Community Conversation => Transitioning => Gender Correction Surgery => Topic started by: KristinaM on September 25, 2015, 10:38:48 AM Return to Full Version
Title: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on September 25, 2015, 10:38:48 AM
Post by: KristinaM on September 25, 2015, 10:38:48 AM
First, I'll quote this from another thread so that everyone gets credit where due:
I did not discover this doctor, but today I called her office and did my due diligence. The is the information provided to me by her receptionist:
I'm still a minimum of at least 15 months away from GRS according to WPATH Standards, so maybe she'll gain some more popularity and experience by then. Location-wise, this would be uber convenient for me, but if I was getting surgery in the next 2-3 months, I'd still want to go with McGinn at this point and just deal with the travel.
Quote from: KristinaM on September 24, 2015, 03:57:47 PMQuote from: FrancisAnn on July 04, 2015, 01:59:56 PM
(snip)...I'm discussing surgery with a Dr. KeeLee MacPhee of Raleigh NC. She seems very experienced however not as well known as some of the other names....(snip)
Whaaaaaaa, there's a GRS surgeon in Raleigh, NC? That's where I live!
BRB, Googling........
I did not discover this doctor, but today I called her office and did my due diligence. The is the information provided to me by her receptionist:
- Location: Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Website: http://keeleemacpheemd.com/
- Consult Fee: $100
- Waitlist: None, surgery spots open as soon as the first week of November.
- Deposit: None, total cost due 2 weeks prior to surgery date.
- Insurance: Out of Network for all providers, but can assist with the complicated process of pre-authorizations and reimbursements.
- Total Cost: ~$18,000-$19,000 for cash payment. Add 5% for credit cards.
- Requirements: Follows WPATH Standards of Care
- Trained Under: Dr. Marci Bowers (and some male doctor in Pennsylvania, so not Christine McGinn)
- Experience: Been performing solo GRS since December, 2014. As of this writing, her receptionist says she's done "~3-5 alone" and probably "~12-15 in total" when combined with her experience under other surgeons. She's been doing other transgender surgeries since 2005 though (BA, FFS, Body Contouring, etc...).
- Results photos: One set online on her website, others are available to see during a consult.
I'm still a minimum of at least 15 months away from GRS according to WPATH Standards, so maybe she'll gain some more popularity and experience by then. Location-wise, this would be uber convenient for me, but if I was getting surgery in the next 2-3 months, I'd still want to go with McGinn at this point and just deal with the travel.
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on April 20, 2016, 07:58:58 PM
Post by: KristinaM on April 20, 2016, 07:58:58 PM
Hey everyone. I was hoping to find some more info here on Dr. Keelee MacPhee by now, but apparently there isn't any yet. I'm in the serious home stretch of planning for this now and while I've been pretty resolved to using Dr. McGinn in Pennsylvania up until now, I figured it was in my best interest to consult with the doctor in my own home town who doesn't have a waitlist, lol.
So to that end, I've got a consult planned for next Tuesday with Dr. Keelee MacPhee.
Can ya'll maybe supply me with some questions that I should be asking her? I have some of my own, but I was wondering what others may be concerned about just so I can make sure I have all my bases covered.
So to that end, I've got a consult planned for next Tuesday with Dr. Keelee MacPhee.
Can ya'll maybe supply me with some questions that I should be asking her? I have some of my own, but I was wondering what others may be concerned about just so I can make sure I have all my bases covered.
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on April 28, 2016, 12:15:38 PM
Post by: KristinaM on April 28, 2016, 12:15:38 PM
So, here's a summary rundown of the questions I asked during my consult:
Surgical Experience? GRS Experience?
- Plastic surgeon since 2003, mostly with trans patient experience. She mentioned her most common surgery performed was FTM breast removal.
- 4 MTF GRS surgeries performed with Dr. Marci Bowers, 7 solo (to date).
What technique do you use?
