Hernia

[KristenC 13]

I had my surgery back in May. I recently got a bill for a hernia repair. Nobody ever mentioned anything to me about haveing a hernia. Has this happened to anyone? I see my surgeon tomorrow and don't know how to bring it up to him.

[nayttap 4]

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[KristenC 13]

I just can't believe the surgeon didn't tell me. Thanks!

[whitetiger011680 11]

My doctor tells all of his patiens that if he finds a hernia when he goes in that he will repair it and if the fall bladder is bad he will remove it while he's in, but if that's the case, the insurance should have paid for it....unless you were self pay. In any case, if he new that was a possility, he should have told you BEFORE surgery. I would just ask him straight forward if it is a mistake and if it's not then find out why you were not told before surgery.

[KristenC 13]

I guess his assistant it was billed under doesn't take my insurance so it goes through out of network benefits...

[Papillon Princess 13]

Hernia's are common in overweight individuals. My dr had me sign a contract saying that I would allow a hernia repair (if found during surgery) to be repaired. Hernia's can cause a lot of discomfort and usually minor problems. I had no idea I had a hernia, but now that it's been repaired I can actually tell the difference! I didn't realize the "heart burn" and reflux was because of the hernia. I felt sick a lot and I don't have those problems anymore. Hernia's are typically managed with a medication, but if they are in there doing a surgery, it is normal to fix it. The surgeon's will not always mention it if it was not a severe hernia that will not impact you. If you have a larger hernia, they will let you know because you may have some restrictions after surgery because of it.

Also, talk with your insurance rep more about the "out of network" thing. I had a surgery last December (unrelated to the WLS) and the anesthesia dr they use was "out of network", but since they had already approved the surgery and the actual surgeon was in network, they did cover it and I was not charged extra. This is something you should speak with your insurance about. Your dr's office does not have power over those sort of decisions and insurance companies hope you won't question them.

I had my surgery back in May. I recently got a bill for a hernia repair. Nobody ever mentioned anything to me about haveing a hernia. Has this happened to anyone? I see my surgeon tomorrow and don't know how to bring it up to him.

[KristenC 13]

Thank you!!