Trying not to get discouraged about PS...

I had my PS appt. yesterday.   I got a quote from the PS for $5,000.  That includes trying to tighten up my pubic area too.   So I thought that was pretty good.  BUT, after talking to them about financial stuff, it looks like the hospital charges may be what kills the whole plan.   I was under the impression that my hospital and anesthesia would be covered by insurance because I was having my hernia repairs at the same time.   Well, it looks like what they do is charge by the hour per surgeon...so Dr. Rowitz part would be covered by insurance, but Dr. Moody's part would be charged separately, and I doubt insurance will want to cover that.   The PS's part will take 4 to 6hrs, and the hospital charges $12,000 an hour!   Yikes.   So the financial girl at the PS's office is contacting the hospital to get the exact lowdown for me on all that.  I haven't given up yet, but I'm feeling discouraged.  :(

I know it will probably be a year for me before I consider plastics (however, I did go to my PCP yesterday to document a rash that I had....she is still one of my biggest supporters).

$12,000/hr seems a little high for the hospital charges. Hopefully they have that wrong and it will be within your reach!! I'll keep you in my prayers about this!

Hugs,
Dianne

Thanks, Dianne! I rarely have rashes because I bust my hiney to keep them away!  :p  I use Bag Balm, which is amazing.  I have a very large pannus, and it does an incredible job of keeping rashes away.  But I still have back trouble, which could be documented.   It's all highly frustrating to me.  Yes, 12,000 is HIGH.   My PS said it was expensive.  I think it is absolutely rediculous.  Thanks so much for keeping me in your prayers...that means a lot to me!  :)

Keep positive thoughts in your head! I think $12,000 an hour is excessive too! Does your insurance have an exclusion for plastic surgery?  You would think they would like to save themselves money too by paying for this all at once than having to wait until you end up having back problems, rashes, etc to get it done.

Thanks, Kathy! I hate insurance.  My policy only allows PS in the case of restoring a disability.   I don't think they will include my panni in that allowance.   Trying to keep my thoughts positive! 

My sweet Elizabeth $12,000.00 seems quite high. But don't give up. Where there is a will.. there is a way!  I promise, if I hit the lottery.. your plastic's are ON ME!!!

You are so sweet!  I sure am praying there is a way!    But if plans fall through, I'll just have to accept that it wasn't meant to happen this year.  I just want to have a normal stomach again (no back pain, no messing with balms to keep rashes away, yada yada yada)...is that too much to ask??  Apparently, to my insurance, it is.    Stupid insurance. 

Does your PS have his own surgery center?  Dr Harvey in Charleston does so the people whose insurance doesn't cover the PS can have their operation at his center (it is state of the art and DHEC certified).  He employs surg techs and surgerical nurses and is right across from the street from the hospital.  That way you just pay the extra for the anesthesiologist.  maybe your area has something like that Good Luck Mary

She has an off site outpatient surgery center, but the extent of my surgery requires it be done in a hospital...that's what I was told.   If this does not work out, I may seek out someone like Dr. Harvey.  :)

   Elizabeth,       Come on down, I can be a great aftercare nurse.  I'm such a baby myself that I love to nurse other's and make them feel better!!!        I get all into Dr Harvey's work, .  That is who Susann is referring to also with her price on the post below.   Good Luck!!!! Mary