-Penile inversion with scrotal graft for the vaginal canal lining. The tissue used in this process to line the vagina has been known to frequently "turn into" mucosal tissue, turning pink and moist over time.
- Some of the excess urethra is used to line from the urethra to the clitoris for "pinking" and moisture in the area.
- She does not line the vagina with urethral tissue because the results haven't suggested a significant improvement in self-lubrication, healing time is longer due to extra incisions/stitches, and in some cases the graft has even failed to survive.
Likelihood of a revision/repair needed? Cost involved? Warranty?
- To date, no second step or revision surgery has been needed with her patients using this technique.
Scarring?
- Two lines running up the groin/leg crease, then down around and behind the vaginal opening. Like a U or V shape. Fairly common practice is sounds like.
Estimated Depth?
- I believe she said that all of her patients to date have achieved ~7 inches of depth with the largest dilator (I was shocked to hear this).
Recovery Time/Location/Follow-ups/Schedule?
- 2 days in the hospital post-op, then discharged to home if local.
- Follow up at 1 week to remove the packing and catheter.
- 1 week follow-ups after that, spacing out over time as doctor and patient feel comfortable.
Returning to Work/Activity?
- No lifting or strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks to prevent internal stitches from rupturing (all disolvable stitches are used)
- Can work from home after a couple weeks if up to it and able.
- No driving while on heavy pain meds, obviously, but safe after 2-3 weeks probably.
- Returning to a desk job would be patient specific, but as early as 3 weeks is possible. More time away from work equals a better recovery though.
At-home care needed?
- Possible assistance with cleaning the area, keeping it iced, pain management, etc...
- Patient should be up and walking around a bit every couple of hours however, so preparing light meals isn't out of the question for instance.
Dilation Schedule and Aftercare?
- Dilation 3x daily (~45 minutes each session) for up to one year is recommended, but she says many patients find that logistically unfeasible. More frequent dilation however equals better results.
- Compression underwear is needed for the first couple weeks to help with swelling (plus ice!)
- Pads, multiple pads, are encouraged postop to catch discharge and keep pressure on the area to reduce swelling (in conjuction with ice, noticing a theme?).
- After the first week or so, pads are recommended after dilating to catch excess lubricant...
Requirements for consideration/surgery?
- If using insurance, they have their own requirements, but MacPhee generally follows the WPATH standards.
Orchiectomy first?
- She actually recommended this if SRS is a ways out due to Spironolactone being not good for long term use. She expressed no concerns when I asked her about scrotal skin shrinkage as well. "It is very stretchy," she said, lol.
Electrolysis needed?
- Recommended, if not required. She does scrape away follicles, but can't necessarily guarantee that she'll get them all. Less time scraping equals less time under anesthesia as well. I believe that heavy laser treatment may be a suitable alternative if it is effective for your hair and skin color.
Other health concerns?
- Mostly concerned about possible prostate issues that could cause problems not only with depth but healing and time under anesthesia to work around them.
Total cost? Upfront cost? And what does that include? (in US dollars)
- For GRS:
Credit Payment
- Surgeon Fee: 10,500.00
- Anesthesia Fee: 2,494.80
- Facility Fee: 4,240.95
- Devices: 162.75
- 2 night stay: 1,575.00
- Pathology Fee: ~1,000.00
- Total Estimate: ~19,973.50
Cash, Check or Debit Payment
- Surgeon Fee: 10,000.00
- Anesthesia Fee: 2,376.00
- Facility Fee: 4,039.00
- Devices: 155.00
- 2 night stay: 1,500.00
- Pathology Fee: ~1,000.00
- Total Estimate: ~19,070.00
- For Orchiectomy:
Credit Payment
- Surgeon Fee: 2,195.55
- Anesthesia Fee: 1,201.20
- Facility Fee: 1,621.62
- Pathology Fee: ~1,000.00
- Total Estimate: ~6,018.37
Cash, Check or Debit Payment
- Surgeon Fee: 2,091.00
- Anesthesia Fee: 1,144.00
- Facility Fee: 1,544.40
- Pathology Fee: ~1,000.00
- Total Estimate: ~5,779.40
- Surgeon fee is due upfront at least 2 weeks prior to procedure date.
