Posted by Racer on December 4, 2007, at 17:05:01
In reply to Need Help Now Docs Offices or Medicaire Cant's hel, posted by Phillipa on December 4, 2007, at 13:31:28
I am sincerely sorry you're panicking about this, but I don't think anyone here can tell you much. The costs involved will vary according to the hospital's schedule of charges, the anesthesiologist's fee schedule, etc. It's terrible, but the best you're likely to get is a ballpark figure, and you'll have to get it through the hospital. Unfortunately, they're likely to be a bit hard to pin down, because they won't want to give you a firm price, since Things Happen that can affect costs -- that's the nature of the beast.
My best advice is to call the hospital, ask to speak to a patient advocate or financial services counselor, and explain your situation. This is a case where less is likely to be more: make a script, and stick to it. State clearly what you want: a ballpark figure of what your out of pocket expenses are likely to be. Resist the temptation to tell all the background -- whomever you speak to is going to be used to hearing the problems involved in health care costs, and is likely to tune those details out. You can get a much better outcome from this call if you don't give him/her anything to tune out in the first place. The more succinct you are, the better chance you have of getting what you want.
I would also suggest asking what sorts of financial arrangements can be made to help you pay -- but ask that AFTER you get the ballpark figure.
Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:798744
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071204/msgs/798776.html