Confusion Re: Cost Of Fills

pkr914 · July 1, 2007

I'm confused about the cost of fills. I am a self-pay who will have surgery soon, so I'm trying to plan aftercare whether I have surgery in Mexico or the States.

If you have surgery in the States, are the fills covered by the fee for surgery (which is very expensive, as everyone knows)? If so, is the fluoroscoping covered? I don't know why the cost of the fluoroscope is separated out since it seems you can't have the fill without one.

In Mexico, some surgeons seem to cover the fills forever for free plus the cost of the fluoroscope, usually $100. Others, for one year.

In NY, NYU Medical Center will do the fills for $100 (with a $500. initial consultation fee) as a follow-uo to surgery in Mexico, and Columbia-Presbyterian will do follow-up fills after surgery in Mexico for $300. consultation, $160. per fill. I don't know if the fluoroscope is extra. I also don't know if the fills are included if you have surgery with them.

Any and all information appreciated.

cosean · July 1, 2007

Flouroscopy is not required to get a fill. It is helpful but my fills are never done with it. My surgery was covered by my insurance but fills are not. Not even the first one. Every doctor is different, every insurance company is different.

NeenBand · July 1, 2007

My surgeons here in NJ are not being paid by my insurance carrier (rules seem to change all the time) so if I want a fill I would have to pay the $450 doctor's charge for the fill, plus the hospital fees which would add up to $1000. They use fluoroscope, but I'm just looking for a fill doctor now.

Kandi5912 · July 1, 2007

Every insurance and Dr. is different, If I was you I would do a lot of researching to make sure that you come out on the good end of the stick. If you find a Dr. that says that the flouro is included have them write it up and sign it....fills are not always done to get a fill....my insurance pays for it but my Dr. choose not to use it....just be very careful and make sure that you have your plan in place for after your surgery care....it's a lot to consider especailly if you are a self pay...good luck

juliegeraci · July 2, 2007

My doctor charges $200 and does not use fluoro

joe7777 · July 3, 2007

wow...200$...thats Robbery!!! To me its ludicrous. I have free for life aftercare. I mean...16000$ is enough already! But to answer the original question, WE can't answer that, only YOUR clinic can.

Denise · July 7, 2007

I was fortunate first to have my insurance cover my surgery---but to have a great doctor which included in his surgical fee (which was 250 after insurance picked up their part) does my fills for free. I know that I am very lucky this is not true for everyone.