SRS Covered: How/What/How much to Prepare?

[GorJess]

Okay, so I got FANTASTIC news yesterday that SRS is covered under my insurance, starting next fall. Since my plans are a bit busy right now, I'm planning to have it be next summer, in July or August 2015. Crossposted from the MTF section, because, contrary to my thoughts, it did not get any responses there, and given the subject of this matter, well, it's a rather important matter to me.

Basically, I'm going from here to Philadelphia (McGinn), which is only like 4 hours by car away. I plan to drive up there, pre-surgery, and then take a plane ride back, which is $300, and really, only an hour long flight, non-stop, too. From here, I'm looking for how to budget all this.

Since it's McGinn, will I need to take out a loan, that will then be reimbursed, for the cost? Will I need a consult with her, prior to SRS? Money is kind of tight, and this may not be an option for me, as such.

In addition, what else should I budget for (like lodging, food, things to do in the hospital, etc.)? Of these, how much should I budget? I want to be safe, rather than sorry, so a liberal estimate here is probably a good idea, all elements considered. Gas and such will be less of an issue, so I wouldn't include it in the overall expenditures.

Anything else I'm missing, in terms of how to prepare for this, I'd be glad to know, and please, let me know. If you have had experience with Dr. McGinn, that would be awesome for me to have, as well. Thank you all so much in advance, this will make my experience that much more secure, and steady, outside of the surgical aspect itself.

~Jessica

[teeg]

I'm scheduled for SRS with Dr. McGinn this July.

You'll need to complete a consultation with her. Mine was a phone consultation.

Financially, you'll need to have the money for the entire surgical costs ready up front. However, they do work on submitting claims to your insurance to get you reimbursed for the surgery. Personally, I've gotten a loan for the entire cost that I'll use to pay upfront, and then repay that loan with the reimbursement.

Once I completed my consultation and paid my booking fee they sent me a packet of all kinds of documentation. They outline your entire schedule, what you'll need to bring, what you'll need to do and when, pre-op testing orders, advice, etc. It's impressively well thought out documentation that'd answer all your questions.

Financially it's mainly figuring out how to pay for the surgery itself, supplies like maxi-pads, etc., getting down there, eating, staying, and heading home.

[Vicky]

I did not go to McGinn but the general procedures are typical for the U.S. surgeons.  Teeg covered the specifics as far as consultation there.  The idea of getting a loan that you pay back with insurance proceeds is a very good suggestion, since the price is actually lower than some new motor vehicles today. If there is a credit union you can join, they have some of the best rates for that type of borrowing those amounts. 

As far as your budget goes, remember that you are spending a few $$$ per day that you would already be spending, such as food so those are not "over and above" expenses.  When you get the information packet, you can start stockpiling your aftercare items such as disposable bed pads, sanitary pads, extra toilet paper and some wiping cloths etc. Close to the surgery date, you can even put in a supply of frozen microwaveable food from your normal shopping budget.