Ask your surgeon what your operation will cost
What Operation Are You Recommending?
Ask your surgeon to explain the surgery and how it is done. Your surgeon can draw a picture or a diagram and explain the steps in the surgery.
Is there more than one way of doing the operation? One way may require more extensive surgery than another. Some operations that once needed large incisions (cuts in the body) can now be done using much smaller incisions (for example, laparoscopic surgery).
Some surgeries require that you stay in the hospital for 1 or more days. Others let you come in and go home on the same day. Ask why your surgeon wants to do the operation one way over another.
How Much Will the Operation Cost?
Even if you have health insurance there may be some costs for you to pay. This may depend on your choice of surgeon or hospital. Ask what your surgeon’s fee is and what it covers. Surgical fees often also include some visits after the operation. You also will get a bill from the hospital for your care and from the other doctors who gave you care during your surgery. Before you have the operation call your insurance company. They can tell you how much of the costs your insurance will pay and what share you will have to pay. If you are covered by Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to find out your share of surgery costs.
