5 weeks waiting on sugeon to finalise fee?

subscriber

Hi folks,

I see an orothopedic surgeon during the first week in december for a herniated disc with associated siatica pain. We discussed the problem and we agreed on microdiscetomy surgery. Since that, I have been ringing his office twice a week to arrange an appointment for surgery, and have been getting the run around. I dont have medical insuranse and will paying for the operation myself but they wont agree a date with me until they finalise a quotation. Is this normal? I have now rang somewhere in the region of 10 times since the firstweek of december and have been getting told the same thing every time. I cant seem to get this pushed throuh. I am also concerned as the surgeon told me that once a year has passed since the time of injury that usually surgery is ruled out, and it is now fast approaching 8 months since the time of injury. Could anyone shine some light on what the delay may be? Is it likely to be the incompetence of the surgeons secetary that just hasent requested the final fee from the surgeon or is it likely to be the fault of the surgeon himself? Im confused as to why it is taking this long ..... really, it has been nearly 6 weeks now.

Spook_ie

I cant really comment on why it is taking so long, now what I can do to help is to give you a break down of charges that applied to my microdiskectomy/cyst removal early 2013 that was paid for by my private insurance - one thing to note is that my neurosurgeon keeps his patients in for a total of four nights, but a relation of mine had a different neurosurgeon and she was admitted the morning of surgery and was discharged the following afternoon so only a one night stay. My surgery was in the Mater Private on semi private basis.
4 nights semi-p 5,839.23
surgeon 1,707.00
anaes 728.00
contrast dye 169.00
pathology 90.00

so if you only had a one night stay it would be 4,153 compared to 8,533.37...big difference ! I think I would ring again and ask where the problem is. Hope that helps a bit

lobmo

no this is no normal . You shouldn't have to wait that long.
I am a nurse myself and herniated my disc one year ago so i know how painful it is . I was on the list for surgery . One of the best neurosurgeons in Ireland is Dr Christopher Pigeon and he operates in Beaumont private and the sports clinic. I recommend a neurosurgeon because they have specialised in the spine and brain which is what you need.

Good luck