How much does surgery cost?

[bunny]

Hi everyone,

I just told by my doctor that I have AN.  He suggests me to do a retrosigmoid surgery to remove my tumor.  Some of my friends suggest me to do this surgery at House with Dr. Schwartz.  Is he a good doctor on AN surgery? Since I may not have insurance to cover my cost.  Does anyone know about approx. how much would that cost, in terms of surgery plus hospital fee? 
Thanks

[AMD]

Hello Bunny,

Sorry to hear your diagnosis of AN, but welcome to the club.  I have no idea what the cost would be at a place like that, but I work in a hospital in Indiana, and a 5-day stay at the hospital, plus surgery costs, plus whatever the surgeon, assistant surgeon, and anesthesiologist charge, you could easily rack up a bill in the six figure range unfortunately.  Then again, depending on where you have it done, my guess could be far off.  Your surgeon should have a better idea, and the facility you're looking at probably has different options for payment, and those who don't have insurance.  Just ask, they should be able to tell ya ballpark range what you're looking at and you can go from there.  Sorry for the vague answer.  Good luck and read this forum...... lots of great info.  Just post new questions if need be....

Amy

[lori67]

Hi Bunny and welcome.

I have to agree with Amy - you're looking at about a 6 figure bill.  Not only do you have to pay the surgeon, but the anaesthesiologist, the hospital fees, the pharmacy, any PT you may need afterwards.  It adds up quickly.   I have a feeling it would be that way anywhere in the country, but I would imagine CA is probably more expensive to begin with, since everything seems to be out there!

I hope you're able to find some insurance coverage or check with the state sponsored insurance programs to see what you can do.  This is certainly one thing no one should have to worry about on top of being diagnosed with an AN.  Maybe your doctor can help you out with some suggestions.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Lori

[JulieW4]

Bunny,

You didn't state the size of your tumor, which can make a difference in the options you have for treatment.  Many times radiation is an option, but may not be that much cheaper than surgery.  The good thing about AN's is that there are usually slow growing so you have time to search your treatment options and hopefully get insurance.

This place is a great place for info and support.

Julie

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Bunny:

I'm sorry about your AN diagnosis but at least you've found a solid base of support here.  Welcome. 

AN surgery will definitely cost over $100,000. The exact cost will be determined by the doctor(s) and facility you ultimately choose.  If you contact the House Ear Institute, I'm sure they'll provide you with a credible estimate.  Health insurance generally will pay the bulk of the cost for AN surgery but without it, you'll be liable for the entire expense.  I know that could certainly be problematic so you may want to seek a source of 'funding'.  What that source might be I'll leave up to you with my hope and prayer that you can have the surgery and that it will be completely successful with a good recovery. 

Jim

[chocolatetruffle]

i went to house for my operation, and i had translab.  The total cost came to about $85,000 and that will depend on your length of hospital stay, complications, type/length of surgery etc etc. 

Anyway, when i was there Dr Schwartz was the only neurosurgeon at House - he usually work with other surgeons as a team on AN surgeries - he will be the one who will peeling and debulking the tumor off the nerves in your ear and brain.  My main surgeon was Dr Brackmann. Both of them are excellent. 

As Jim mentioned, contact them anyway and they can give you an estimate - plus if you send your MRI to them, they can even give you a FREE phone consultation!

Hope this helps and good luck in your search -