- Other fees are also due, but she can work with insurance to help courtesy file pre-authorizations for the rest, iirc, if they cover it. Otherwise, it is all due (minus the pathology fee) upfront.
- The pathology fee is billed after the procedure and is variable (~900-1200).
- If you have an orchi first, then GRS, you will only be charged the pathology fee once, not twice.
Payment plan/assistance?
- Nothing in-house. External credit is available, but the interest rate is outrageous. Better off taking out a loan against your car or something!
Procedure Scheduling?
- High availability.
What insurance companies have she had success with?
- United Healthcare
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
Insurance Codes?
- GRS Procedure (CPT): 55970 - Intersex surgery; male to female
- Orchi Procedure (CPT): 54520 - Bilateral Orchiectomy
- Diagnosis Code (ICD10): F64.1 - Gender Identity Disorder
Surgical Experience? GRS Experience?
- Plastic surgeon since 2003, mostly with trans patient experience. She mentioned her most common surgery performed was FTM breast removal.
- 4 MTF GRS surgeries performed with Dr. Marci Bowers, 7 solo (to date).
What technique do you use?
-Penile inversion with scrotal graft for the vaginal canal lining. The tissue used in this process to line the vagina has been known to frequently "turn into" mucosal tissue, turning pink and moist over time.
- Some of the excess urethra is used to line from the urethra to the clitoris for "pinking" and moisture in the area.
- She does not line the vagina with urethral tissue because the results haven't suggested a significant improvement in self-lubrication, healing time is longer due to extra incisions/stitches, and in some cases the graft has even failed to survive.
Likelihood of a revision/repair needed? Cost involved? Warranty?
- To date, no second step or revision surgery has been needed with her patients using this technique.
Scarring?
- Two lines running up the groin/leg crease, then down around and behind the vaginal opening. Like a U or V shape. Fairly common practice is sounds like.
Estimated Depth?
- I believe she said that all of her patients to date have achieved ~7 inches of depth with the largest dilator (I was shocked to hear this).
Recovery Time/Location/Follow-ups/Schedule?
- 2 days in the hospital post-op, then discharged to home if local.
- Follow up at 1 week to remove the packing and catheter.
- 1 week follow-ups after that, spacing out over time as doctor and patient feel comfortable.
Returning to Work/Activity?
- No lifting or strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks to prevent internal stitches from rupturing (all disolvable stitches are used)
- Can work from home after a couple weeks if up to it and able.
- No driving while on heavy pain meds, obviously, but safe after 2-3 weeks probably.
- Returning to a desk job would be patient specific, but as early as 3 weeks is possible. More time away from work equals a better recovery though.
At-home care needed?
- Possible assistance with cleaning the area, keeping it iced, pain management, etc...
- Patient should be up and walking around a bit every couple of hours however, so preparing light meals isn't out of the question for instance.
Dilation Schedule and Aftercare?
- Dilation 3x daily (~45 minutes each session) for up to one year is recommended, but she says many patients find that logistically unfeasible. More frequent dilation however equals better results.
- Compression underwear is needed for the first couple weeks to help with swelling (plus ice!)
- Pads, multiple pads, are encouraged postop to catch discharge and keep pressure on the area to reduce swelling (in conjuction with ice, noticing a theme?).
- After the first week or so, pads are recommended after dilating to catch excess lubricant...
Requirements for consideration/surgery?
- If using insurance, they have their own requirements, but MacPhee generally follows the WPATH standards.
Orchiectomy first?
- She actually recommended this if SRS is a ways out due to Spironolactone being not good for long term use. She expressed no concerns when I asked her about scrotal skin shrinkage as well. "It is very stretchy," she said, lol.
