So I went to the urologist today. I learn that I have a 4.5mm kidney stone, and I guess kidney stones larger than 5mm usually need an intervention, so the doc thinks I should just go ahead and get it fixed. I have had this stone since March, it's not super painful all the time but it has it's moments.
Anyway, because it's elective surgery, I want to know what my costs are before I commit. I must be a spoiled brat, because that is just wayyy tooo much to ask. I called the financial office, they said call your insurance company. I am like, can you tell me anything at all? They said it will be around $10,000, with the outpatient surgery center charges, the anesthesiologist, doctor's charges, etc. I am like, ok. So I call the insurance company to confirm that I have an 80/20 plan and I am responsible for 20%.
Now I want to know what the negotiated rates are. I don't want to call,but I KNOW the insurance company contracts at WAYY below the $10,000. I am guessing $4000? Maybe? So my copay will be $800?
I don't understand why I can't get a quote!!! It's ridiculous I am just supposed to just keep my fingers crossed that the bill isn't too high. I do dental sedation for my kids, I can get a quote. When I did my daughter's tonsils, then adenoids, and then ear tubes, I was able to find out my cost before doing it. Maybe times are different now.
But really..especially for a "maybe you will need it"- I really wish I could know approximately my cost before going into it. It's an outpatient thing, I know situations arise..but dang. Ugh!!!
Anyway, because it's elective surgery, I want to know what my costs are before I commit. I must be a spoiled brat, because that is just wayyy tooo much to ask. I called the financial office, they said call your insurance company. I am like, can you tell me anything at all? They said it will be around $10,000, with the outpatient surgery center charges, the anesthesiologist, doctor's charges, etc. I am like, ok. So I call the insurance company to confirm that I have an 80/20 plan and I am responsible for 20%.
Now I want to know what the negotiated rates are. I don't want to call,but I KNOW the insurance company contracts at WAYY below the $10,000. I am guessing $4000? Maybe? So my copay will be $800?
I don't understand why I can't get a quote!!! It's ridiculous I am just supposed to just keep my fingers crossed that the bill isn't too high. I do dental sedation for my kids, I can get a quote. When I did my daughter's tonsils, then adenoids, and then ear tubes, I was able to find out my cost before doing it. Maybe times are different now.
But really..especially for a "maybe you will need it"- I really wish I could know approximately my cost before going into it. It's an outpatient thing, I know situations arise..but dang. Ugh!!!
I have heard that lemon or lime juice helps, so it can't hurt to try!
I know that the lithotripsy can have complications, but not NEARLY as many complications as childbirth. 
But maybe it's changed over the years... Ah, the good old days!!!
