Chielo Nicolas
October 2025
Chielo
Nicolas
,
RN
Post Kidney Transplant Clinic
Banner University Medical Group -Tucson
Tucson
,
AZ
United States
Her determination, even in times of uncertainty, has resulted in my getting the best care possible. I cannot emphasize enough the impact that her work has had on my well-being.
This is in regard to Chielo Nicolas, my assigned transplant coordinator at Banner Tucson Nephrology. During a routine clinic appointment for my 2012 kidney transplant, I was prescribed a medication for my chronic IgA Nephropathy. This medication, brand-name Tarpeyo, was prescribed by Dr. A to treat my IgA. The same day, the prescription was sent to my local pharmacy, which was unable to source it.
From that moment forward, Chielo stepped in to help. She didn’t give up until the job was done! She contacted Banner's pharmacy and was told that the prescription was available from one singular source, PantherRX Rare Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, PA. She then contacted PantherRX who received the prescription and attempted to coordinate with my insurance carrier. My insurance carrier, Ambetter Arizona Complete Health, immediately denied the claim, but did not contact me.
Thankfully, they contacted Chielo, who received the denial letter and sent me a copy. She kept me informed every step of the way. She even made inquiries about buying the medication outright and bypassing insurance altogether. It was determined that my denial was due to a lack of a kidney biopsy to physically confirm the diagnosis. Chielo communicated with Dr. A, with PantherRX, and with my insurance company to get clarity. I was immediately scheduled for a kidney biopsy. Chielo worked with PantherRX to re-submit to insurance who again denied my claim.
Chielo was able to coordinate a peer-to-peer call with Ambetter and Dr. A. After this call, Ambetter informed PantherRX that my claim had been approved. But the hurdles didn’t stop! Ambetter requested that I provide negative tests for both HIV and Hepatitis B near the time of my transplant, which was13 years ago! I was able to locate my records from 2012, but again Chielo worked with them to clear that requirement. Eventually, I got my medications, and we started my treatment.
Chielo has been with me, successfully supporting my case and my care since the beginning. She is quick with prescription help, lab orders, and is friendly and knowledgeable. Her determination, even in times of uncertainty, has resulted in my getting the best care possible. I cannot emphasize enough the impact that her work has had on my well-being. I feel safe and well cared-for knowing that Chielo is working on my behalf.
So, I would like to acknowledge Chielo Nicolas for her incredible work and for her success in the face of insurance companies and bureaucracy. She is a champion for us patients, and we are very grateful.
From that moment forward, Chielo stepped in to help. She didn’t give up until the job was done! She contacted Banner's pharmacy and was told that the prescription was available from one singular source, PantherRX Rare Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, PA. She then contacted PantherRX who received the prescription and attempted to coordinate with my insurance carrier. My insurance carrier, Ambetter Arizona Complete Health, immediately denied the claim, but did not contact me.
Thankfully, they contacted Chielo, who received the denial letter and sent me a copy. She kept me informed every step of the way. She even made inquiries about buying the medication outright and bypassing insurance altogether. It was determined that my denial was due to a lack of a kidney biopsy to physically confirm the diagnosis. Chielo communicated with Dr. A, with PantherRX, and with my insurance company to get clarity. I was immediately scheduled for a kidney biopsy. Chielo worked with PantherRX to re-submit to insurance who again denied my claim.
Chielo was able to coordinate a peer-to-peer call with Ambetter and Dr. A. After this call, Ambetter informed PantherRX that my claim had been approved. But the hurdles didn’t stop! Ambetter requested that I provide negative tests for both HIV and Hepatitis B near the time of my transplant, which was13 years ago! I was able to locate my records from 2012, but again Chielo worked with them to clear that requirement. Eventually, I got my medications, and we started my treatment.
Chielo has been with me, successfully supporting my case and my care since the beginning. She is quick with prescription help, lab orders, and is friendly and knowledgeable. Her determination, even in times of uncertainty, has resulted in my getting the best care possible. I cannot emphasize enough the impact that her work has had on my well-being. I feel safe and well cared-for knowing that Chielo is working on my behalf.
So, I would like to acknowledge Chielo Nicolas for her incredible work and for her success in the face of insurance companies and bureaucracy. She is a champion for us patients, and we are very grateful.