Electrolysis needed?
- Recommended, if not required. She does scrape away follicles, but can't necessarily guarantee that she'll get them all. Less time scraping equals less time under anesthesia as well. I believe that heavy laser treatment may be a suitable alternative if it is effective for your hair and skin color.
Other health concerns?
- Mostly concerned about possible prostate issues that could cause problems not only with depth but healing and time under anesthesia to work around them.
Total cost? Upfront cost? And what does that include? (in US dollars)
- For GRS:
Credit Payment
- Surgeon Fee: 10,500.00
- Anesthesia Fee: 2,494.80
- Facility Fee: 4,240.95
- Devices: 162.75
- 2 night stay: 1,575.00
- Pathology Fee: ~1,000.00
- Total Estimate: ~19,973.50
Cash, Check or Debit Payment
- Surgeon Fee: 10,000.00
- Anesthesia Fee: 2,376.00
- Facility Fee: 4,039.00
- Devices: 155.00
- 2 night stay: 1,500.00
- Pathology Fee: ~1,000.00
- Total Estimate: ~19,070.00
- For Orchiectomy:
Credit Payment
- Surgeon Fee: 2,195.55
- Anesthesia Fee: 1,201.20
- Facility Fee: 1,621.62
- Pathology Fee: ~1,000.00
- Total Estimate: ~6,018.37
Cash, Check or Debit Payment
- Surgeon Fee: 2,091.00
- Anesthesia Fee: 1,144.00
- Facility Fee: 1,544.40
- Pathology Fee: ~1,000.00
- Total Estimate: ~5,779.40
- Surgeon fee is due upfront at least 2 weeks prior to procedure date.
- Other fees are also due, but she can work with insurance to help courtesy file pre-authorizations for the rest, iirc, if they cover it. Otherwise, it is all due (minus the pathology fee) upfront.
- The pathology fee is billed after the procedure and is variable (~900-1200).
- If you have an orchi first, then GRS, you will only be charged the pathology fee once, not twice.
Payment plan/assistance?
- Nothing in-house. External credit is available, but the interest rate is outrageous. Better off taking out a loan against your car or something!
Procedure Scheduling?
- High availability.
What insurance companies have she had success with?
- United Healthcare
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
Insurance Codes?
- GRS Procedure (CPT): 55970 - Intersex surgery; male to female
- Orchi Procedure (CPT): 54520 - Bilateral Orchiectomy
- Diagnosis Code (ICD10): F64.1 - Gender Identity Disorder
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on April 28, 2016, 12:18:40 PM
Post by: KristinaM on April 28, 2016, 12:18:40 PM
After speaking with Dr. MacPhee, I feel much more comfortable with her and am rethinking my "need" to have Dr. McGinn perform my surgery. I'd still love for her to do it of course, but all the reasons for my choosing her seem to be less important now than they did 7 months ago. Plus, the convenience factor of MacPhee's proximity to my home and office is huge!
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: Bea-f on May 05, 2016, 02:37:29 PM
Post by: Bea-f on May 05, 2016, 02:37:29 PM
Planning to see Dr MacPhee May 17 and May 18.
Possibly we could get together and compare notes.
Possibly we could get together and compare notes.
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on May 05, 2016, 07:49:00 PM
Post by: KristinaM on May 05, 2016, 07:49:00 PM
Quote from: Bea-f on May 05, 2016, 02:37:29 PMThat sounds fantastic! PM me with contact info if you'd like. I live and work in Raleigh.
Planning to see Dr MacPhee May 17 and May 18.
Possibly we could get together and compare notes.
If you could, ask her about revisions down the line for cosmetic reasons, cost, etc... I forgot to talk to her about that and also breast augmentation, see if you can get some info on implant and technique options, cost, and CPT codes, lol. ;-) I'm confronting my HR department soon to see about adding coverage to our insurance plan since it comes up for renewal next month.
