Question:
Is TV free or do I have to pay for it? Money is tight, so I'm curious. Surgery 2/3/05

I know this is a stupid question, but I'm trying to prepare for my surgery and need to consider how much money to take with me.    — Stephani 6. (posted on January 31, 2005)

January 30, 2005
My tv was included. You need to check 'your' room. Most insurance companies pay for a semi private room; alot of hospital put their patients in 'private' rooms without asking.. which means you could end up with 'charges' Check THAT! Also for pre op be sure the hospital is using 'in network' labs dont assume just cause the hospital is the lab is SAME double for the anestioloist! they dont have to be in the hospital network and YOUR left holding the bag.. ASK! good luck.
   — star .

January 30, 2005
I was charged $7.50 per day for TV and phone. I believe I could have opted not to have one or the other for a lesser amount. I didn't have to pay while in the hospital - these charges will be billed to my home so I didn't have to take money with me.
   — Yolanda J.

January 30, 2005
Do ask to make sure. I've been in several hospital rooms. In the first, the TV and the phone were included; in the third, both were extra. In no case was the TV worth paying for. In the first days after surgery, I find it impossible to concentrate even on a mindless TV program, and a hospital's TV menu is some of the most limited and bland you'll find. Plus it was always impossible to find that corded remote control to turn the blamed thing off...
   — Kay B.

January 31, 2005
TV was free for my stay. I agree with the previous poster...I don't remember anything I watched until I was in the wheelchair waiting to go home!
   — Tee H.

January 31, 2005
It depends on the hospital is phone and tv's are free, Ive been in both types. You need to ask prior to your surgery, Good Luck on you upcoming surgery,, Amy
   — Amy Hoffman

January 31, 2005
Don't bother I went stocked with books and magazines. I didn't read or watch tv. I couldn't concentrate on anything. Good luck.
   — Alison N.

January 31, 2005
Wow. I must be totally naive. I cannot believe hospitals charge for TV! I know money is tight, but that is a real bummer. Wonder if they charge for the air we breathe in too? :)<br>I was not able to concentrate on reading post-op (actually, not after any surgeries I have had!)... just the background noise of the TV was nice. Although, having a semi-private room, sharing with someone addicted to the Food Network would be a nightmare post-op WLS :) <br> -shelli
   — kultgirl

February 1, 2005
I paid $7.00 a day for TV and phone. I would have went nuts without my TV. I had it on I think every minute I was there. They billed it to my home phone so I did not have to worry about paying for it while I was there. Just call and ask the hospital what their procedures/prices are for it, i'm sure they'll be glad to tell you. Good luck.
   — Kelley