This topic is about the challenges of finding affordable Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (WOCN) services outside of a hospital setting in Fort Worth, Texas. The person sharing their experience is struggling with high out-of-pocket costs for these services, even with insurance, and is seeking advice from others who might have faced similar issues. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Search for alternatives to hospital-based WOCNs:
- Consider finding an Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) who might offer consultations over the phone or through emailed photos.
- Use resources like the UOAA directory and support-group network (www.ostomy.org) where nurses often attend meetings and may offer private consultations.
- Check if hospital-affiliated colorectal units offer lower charges, typically around $40–$90 after insurance. It's worth asking if the initial visit had a higher "new patient" rate and if follow-up visits might be cheaper.

2. Explore other medical resources:
- Consult an infectious-disease physician for infections that are resistant to antibiotics.
- Compare different insurance-covered facilities, as costs can vary significantly even under the same Blue Cross plan.

3. Utilize suppliers and manufacturers:
- Reach out to your ostomy supply retailer, as many have on-staff nurses or can provide referrals.
- Contact manufacturer customer-service lines, such as Hollister, which can arrange a call from an Enterostomal Therapist (ET) at no charge.

4. Consider international or alternative perspectives:
- In Canada, provincial health plans cover ET visits, which highlights the importance of checking all available public or charitable resources in your area.

5. Learn from peer experiences:
- Some people have reported paying as little as $40 at a hospital clinic, while others pay around $90 at a colorectal unit. However, a nearby hospital without specialized staff charged over $200 and provided inferior care, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right facility.