Post operation complications. Who should pay for it!?

Sally146
on 5/10/16 8:20 am

im considered to be a low risk patient. Healthy, young and no health complications, BMI 33. had my MGBP 10 days ago. It was unexpected but I went through major complications following the surgery. I am a self pay and where I live we're not really used to health insurance . Health care is covered through tax but only in government owned hospitals (which are the best hospitals in general) however there are some private hospitals for some procedures that the government hospitals do not cover or offer. Like Bariatric surgery and cosmetic surgery for example. 

Now following my discharge my surgeon sends me a huge hospital bill which litterally exceeds the cost of the surgery. There has been no agreement between me and him (no written or verbal agreement) regarding post-op complications. He did how ever explain them to me and made me sign on a paper stating that I do understand the complications and agree to the surgery, but he did not discuss who has to pay for it in case it happens. 

 

What at am I supposed to do now? Should I pay the bill or simply refuse?

chassibi
on 5/10/16 8:26 am

I assume you are not in the U.S., so I'm speaking from that point of view. But here, you would be responsible. 

Consult Weight:276/Surgery Day Weight: 241.6 /Goal Weight: 150

CerealKiller Kat71
on 5/10/16 9:04 am
RNY on 12/31/13

Where the complications due to gross malpractice or negligence on the part of your surgeon?  

If not, the bill belongs to you, IMHO.  

"What you eat in private, you wear in public." --- Kat

Deanna798
on 5/10/16 9:22 am
RNY on 08/04/15

I agree with Kat, unless the complications were from malpractice, you would be responsible for the cost.  

Age: 44 | Height: 5' 3" | Starting January 2015: 291 | RNY 8/4/15 with Dr. Arthur Carlin| Goal: 150

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. ~Proverbs 19:20

iloveravens
on 5/10/16 10:23 am, edited 5/10/16 3:21 am
RNY on 08/13/14

I received a statement of benefits after my surger(ies).  Since I had complications from the sleeve, I had an RNY the following day.  The statement from United Healthcare was for over $100,000 for my 5-day stay.  I almost panicked...but then said, "Naaah, I'll just get a lawyer if needed."  I called United and told them to fight it out with the surgeon.  I never received another bill.

Oops, edited to add: I just realized you said self pay.  Sorry.
 

Lanie; Age: 43; Surgery Date (VSG): 8/12/14 w/complications resulting in RNY next day;

Height: 5' 6" SW: 249 Comfort Zone: 135-140 CW: 138 (10/13/17)

M1: -25 lbs M2: -12 M3: -13 M4: -7 M5: -11 M6: -10 M7: -7 M8: -7 M9: -3 M10: -8 M11: -4 M12: -4

5K PR - 24:15 (4/23/16) First 10K - 53:30 (10/18/15)

Grim_Traveller
on 5/10/16 10:45 am
RNY on 08/21/12

Read the papers you signed carefully. I would be shocked if it didn't spell out in detail the things you were responsible for paying.

There should be separate bills for hospital, surgeon, anesthesia, etc. There likely isn't anything you can do about the hospital bill. But you may be able to get out of any additional overage from the surgeon, since he quoted you a price beforehand.

6'3" tall, male.

Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.

M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.

NYMom222
on 5/10/16 6:31 pm
RNY on 07/23/14

I recently went through 2 self pay plastic surgeries. In the paperwork it did state if there were complications arising directly from the surgery within x amount of days (I forget exactly how many off the top of my head) the surgeon would waive his fee, but I would still be responsible for the Hospital and anesthesiologist fee.

Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014

Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16

#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets

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