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Nancy. I have been requesting a "estimate" from the CC on the costs I will incur. I have Medicare but no secondary coverage. No one has responded to my requests, I keep leaving voice mails and will continue. I still have not received a date for the consulatation and am concerned that the "self-pay =no pay" theory is the problem. On the web site under "payments," I think.....I'll check again, is the blurb about a 35% discount if you pay their estimated out of pocket in advance. I was so concerned about getting an estimate as my cost for the cath was $ 800 and could not imagine my cost of heart surgey. I called Medicare and the clinic several times with the result that there is no information available until you have the service. RIGHT.....they do so many they have to have an "average ball park figure". Anyway when I found the 35% discount thing I approached the hospital with that. No luck yet....but still trying. Will update you if I get a reply. Jennifer
 
I'd recommend that you listen to some "Guided Imagery". Guided Imagery includes a soothing voice and music that takes you through various scenarios to relieve stress, help you cope, and reassure you. You can find some free Guided Imagery sessions at: http://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/listen/

My medical center provided me with several Guided Imagery CDs prior to my surgery, and I found them to be quite helpful in relieving stress and coping with the whole ordeal. The ones they provided were by Diane L. Tusek, found at: www.guidedimageryinc.com My favorite is "Guided Imagery for Pre Procedure/Sugery (with nature sounds)". I've played it over and over.

Regarding your insurance, I can only suggest that you consider staying within your network - if going outside your network would involve your having to incur a large percentage of the cost. Unless money is not an issue. Depending upon the length of your hospitalization, the cost can easily run over $100K. If you run into any complications or require a longer hospitalization, the costs will increase, which will only add to your stress level if you are outside your network and have to incur the costs yourself.
 
nancym said:
P.S.--
I would be happy to talk to anyone or privately message anyone--I need all the help and support I can get. Thank you all!
Click to expand...

You are welcome.

And, noted ... I will see about calling him soon....


Glad the cath results were good! :)
 
Hi Nancy,
It is normal to feel scared. This site was so helpful to me. I had people take me all the way through the surgery and what to expect. I don't know how much information you want, but I wanted all the details. I was told what to take to the hospital and things to expect when I woke. You will have many people to help you with all questions.
 
Thanks once again to everyone

As far as my insurance issue goes, I have been told that I will be responsible for 50%, but so far nobody from the CC has called to talk to me about payment or setting up a payment plan. I am out-of-network, but was originally told by a financial counselor when I was there in August that it would be covered. At this point, I don't want to go elsewhere, so we are going to go ahead with it and see what happens. I will be able to appeal my insurance company's decision, but don't know how much good that will do or what actually is involved in the appeals process. I have also been told that even if I agree to pay the 50%, it is up to the doctor's discretion as to whether he will go ahead with the surgery. And that is what is scaring me now. I'll keep everyone posted.

Also thanks to everyone for their thoughts and insights into my husband's outward lack of concern. I know you are all correct that he just isn't showing how much he cares, but unfortunately, I have asked him to be more sympathetic and compassionate, and he says he isn't able to be. So no matter what he's feeling inside, it's making me feel worse having somebody with me who sits like a stone without any thoughts to what I may need. I am trying not to dwell on that aspect because there is no way things are going to change.

Here is my email address in case anyone would like to contact me that way: [email protected].

Nancy
 
Hello everyone--
I have semi-good news today. I found out that even though the CC is out of network, my insurance will pay 100% after a $12,000 deductible. Although that is still quite a bit of money, I was expecting it to be about 10 times more. The CC actually told me that the surgery alone was going to cost $155,000, and that's not including all the tests that I've had. So I think I'm getting away luck. At least that is my understanding after talking to my member services at the insurance company. I don't know that I'll believe it until I see it in writing. I told my financial counselor at the CC today and am supposed to talk to her tomorrow about confirming. So my fingers are crossed.
The other news is that I now have shingles. They can be caused by stress ( I guess I would be a prime target for that), or a non-surgical procedure (the cath, maybe). I also just had a flu shot, so who knows? I hope everything is better by surgery time. It seems like everything that could possible go wrong , has. Maybe that's like having a terrible dress rehearsal, but the performance is wonderful. I just have to keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks again to all of you for being there.
Nancy
 
Nancy,

Good for the semi-good news.

And, I received your PM ... you are welcome!
 
Nancy,

Good to hear your insurance is being more cooperative than you expected. Also, that CC seems to be working well with you.

The anxiety in anticipation of this surgery is very tough and we all understand. There were times it 'jumped up and bit me' and that was all I could think about. Other times I managed to find a calm.

The group here was so very helpful as I knew they really understood. Only one who has done been there and done it can know all the places our heads roam. But, for almost all of us, the wait was without question the hardest part.

You should do absolutely fine and probably will be surprised, once you are into recovery, it was easier than you expected.

Good luck, Nancy.
 
Hi Nancy,
Glad to hear that things are starting to go in the right direction. Maybe between now and the surgery you can buy some relaxation tapes and just find a nice quiet spot and let all that stress go. We will be here for you every step of the way...:D:D
 
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