Question:
How do you get a private hospital room?

I do not have a surgery date yet, but I believe I will have the surgery at Mather Hospital on Long Island, NY. I have Aetna USHC, HMO and I was wondering do I have to request and pay extra for a private room or is it offered? I have never had surgery at Mather. If anyone has had WLS at this hospital could you let me know. Thank you    — Kim F. (posted on September 9, 2000)

September 9, 2000
That's one of the questions they asked me during pre-op testing. I said yes, but the floor they put me on after surgery only had private rooms, so I ended not having to pay the extra $15. Insurance doesn't pay for private rooms, but they're definitely worth it and usually not much more than the $15 I would have had to pay.
   — Maxine E.

September 9, 2000
Hello Kim, A private room or a semi private, to me it didnt matter. I was in the hospital for 4 days. Most of the time your hitting your PCA pump anyway,lol. So it dosent matter who's next to you,lol. You would have to ask the hospital about that and how much extra it would cost you and if the insurance would pick it up. But as far as your surgery, dont let a room discourage you, I had mine 8/2 and 45 pounds gone forever, i cant belive how this actually works. I wish I did this years ago!!!!If you have any questions dont hesitate to e-mail me and keep me up dated on your surgery date. Good luck and god bless. Frank (a mastic neighbor)
   — Frank R.

September 10, 2000
It is an option they give you, and yes, you pay more for it, depending on your insurance provider. Me, I have always run a temperature following surgery and even though I've always been in semi-private rooms, I am told it is policy that if a patient is running a fever above a certain grade, they keep them alone -- I've never really had to room with anyone! LOL! lucky me?
   — Michelle F.

September 10, 2000
I am having my surgery on September 18, 2000. At Saint Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. And they have a complete Bariatric Ward. And all of the rooms are private. How lucky can you be, and there is no extra charge. I think that you can rest better in a private room. Good Luck Everyone.
   — Georgia B.

September 10, 2000
It probably depends on your policy. I was never asked if I wanted a private room, and I never asked anyone about it. My insurance paid 100% for a private room so they automatically gave me one, and after it was said & done, I was sure glad.. It was very nice having a private room for a week!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 23, 2001
It depends on your doctor. Some doctors require their bariatric patients to be in private rooms (mine does). If the doctor orders a private room for you the insurance will pay. If it is not ordered by the doctor you can still get a private room but just have to pay the difference.
   — blank first name B.