Question:
Our much would a tummy tuck cost if I have to pay for it before medicare pays for it

I went to one dr who said I would have to pay up front for my tummy tuck and then they would send this to medicare and if they approved it I would get re embursed. Does this sound correct, and if so how much does it cost. Also if anyone could tell me how much it costs to get the arms done and legs done. Thanks in advance for you answers.    — tatterpuddin (posted on September 16, 2005)

September 16, 2005
The reason the ps is having you pay up front, is because Medicare will not approve or disapprove any surgery, and therefore the ps has no idea how much cost will be paid by Medicare. If you have both part A and part B, Medicare will most likely pay for the hospital, anesologist, and any medical supplies, but most likely will not pay for the ps. I have Medicare as a primary and Tricare Prime as my second insurance and when I had my TT w/hernia repair, Medicare paid everything like the hospital stay, anesologist, and medical supplies and even for the time for the hernia repair to the ps, but not for the TT at all. Thankfully my 2nd insurance did pre-approve the TT and paid 100%. If you have a second insurance, I would have the ps also submit to that insurance company, maybe the 2nd insurance company would give you a approval, then it might keep you from paying out of your pocket. Unfortunately, us with Medicare are subject to paying up front without a 2nd insurance. Try to nogotiate a good cost on your surgeries with your ps. Some give discount for paying cash, some offer discounts for more than one surgery, I had a consultation with a ps that offered me a $300 discount because I was a healthcare worker. Go unto the Plastic Surgery Message Board and ask questions about costs. Maybe go to two or three different ps and get the costs.
   — cindy

September 17, 2005
Hi, I am not sure of the laws in your state. But from personal experience, I would wait for medicaid to cover the surgery. I had one covered by them. I had hydradinitis (acne condition) on my inner thighs they covered. Medicaid only covered it because it was medically nessasary. The surgeon did a terrible job in 2003. This year I paid a different surgeon $10,075 out of my pocket and he did a great job on my lower body lift/ with thigh lifts. The saying "you get what you pay for" really aplies to this situation. You do not want to be unhappy with the results. I also used www.carecredit.com to pay for some of my medical costs. Good luck, Shana
   — shana1569

September 19, 2005
If your doctor accepts Medicare assignment it is illegal for them to bill you prior to Medicare processing the claim. If it is reported to Medicare that they are doing this, they can lose their ability to see any Medicare patients. I would talk to Medicare to find out exactly what you need to do and what the doctor can do regarding payment for ps.
   — sabrekittie