Question:
What amount of money do you need up front before surgery?

I was told I have a $750 Deductable and might have up to 5000 to pay after is that normal. I have Aetna Open Choice PPO.    — Teresa T. (posted on March 9, 2002)

March 9, 2002
As I recall, I had to pay about $3,000 out of pocket, total. This paid for my $400 deductible + my 20% of the hospitalization/surgery. I'm sure, depending on your insurance, you will be required to pay a little more or a little less.
   — Terissa R.

March 9, 2002
Who told you about that ded? I have Aenta PPO also and my insurance card says hospital stay is $250 ded. My surgeon, however is charging me $3500 extra because HE says the insurance company doesn't pay enough. I'd call Aetna to be sure!
   — sunsect

March 9, 2002
Not all Aetna OC PPO plans are the same, they all have different deds, diff. co-pays and diff. Max out of pocket amounts. Generally, you have to come up with deductible and that might be it. Remember, once you've reached your max. out of pocket, your insurance may pay at 100%, depending on your plan. For instance, I'd already met my ded. now, my insurance will pay 90% of the usual and customary (I went in network), once I've reached my $1,350 (the max I have to pay/max out of pocket) then my insurance will pick up 100% of the charges. Definately check with your insurance carrier so you aren't surprised in the end!
   — Rosario T.

March 9, 2002
I only had to pay my co-pays...between my original pcp consult, my two surgical consults and my Upper GI, I paid a total of $115. out of pocket. I also paid for my hospital TV and phone for the 5 days I was there and that came to $32. My BC/BS HMO pays 100% of the hospital fee. The 3 postop appoints I have gone to so far haven't cost me anything, not even a co-pay, which was a nice surprize. I think I got quite the bargain :). Good Luck.
   — Donna L.