Question:
Tummy Tuck/Hernia Repair

hi did anyone have to pay the surgeon a up front fee for a hernia repair that was approved by your insurance? A tummy tuck to included in the hernia repair right? please let me know thank you all in advance    — sexysag37 (posted on September 22, 2004)

September 21, 2004
Rita I did not haft to pay nothing i have INC and medicaide as 2nd dary and medicade payed for all it the dr wrote it up so it would pay for it best of luck to you Take Care Huggs Beth
   — wildbrat

September 21, 2004
A TT is NOT included in a hernia repair; unless it was 'approved' they are seperate surgies. Did I have to pay up front? No. If you have a PPO call your insurance company - they will deal with your surgeon about triing to collect 'up front'
   — star .

September 21, 2004
If your insurance co has approved you you shouldnt have to pay anything up front, except maybe your copay or consultation fee, Call your insurance co and tell them he is requesting pymt b4 surgery and see what they say. Good luck to you. Rosemary
   — wizz40

September 23, 2004
It depends. I'm insurance is covering a basic butt and thigh lift. However, I have to pay an extra 4,000 because the insurance is only covering a basic lift and I need a more extenive reconstruction of these areas. I also want my arms done and that is not covered. My out of pocket is going to be 6,500 up front before the surgery.
   — Linda R.

September 23, 2004
With my first surgeon my TT and hernia repair were approved but the doctor was out of network and he was asking for payment up front. After my approval was in I called my INS and they supplied a list of PS in network. I called and found one. The one in network didn't ask for payment up front, he is waiting for the check now, 8 wks post op, from INS. Sorry but it is true, a tummy tuck is not included in a hernia repair.
   — jocelyn

September 24, 2004
Hi. Hernia repair and TT can be done together and probably should be done together. But they are separate procedurs. "Up front" payment is the norm for most cosmetic procedures. For insured procedures, you may owe a deductible up front. If your doc is out-of-network, he has no contractual obligation with your INS. In some cases, they will collect a portion of the fee up front, as there is no guarantee of payment by INS.
   — DrL