Re: Can someone please give me advice. --WHAT MY SURGERY COST

In Reply to: Can someone please give me advice. I'm in miserable pain! posted by Irene on February 19, 2004 at 00:26:14:

Cost of my surgery was $3510, (before insurance deductions) in a small-town hospital. as for the nerve test, it won't help much to have it unless you are planning to have the surgery--my opinion only. here's info on the tests--you can try the Tinel and Phalen tests yourself.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/5013-1.asp

first a visit to the family doctor who sent me to the neurologist, $51. Blue Cross allowed that much.

the neurologist charged $370 to do the nerve test. BC allowed $296.

doctor's visit (orthopedic surgeon) for exam and diagnosis including x-rays--$260. BC said they could have $189.

the doctor charged $890 to do the surgery, BC said 704.
hospital for surgery--$1939. Blue Cross allowed them $1145.

if you don't have insurance but can pay, many hospitals will take a reduced payment. you might get them to agree what insurance would cover. all of my health care people were participating in Blue Cross so that's all they could charge me.

the types of surgery are the open, and the endoscope. I had the newer mini-open which is an incision about an inch long in my hand. supposed to be safer than the endo in which the nerve can be cut.

a link--
http://www.arthritissupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/601/e/1/T/Arthritis/

you most likely would have some problems after surgery doing much squeezing with your fingers. no easy answers for you. all I can think of is for you to consider all your options. maybe visit the sites I gave you in my other post, do the exercises for RPI. some people say the flextend works. search for buy flextend, there's info on their own site www.flextend.com but I see only the package deal for sale and other places you can buy just the glove. consider a different occupation, or find a way to take some time off.

good luck and keep us posted!!!

Donna