients that we have referred to PAN. One patient needed a drug that left them with a balance close to $1,000 each month. Without assistance from PAN, we would only be able to cover half of that to help this patient continue to receive treatment.

Another example is of a patient whose treatment cost more than $500 out-of-pocket, which PAN was able to take care of. When her husband called requesting to know the status of her application, I could hear pure relief in his voice to know it was taken care of. Moments like that are why I love my job.

How do you find the application process?

The application process is very efficient and effective. We can get instant approval which allows us to move on to the next patient quickly.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

In a world tied up in fads to fit in, be authentically you.