To have Titanium mesh or NOT

[LizAN]

Lisa,

Did you, or will you, have to pay your deductible up front?  I just sent another note to Rita, this time with my mailing address as I don't recall sending it to her before.  I'm also dealing with Y'Vonne about the insurance for House.  I talked with Wendy at the hospital, and I still need to talk to the anesthesiologist's office, but I have to find the phone number.

Liz

[Mei Mei]

Wouldn't you be able to get the numbers from the main number at House?
Mei Mei

[Mei Mei]

I wonder if they would itemize the bill so you can see how much the Titanium mesh costs.    I never did that and perhaps it is still OK to request a bill that is two years old.   I remember back in 1988 when I had a cervical laminectomy I was sent an itemized bill.   Each Tylenol pill billed to insurance was a whopping $8.00 at Georgetown.   With that many years gone by I'm sure it's much higher.
Mei Mei

[LizAN]

I wonder if they would itemize the bill so you can see how much the Titanium mesh costs.    I never did that and perhaps it is still OK to request a bill that is two years old.   I remember back in 1988 when I had a cervical laminectomy I was sent an itemized bill.   Each Tylenol pill billed to insurance was a whopping $8.00 at Georgetown.   With that many years gone by I'm sure it's much higher.
Mei Mei

$8.00 for a Tylenol?  I assume that included the administration of the pill, i.e. the labor cost for the nurse's time?

I don't think they use titanium mesh for translab at House, but I have it on my list of questions for Dr. Slattery.

Liz

[LizAN]

Wouldn't you be able to get the numbers from the main number at House?
Mei Mei

I think the hospital sent me the information, but it was in a secured message on their web site that expired after two weeks.  I've sent another request.

Liz

[Cheryl R]

A few years back my Tylenol was  $2.50.    $2 something anyway which surprised me as thought would be more.       Each hospital is different.
     I don't have mesh in any of my openings which is 3.                 I don't know if a dr would let you have a choice as each has his own protocol with their surgeries.
                                                                  Cheryl R

[lrobie]

Liz,

I don't have a deductible.  I will need to pay co-pays though for my doctor visits.  The number for anesthesia is #503/372-2794 and there you can ask for Mary. 

I received my packet of information in the mail, if that's what you are referring to.  I had sent emails to House from my work address and the messages went to their spam folders.  I had to resend from my personal email and that worked.

Lisa

[LizAN]

Wow, Lisa, that is a different number and name from what I received today.  I have an 800 number and the names and extensions of Evelyn and Sandy.

I may have to pick up the phone and call Rita.  I didn't think about my email not getting through.

Do you know exactly how many pre-op appointments (i.e. co-pays) we will have?

Liz

[mindyandy]

Liz
I had to pay my deductible and my copays. Dr. Stefan's office you pay 1 copay at your pre-op. House of Ear you pay 1 copay at your pre-op. These are the only co-pays I remember paying. Your deductible is different.
Hope this helps.

Mindy

[lrobie]

When I talked to Mary with the anesthesiologist, I asked her if she was local to LA as the area code was different.  She said they were in another state and that they do the billing/insurance paperwork for anesthesiologist in several states.  Thus, you're not calling the actually anesthesiologist.  Let me know what you find out.

It sounds like we will only have a couple of co-pays then.  You will also have your deductible.  I believe the post-op appointments are included in the surgery billing.

I'm not sure how we got off topic of Titanium Mesh.   

Lisa

[LizAN]

When I talked to Mary with the anesthesiologist, I asked her if she was local to LA as the area code was different.  She said they were in another state and that they do the billing/insurance paperwork for anesthesiologist in several states.  Thus, you're not calling the actually anesthesiologist.  Let me know what you find out.

It sounds like we will only have a couple of co-pays then.  You will also have your deductible.  I believe the post-op appointments are included in the surgery billing.

I'm not sure how we got off topic of Titanium Mesh.   

Lisa

Yes, we are way off topic.  Sorry, Mei Mei!

[Jim Scott]

Yes, we are way off topic.  Sorry, Mei Mei!

Thanks for noticing, Liza.  It saved a 'moderator reminder'.

I suggest everyone consider using the PM system to initiate or continue one-on-one exchanges.

Jim

[Mei Mei]

Reining us back into topic which I noticed a few days ago,

Cheryl said in all 3 of her holes she has no titanium

SO, it is not necessary.   What has been central to my pain since the day I woke up from surgery on Jan 12, 2010  ,   is the titanium mesh.   I've gone through **** and two and  now maybe three additional surgeries because the the Titanium Mesh and the entrapment by it as documented by the radiologist who is now one of my best supporters, next to Dr. Ducic and Dr. Moriarity.

Please, I am begging you....don't let them put this mesh into your head to close.   I care about all of you pre ops and am warning you not to put this in your heads. 

There is no turning back from **** after the placement of that mesh.
Mei Mei

[LizAN]

Reining us back into topic which I noticed a few days ago,

Cheryl said in all 3 of her holes she has no titanium

SO, it is not necessary.   What has been central to my pain since the day I woke up from surgery on Jan 12, 2010  ,   is the titanium mesh.   I've gone through **** and two and  now maybe three additional surgeries because the the Titanium Mesh and the entrapment by it as documented by the radiologist who is now one of my best supporters, next to Dr. Ducic and Dr. Moriarity.

Please, I am begging you....don't let them put this mesh into your head to close.   I care about all of you pre ops and am warning you not to put this in your heads. 

There is no turning back from **** after the placement of that mesh.
Mei Mei

Thanks for the warning, Mei Mei.  I have it on my list of questions for Dr. Slattery.  I may need to put my wishes in writing, so they don't forget.

Liz

[FlyersFan68]

I don't have titanium mesh and "likely" as a result.. no headaches. Eight years post-op. Also, get a copy of your surgical report so you have it forever and know exactly what was done.