Here is an excerpt from my blog - regarding my charges for the RNY on 10/22/2009. I am a lifelong conservative and Republican, but the complete disconnect we have here in the United States of America regarding health care is driving me nuts.
My son, Christopher, died in May 2004 and was multi-handicapped. Most of his 20-year-life was spent by me working for one company - not becuase I was completely satisfied there, bbut because I was terrified of 1) not having health insurance or 2) pre-existing conditions should I take a new job.
To me it just doesn't seem right that we are the most prosperous nation on this planet, but we do not provide basic services to our citizens. I know this may be unpopular with my conservative friends, and my own brother just commented on facebook, to my mother, "do you know a Stephen Jones?" after I posted similar comments there.... but we have to find a way to make this right.
anyway, here is the bills and adjustments and settlements so far.
I got the hospital bill for my gastric bypass surgery yesterday. This is just the hospital bill and does not include any inevitable discounts that the insurance company will apply to the final settlement. I had my surgery at the NE Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA, by Dr. Robert Richard of Obesity Solutions. I was very impressed with the hospital, and with Dr. Richard as well. In the documentation I reviewed, they cover expected costs for this surgery if it is "self-paid", meaning no insurance benefits are available.
the estimates were
$15,500 facility fee (Hospital)
1,200 anesthesiologist
8,000 Surgeon
700 Surgical Assistant
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$25,400 total estimate
I have just rec'd the Explanation of Benefits for the hospital. Here is what they billed
$ 1,312.00 Room/Board (2 full days, 2 nights)
4,642.57 Pharmacy
27,547.12 Supplies
1,360.00 Lab
1,276.38 Radiology
231.78 Cardiology
16,928.97 O.R. Services
46.45 Professional
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$53,346.19 total patient charges
The insurance company, United Healthcare, applied a "net discount" of -$39,922.04 to the hospital bill, leaving a net of $13,377.70 for the Hospital portion of the procedure.
Dr. Richard charged $9,225.00 for his services, the Surgical Assistant charged $2,244.00. Those charges are "under review" by United Healthcare.
More to come! If you'd like to read more, visit my blog (see link in my sig line)
My bills are starting to come in - United Healthcare
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