How did you cover the surgeon's fee %?

The surgeon I am trying to get, Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco, charges 2/3 of his fee ($8,400) to the patient before a date can be scheduled for surgery, and before his office will even approach my insurance company (BCBS/GA) for the remaining 1/3 ($4,200).  

Has anyone else run into this?  If so, how did you manage that outlay of cash upfront?  I have tried looking into medical loans, but the lender wants a surgery date before they'll approve me, and Dr. Rabkin's office doesn't seem able to do that, for obvious financial reasons.

 

I think I'd find a different doctor, frankly.

JMO, tho.

Sheri

Sheri, 

 Since I can't afford to make several trips out of town for pre-op and post-op appointments, my options are limited to DS surgeons in areas where I already have a support network.  That includes Evansville, IN; Sioux Falls, SD; and Sacramento, CA.  If you know of a DS surgeon within those areas that wouldn't run me into exactly the same problem, I am all ears. :) 

I ran into a similar issue with a non-network surgeon in IL. He wanted all professional fees up front & there were no guarentees that BCBS would pay anything.

I had to find another surgeon.

Good luck to you!

-Sam

I'm in the same  boat as you,  and no I don't want another doctor.. he is one of the best !!  I'm checking into a small line of credit on my house.. I have the money in saving but would rather not use that until I see what the final bill will be.

keliblue