Large Cyst, Surgery Needed, No Insurance - Worried

[LeeJay]

Hello everyone. I'm new and looking for advice. I'm 31 and live near Baltimore. MD. I was diagnosed this weekend with a large (15cm x 15 cm x 10cm)  complex septated cystic mass on my right ovary after going to the ER with intense abdominal pain. Today I had a follow up with a gynecologist and he told me that I need to have surgery and that since it is causing me pain I should have it done soon. The problem is he wants half of his fee up front since I have no insurance and I just don't have two thousand dollars to spare right now. I have a job and have no problem paying what I owe but I can't do it up front.

I've spent the afternoon calling county health services trying to find someone to help me. I must have talked to twelve different people so far and the only real lead I have is a community medical program for residents without insurance. It takes 2 to 3 weeks to get approved and THEN I have to see one of their primary care physicians and then that doctor has to refer me to a gynocologist and THEN that doctor can tell me what my options areas far as surgery goes. From what I was told, this process could take several months and that's only IF I get approved.

I don't think I can take several months of this pain and pressure but I feel like my hands are tied and I'm very worried and frustrated. My question is (I know, you're thinking "finally, she gets to a question!") do any of you have any experience with going through this when you don't have insurance? Are there any other departments or services I should check with?

[brthbbs]

I also have no health insurance and my surgery cost to the hospital was $14,400 UP FRONT and $1500 to each surgeon UP Front.
The oncology department wanted $90,000 for six rounds of chemo.  Needless to say that was out of the question for me.  I borrowed the money for the up front costs and refinanced my house to pay it back.  I hunted around and finally found chemo for free through the county system, but it took me six weeks to get there.  Many people recommended that I try City of Hope and Cancer Society, I think they have programs for people without insurance.  Most doctors and hospitals do have a discount for cash pay, it's not much and they usually want it before anything is done, but you should ask.  It has been an emotionally and financially difficult time.  When I asked the hospital how much it would cost me if I had to go to the ER for the surgery due to pain and/or complilcations, they said it would cost me $36,000!!!  So I decided I'd not have an emergency no matter what.  What a crappy system Heh?

[suzsen]

My brother had back surgery, even with insurance he knew there there would be a big balance.  He paid $1000 up front, then had payments.  You could ask if the dr will negotiate, can you come up with $1000 up front instead of $2000?  Borrow it from a friend or relative?

This really STINKS!

[willowfly]

Hi, I know this won't make you feel any better but I had laproscopic outpatient surgery two months ago, they removed a dermoid tumor, my ovary and fallopian tube and the whole surgery cost about $13,000. I ended up paying about $1,000 b/c I had insurance at the time.
I don't have insurance now and just praying that I stay healthy and don't have any side issues with it until I find a job with benefits.

[LeeJay]

Unfortunately, the doctor won't negotiate. He says that he used to offer surgical services on a payment schedule but that too many people ended up skipping out on the bill afterwards and now he can no longer take the risk. I understand his hesitation and since he doesn't know me from Adam I can see why he won't take a chance, but it still sucks.

Fortunately, the daughter of one of my co-workers is a nurse and her gynecologist is a good friend (they used to work together). She is seeing him tomorrow and plans to tell him about me and ask if he can help. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that something can be be worked out.

Thanks for your advice! I'll keep you posted.

[Krull1]

Hi LeeJay,
I agree with Hudson. Try calling around and maybe try a physician referral service to help. I know it is a pain but I did that for my mom when she was without insurance and finally found someone who would take payments. It's worth a shot as you cannot put up with pain for that long. I will be praying for you to find someone soon. Take care!
Hugs,
Darlyn