TOPIC OF THE DAY: Money for Surgery???

Just wanted to poll the board for cost of their surgical and pre-op procedures, particularly the pre-op testing and co-pays. I am gearing up for my insurance changes Jan 1, and want to know how broke I'll be after paying for all this stuff.  I'm dreading spending my annual Mexico trip money on doctors, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Your response will be very helpful to those of us still in the process of seeking approval.

 

What services were you required to have? Psych, Nutritionist, Exercise therapy, EKG, Sleep Study, labs, support group, Surgeon's fees, Prescriptions, etc...

What was the total cost before insurance of each service? Did insurance cover any portion?

What did you end up spending out of pocket for each service?

Please don't leave anything out no matter how insignificant it may seem. I want a total picture of what to expect to pay.

LaShelle,
Since the SHBP is now covering the surgery, they should cover the pre-op testing, EKG, Sleep study, etc.  May or may not cover the psych (which could cost as much as $375) and may not cover the nutritionist (about $50-75).  Total out of pocket shouldn't be more than your out of pocket maximum for what the insurance covers which is $2000 (right?) + the psych and nutritionist (if they don't cover those).  Did that make sense?  I feel like I'm rambling...

-Elli

 

At the time I had surgery, I had BCBS HMO.  I had a $30 copay for the psych eval, $50 out of pocket for the nutritionist, and a $200 copay for the surgery...that was it!  Everything else was covered by insurance.

Lemme tell you....I received the hospital invoice about a week after I came home surgery.  Total bill was $47, 528!  Thank God for insurance!

My Insurance covered almost everything.

$50 for psych eval. $0 for nutritionist. $30 co-pay at the surgeons ofc. $95 after surgery. Bill from hosp was $27k. I spent a total of $175.00

I have United Health Care.

 

 

LaShelle....I responded to another post with similar info, but..........I have BCBS federal insurance.  Naturally, your expenses will be determined largely by your insurance.  I went with Dr. Smith who is not in network for my insurance and I think, he is out of network for nearly all insurance but they have special rates for out of network people.  When all is said and done I expect to have spent about $4100 out of pocket for hospital and everything.  He required an eval by psychiatrist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist (you may not need the gastro. ..I had a previous stomach surgery), nutritionist, and my primary care doc.  I did not have to have a sleep study.  I think that might be on a case by case basis determined by the pulmonologist.  I already knew I had sleep apnea.  The lab work is HUGE!  My insurance paid $2500 for labs and I think my portion was about $65. 

I understand the thrill of a Mexico trip, but just think, the next time you go you will be healthier and enjoy it even more!

If you decide to go with Dr. Smith you can probably expect about the same outlay.  Good luck!!