Insurance at House

[red]

Our insurance has cleared us to see any out of network specialist at in network benefit levels.  When I ask they say they can't tell me how much the surgery is going to be at house.  I would just like a general idea.  My insurance also says that they only pay in network benefit levels up to maximum plan allowance, and after that we owe the rest.  I understand that some doctors will "write off or forgive" (i don't know the technical term) what the insurance doesn't pay.  Do any of you know if House institute does this or if we are going to be in major debt.  It wouldn't change our decison to go (health first) it would just be nice to have some idea financially of what we are looking at.  Any ideas on what to expect cost wise or any ideas on the insurance thing?  thanks Red

[Captain Deb]

You can call House and talk with a surgical counselor who can give you a good idea of the costs involved depending on your insurance plan.  Just ask the operator for a surgical counselor when you call. 213-483-9930.
Capt Deb

[Desilu]

Hi Red,

My insurance picked up most of the bill ($98,000.00) but I don't have the best insurance so I had to pay $3,500.00 out of pocket fee for the year. Which is not bad considering what it would have cost me otherwise! Each doctor charges a little differently so your total could be more or less than mine was. House will definitly work with you and your insurance company. I wish you the best!  Ann

[meh]

Yes, you can talk to Rita or patty at House about your insurance coverage. Once your insurance company start negotiating, they do pretty good on negotiation part and probabley you will not have to pay a penny.

We just had a surgery at House in Dec. and we were fighting with insurance company since 4-6 months, finally everything went well and we did not have to pay anything.

For us HEI was out of network and St. Vincent hospital was in network.

[pearchica]

I had Stanford prepare a spread sheet for me about the costs associated with CK treatment- while it's an estimate, hospitals/clinics can do this- it's not an unreasonable request... Annie

[kristin]

red..i remembered posting about this a long time ago, so i went back and found it for you....

ok..as you may know, i'm having middle fossa in two weeks at House. i received their fee schedule today:

test and examination in office: (abn & other hearing tests) $1020.00
combined surgeons fees: $35,000-$45,000
internist: $2344.00
anesthesiologist: $2704.00
hospitalization: $ as per hospital and ins
neurogergeon -initial exam: $433.00
facial nerve monitor: $2969.00

hmm..so that totals from $44,470-$54,470 not including the hospital fees....hope this helps.

hope this helps...of course, this was 2 years ago, so their fees may have changed a little...but for the most part, it should be pretty close.

kristin

[Mel]

Happy 4th

Meh, how did you get your insurance to pay for HEI?  Cost is now $ 55,000 to $ 65,000!!! 

Mel