After reading more about different techniques, I'm a bit concerned about the limitations of the technique she uses (and every surgeon in North America I believe, not just her) surrounding the labia aesthetics (inner and outer). I believe her technique is fine, but the pictures she had were just poorly taken. She needs to learn to photograph vagina better, haha. It's all about lighting, posing and angle! So yeah, ask about revisions to improve aesthetics and anatomical correctness of the folds and placements of each part, etc... Also ask about the placement of the groin incisions in the initial surgery. She trained under Bowers, and I see where Bowers is now placing the groin incisions almost directly on the leg/groin crease to make the scars practically invisible even if they don't fully vanish with time.
So anyways. Some things for you to think about asking that I didn't.
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: Bea-f on May 07, 2016, 01:31:45 PM
Post by: Bea-f on May 07, 2016, 01:31:45 PM
Well, plan to arrive in Raleigh on May 16. Do I need to bring the original of my birth certificate or will a copy due?
I can't PM you, but maybe you can PM me?
If you call or e-mail Sue in Dr Mac Phee's office, I am sure she will get you answers to all your questions. She is terrific. If you can't pm me, maybe she will give you my number.
I can offer you some opinions and insight on BA, revisions and vaginal depth.
I can't PM you, but maybe you can PM me?
If you call or e-mail Sue in Dr Mac Phee's office, I am sure she will get you answers to all your questions. She is terrific. If you can't pm me, maybe she will give you my number.
I can offer you some opinions and insight on BA, revisions and vaginal depth.
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on May 08, 2016, 08:39:01 PM
Post by: KristinaM on May 08, 2016, 08:39:01 PM
Quote from: Bea-f on May 07, 2016, 01:31:45 PM
Well, plan to arrive in Raleigh on May 16. Do I need to bring the original of my birth certificate or will a copy due?
I can't PM you, but maybe you can PM me?
If you call or e-mail Sue in Dr Mac Phee's office, I am sure she will get you answers to all your questions. She is terrific. If you can't pm me, maybe she will give you my number.
I can offer you some opinions and insight on BA, revisions and vaginal depth.
You shouldn't need your birth certificate at all, not for a consult anyways. Just fill out the paperwork, and maybe a copy of your driver's license, I really don't remember. You pay cash or debit (maybe credit) for the consult and that's all there is to it. I hadn't thought to contact Dr. MacPhee's office about these questions, but I'll think about it now. Dr. McGinn's office wouldn't answer anything over the phone so I presumed nobody else would either.
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on February 19, 2017, 09:00:10 PM
Post by: KristinaM on February 19, 2017, 09:00:10 PM
*Update*
Dr. Macphee has some more pics up on her website, so I'm a good bit more confidant about her. I had a consult with her last April, and again a few weeks ago. Thanks to BCBSNC my surgery is covered this year! So I scheduled a date for this summer. It's official everyone! Paid my deposit and everything. Probably going to get some small implants as well. I am so excited, and while I can't wait, I know that it'll be here in no time at all.
XOXO
Dr. Macphee has some more pics up on her website, so I'm a good bit more confidant about her. I had a consult with her last April, and again a few weeks ago. Thanks to BCBSNC my surgery is covered this year! So I scheduled a date for this summer. It's official everyone! Paid my deposit and everything. Probably going to get some small implants as well. I am so excited, and while I can't wait, I know that it'll be here in no time at all.
XOXO
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on April 13, 2017, 11:44:38 PM
Post by: KristinaM on April 13, 2017, 11:44:38 PM
*Update*
Surgery scheduled for July, deposit paid, prior-authorization submitted to BCBS and approved!
This is so surreal. It's like an out of body experience. I don't think I'll be able to focus on anything for the rest of the year besides this!
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Surgery scheduled for July, deposit paid, prior-authorization submitted to BCBS and approved!
This is so surreal. It's like an out of body experience. I don't think I'll be able to focus on anything for the rest of the year besides this!
