Pre surgical medical tests in the US for a surgery abroad

[charlotte15]

I am planning my FFS abroad earlier than anticipated, but I need to do some medical tests in the US. I have no doctor yet in DC where I live at the moment. I contacted WWH but I'm not registered as a patient yet. In any case, I'm not sure they can help for that.

Basically, I need xrays, a presurgical evaluation with an EKG (for ASA score), some bloodwork.
For the bloodwork, it can be ordered online without a prescription so I'm not worried.

For the rest, I have no idea how to get that done cheaply - as cheaply as possible as there is no spare dollar in my budget. I could go to any doctor, but I don't want to have that billed to me for hundreds of dollars! Every dollar is earmarked to a thing or another.

I have aetna from my school, but I don't think they would cover these expenses for a surgery that will be done abroad.

Can I just consult a nurse anesthesiologist for the presurgical evaluation? What about the xrays?

Any idea is welcome. If you don't want to share that in the forum, please PM me.

[kittenpower]

I don't think there's any way around spending the money if you aren't insured. If it doesn't fit into your budget with your present timeline, you may have to delay your surgery by a month or so.

[charlotte15]

It's not just about spending the money. I have US insurance, but they won't cover pre surgical tests for what they call cosmetic surgery. And the US prices are crazy if you want to pay yourself.

Like, without insurance, I'd pay 3x what they charge to my insurance or medicare. Google for xrays uninsured, it's the 1st link on ElCaminoHospital and the 2nd link on UninsuredInAmerica.

If it doesn't fit in my budget with my present timeline, I will still get that done in time, sorry. I will fly aboard earlier if necessary. Or complain about sinusitis to get my xrays on the cheap. It's not just about prices, but about access. Did you know you just can't go to a radiologist and ask for xrays? That you need a prescription too, adding up to the costs?

I'm a big girl. I don't need a gatekeeper for xrays!

For the price they want to charge me in the US, I'd rather spend the exact same amount aboard - including the plane ticket. At least I will get frequent flyer miles, and see an exotic place!

Never mind, I will find a solution by myself. Thanks anyway.