For those who had surgery at Barnes-Jewish, an insurance question
 

My insurance pays 70% with a copay for surgery. Did they want just the copay upfront or did they calculate the cost of the surgery and demand the remaining co-coverage (30% for me) up front? Thanks.

I did not have surgery there but when I did have a wrist surgery they asked for my deductible in advance, even if it was more than my copay. They refunded me after. Nasty practice if you asked me. Why should they keep my money if they don't even know how much the 20% copay is going to be?

I had surgery at BJH inOct 2013, no payment was made until insurance was finalized but this under medicare.

RW

I had surgery Barnes - and I was billed after insurance paid. I had AETNA PPO.

All big hospitals have charity and or financial assistance. This is a little known fact. Everyone should ask for this if they are having any trouble paying all their medical bills. It is only there for the asking. Those that do not ask will be put on a payment plan.

Also, if you are in an expanded Medicaid state ask for Medicaid with a share of cost....even if you have insurance, even if you have a small savings.

There is no harm in applying for these things. The worst thing they say is no. I estimate I have paid $50,000 plus out of pocket in tos related treatments over ten years.

Thanks for the responses everyone. I don't have a deductable and the maximum out of pocket I have to pay per year is $3500. Just hoping they don't ask for that up front. That plus travel plus hotel expenses for me and wife will be a lot. I'm getting some secondary insurance through my university so hopefully that will help.

I was also not asked for any money until after everything went through insurance. My total before insurance was about $60K. I have good insurance and only paid about $1,000 out-of-pocket which was really helpful because like you said the costs really add up when you are going out of town for surgery.

Thanks that is good to know. Were you at BJ? Did you have a good experience? I'm really hoping for a private room so my wife can stay with me.

Yes, I was at BJ with Dr. Thompson. My surgery was in June 2012 (first rib, cervical rib, and scalene resection and aneurysm repair). I was very pleased with my experience and the outcome. I was in the hospital for 5 days. Everything went smoothly - it felt like they were pros at how to make the recovery as streamlined as possible.

I had a double room and had a roommate all but one night if I remember correctly. My parents stayed at the Parkway Hotel while I was in the hospital. They have a special rate for family members of patients at BJ. If you call them you can ask for it.

There is also the Barnes Lodge which I think is really affordable but doesn't take reservations.

I wish you all the best!

From what I'm reading, it looks like patients to go the Surgical Observation Unit first, then to a regular floor? Was this true for you?

Was your surgery a success?