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: SerenaOhSerena on September 05, 2017, 08:58:08 PM
Post by: SerenaOhSerena on September 05, 2017, 08:58:08 PM
Hi Kristina,
I am in Raleigh, NC and thinking of MacPhee as well. How is everything going post-surgery?
I am in Raleigh, NC and thinking of MacPhee as well. How is everything going post-surgery?
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: KristinaM on September 05, 2017, 09:05:52 PM
Post by: KristinaM on September 05, 2017, 09:05:52 PM
Quote from: SerenaOhSerena on September 05, 2017, 08:58:08 PMVery well! 55 days post-op and been back at work for a week already. Dilating sucks to schedule with a full-time job and a baby, but hey, it's my life now. MacPhee is great!
Hi Kristina,
I am in Raleigh, NC and thinking of MacPhee as well. How is everything going post-surgery?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: Laurie on September 05, 2017, 11:12:07 PM
Post by: Laurie on September 05, 2017, 11:12:07 PM
Hi Kristina,
I just want to thank you for all the information you posted in this thread and to say congratulations on your surgery. Glad it all went well.
laurie
I just want to thank you for all the information you posted in this thread and to say congratulations on your surgery. Glad it all went well.
laurie
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: AlexisRene on September 12, 2017, 02:42:14 AM
Post by: AlexisRene on September 12, 2017, 02:42:14 AM
Thanks so much for the information you have provided & congrats on your GRS. I had seen Dr Macphee on fb & followed her page, but it did not provide much info. Just kept it for future reference. Again, congrats & thank you.
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: Laurie on September 12, 2017, 05:33:22 AM
Post by: Laurie on September 12, 2017, 05:33:22 AM
Quote from: AlexisRene on September 12, 2017, 02:42:14 AM
Thanks so much for the information you have provided & congrats on your GRS. I had seen Dr Macphee on fb & followed her page, but it did not provide much info. Just kept it for future reference. Again, congrats & thank you.
Hi AlexisRene,
You look fairly new here and I'm not sure you were welcomed properly before so please the me say Welcome to Susan's Place. I want to thank you for being here and participating as you have been.
. Perhaps I can even get you to hop on over to the Introductions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) Thread and create a post to tell us a little bit more about yourself so we can get to know you a little better and greet you properly.
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Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: Julia813 on February 21, 2018, 04:26:20 PM
Post by: Julia813 on February 21, 2018, 04:26:20 PM
Kristina,
I am not sure if you are still following this thread, but I live in the Raleigh area and I am strongly considering setting up a meeting with Dr. MacPhee. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?
Being this far past your surgery date, how is everything going, and are you happy with the results?
How long did you stay in the hospital, and were you able to go from the hospital to home since you live in the area?
How long before you felt like you were back to normal energy wise?
I probably have a ton of other questions, but I guess first I will wait to see if you are still monitoring this thread, or if anyone else has gone to her recently.
I have called to set up a consultation so I imagine I will need to get a list of questions together for that visit.
Thanks,
Julia
I am not sure if you are still following this thread, but I live in the Raleigh area and I am strongly considering setting up a meeting with Dr. MacPhee. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?
Being this far past your surgery date, how is everything going, and are you happy with the results?
How long did you stay in the hospital, and were you able to go from the hospital to home since you live in the area?
How long before you felt like you were back to normal energy wise?
I probably have a ton of other questions, but I guess first I will wait to see if you are still monitoring this thread, or if anyone else has gone to her recently.
I have called to set up a consultation so I imagine I will need to get a list of questions together for that visit.
