you're not going to believe this....

Oh my goodness I am so angry.....the hospital that I am having my surgery at called me today to tell me that not only do I have a 1,000 out of pocket cost for my surgery but that the 1,102 in previous medical bills I have owed in the past is due BEFORE I have my surgery otherwise they will not allow me to have the surgery 13 days from now. I am so mad I can't stop crying.....any of you have any suggestions, I sure would appreciate it. Can they really do that? I can pay the 1000 out of pocket cost but I can't pay the rest right now. I even offered to get on a payment plan and she just about laughed at me. I don't get it. I felt like they just hung my surgery in front of me like a carrot just so they are sure to get their money. Oh my goodness am I mad....upset....can't stop crying....I have worked soooo hard and waited sooooo long for them to just do this so soon to surgery is beyond my comprehension..... !!!

Boy, i bet you are upset. Now, what can you do? Can you borrow some money? Or talk to someone else at the hospital to discuss a payment plan. DOn;'t give up/ Tracey

You need to get into FIGHT mode!!! Go above this person, and keep going up the ladder until you find someone to help you. I don't know if they can legally do this to you or not, but I'd sure fight for your surgery. Laurie

Can you apply for a personal/signature loan at your financial institution? Or better yet find a credit union ( I work at a credit union) and become a member and apply, the rates are better and the service is exceptional....good luck and hope all goes well.

Ask if you can pay the past due and make payments on the 1000 for the surgery. You may want to contact your insurance company and see if it is legal. If it is a co-pay they may be able to get away with it. But if it is just your portion you may have a fighting chance. I don't know alot about it but it is worth checking into. Good Luck and I will keep you in pray for a positive answer.----Toni

WHO at the hospital called you, exactly? Someone from the bariatric center or someone from the billing department at the hospital itself? If it was the bariatric portion of the hospital, make sure you get in touch with the billing department - they might be more apt to work with you on setting up payments. Also I believe all hospitals have a "Patient Advocate" (or some variation of that title) who is there to help you negotiate the hospital's administrative system. Check to see if they can be of any assistance as well. Good luck and keep us posted! Pam

Oh Lori I am so sorry you are having to deal with this now. Don't give up. You need to get to the bottom of this and get it worked out. There has got to be a way. I agree w/ everyone else - talk to someone else higher up and get the scoop. I'm praying for you that this gets worked out. Call me if you need to - even just to vent. Keep us posted. Take care, Carey