Question:
Has anyone been successful in getting discounts from the hospital?

I'm planning to self-pay for my surgery and a friend suggested that I ask the hospital for a discount because (a) they'd be giving a discount to my insurance company if they were paying and (b) I can give them cash immediately. Has anyone had any luck with this? I've gotten a home equity loan that will cover the entire cost, but I'd rather use some towards a new car!    — sjwilde (posted on February 16, 2003)

February 15, 2003
Yes, contact your hospital prior to your surgery. My hospital offers a discount to all that selfpay. Your surgeon or office probably knows this or can tell you who to contact. Good Luck!
   — Barbara S.

February 16, 2003
Yes, you can get a discount. I am self pay. They told me I could get a 10 discount for paying all up front. So I did that. I tried to get the discount the insurance would get but they(Hospital) said that since it was not considered a covered procedure that they would not. I am going to check again on that. Good Luck
   — armonce G.

February 16, 2003
My surgeon already has a self-pay package developed that covers all costs - surgeon, hospital, internist to follow you in hospital, testing etc. The total is $26,000 for open RNY and $29,000 for LAP RNY. You get a list of who and howmuch you must have the money paid to by 1 week before surgery or they will cancel. <p>It's nice that they have gotten all the players to agree to reduced fees and the patient does not have to go out and negotiate.
   — zoedogcbr

February 16, 2003
It definitely is worth asking, however the hospital my husband and I are going to offer no discounts for self-pay patients. We were forced to pay full price. Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 17, 2003
Alot of times a hospital will give a discount if a cash account is paid in full. It is defintely worth asking. Good Luck!!
   — Kevin D.