Thanks,
Julia
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: Blue Sparkles on April 04, 2018, 05:10:17 AM
Post by: Blue Sparkles on April 04, 2018, 05:10:17 AM
I have my surgery with her next week,she has done 100 surgeries to date
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: Blue Sparkles on April 04, 2018, 05:17:14 AM
Post by: Blue Sparkles on April 04, 2018, 05:17:14 AM
I receive Medicaid and Medicare from disability and will be refunded $ 7,000 for the 2 day hospital stay and for anesthesia,so if your on disability,you will get about half your money back and my insurance has already paid for my prescriptios, picked them up yesterday
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: feedmecurry on November 08, 2018, 07:47:08 AM
Post by: feedmecurry on November 08, 2018, 07:47:08 AM
Anyone have more recent experience with Dr. MacPhee? I'm a few hours away from her (more like 12 hours away for McGinn), so she's high on my list atm.
Also, is everyone having to come up with funds for the procedure in advance or will the insurance get the funds to her at the two week prior date? Confused how that works.
Also, is everyone having to come up with funds for the procedure in advance or will the insurance get the funds to her at the two week prior date? Confused how that works.
Title: Re: GRS with Dr. Keelee MacPhee - Raleigh/Durham, NC
Post by: sarah1972 on November 08, 2018, 08:22:56 AM
Post by: sarah1972 on November 08, 2018, 08:22:56 AM
I had my consult with her this week and pretty much decided on May next year with her.
You are correct, the funds have to be transferred in advance for her service as well as her hospital's service. She offers to work with your insurance on all the necessary approvals and I guess some of it will depend on your insurance. My understanding is that you have to pre-pay and then get reimbursed by your insurance for whatever part the insurance will pay (mine will pay a maximum of 80%, more likely 60%). One catch is, Insurances have set rates which are often less than a surgeon's charge. So assuming, the insurance rate for vaginoplasty is $7,500 and they pay 80%, they will pay $ 6,000 and you are responsible for the remaining difference (so in reality, they pay only 60%). Best is to get the billing codes and negotiate with your insurance. With Dr. MacPhee being out of network, some insurances pay even less. In my case: 80% for in-network and 60% for out of network. However, I learned I can appeal my insurance upfront since there is no in-network surgeon within a reasonable distance and they might approve in-network payment.
As I said, there will be a lot of negotiation with your insurance required. I have just started the process.
You could ask your insurance to pre-pay but I am not sure how that works. I have to admit, I was positively surprised by the cost, I did expect 3 - 4 x the price. But I do know that it still is a lot of money.
Let me know if you have any more questions. It seems like you already know her fees. You can also send me a PM and I can fill in a few more details.
Sarah
You are correct, the funds have to be transferred in advance for her service as well as her hospital's service. She offers to work with your insurance on all the necessary approvals and I guess some of it will depend on your insurance. My understanding is that you have to pre-pay and then get reimbursed by your insurance for whatever part the insurance will pay (mine will pay a maximum of 80%, more likely 60%). One catch is, Insurances have set rates which are often less than a surgeon's charge. So assuming, the insurance rate for vaginoplasty is $7,500 and they pay 80%, they will pay $ 6,000 and you are responsible for the remaining difference (so in reality, they pay only 60%). Best is to get the billing codes and negotiate with your insurance. With Dr. MacPhee being out of network, some insurances pay even less. In my case: 80% for in-network and 60% for out of network. However, I learned I can appeal my insurance upfront since there is no in-network surgeon within a reasonable distance and they might approve in-network payment.
As I said, there will be a lot of negotiation with your insurance required. I have just started the process.
You could ask your insurance to pre-pay but I am not sure how that works. I have to admit, I was positively surprised by the cost, I did expect 3 - 4 x the price. But I do know that it still is a lot of money.
Let me know if you have any more questions. It seems like you already know her fees. You can also send me a PM and I can fill in a few more details.
Sarah
Quote from: feedmecurry on November 08, 2018, 07:47:08 AM
Anyone have more recent experience with Dr. MacPhee? I'm a few hours away from her (more like 12 hours away for McGinn), so she's high on my list atm.
Also, is everyone having to come up with funds for the procedure in advance or will the insurance get the funds to her at the two week prior date? Confused how that works.