Re: Re: insurance costs

[Guest guest]

Charging too much to the insurance companies only pass it on to the consumer. No such thing as a free lunch--someone pays. Again Haung does not gouge the insurance company or the patient. She specializes in scars too (as does Feng)-- a whole different caliber of docs. Feng's expensive--we have already established that fact. The thing is, Feng's great at what she does for those who can afford it. Not everybody can and that's just life. At least for those who go to her get the best of what medicine can offer them in THEIR situation. The same can't be said for some PS's

Cost is a factor for many women--not all--to say otherwise is simply foolish. I have a friend who needs explantation and just LOST her insurance because her (recently former) work filed bankruptcy. Tell her cost is not a concern when she has a baby to take care of -- let's get real.

-Marie

[Guest guest]

Martha:

Excuse me--BUT I'll have to look through the archives and pull out not one but TWO of your posts criticizing the costs of Dr. Feng (saying to members "get real" not everybody can afford "Dr. Superior" at 10,000) and most recently also chiming in with my disgust at the 14,000 dollar price tag on an explant--you too commented that it was way too much. So who I ask you are you trying to kid here? Let's dispense the hypocrisy, shall we?

I can also dig up a recent archive post of Dr. Kolb, telling had she not paid Dr. Feng's expensive 10,000, and gone to her for explant instead, would have had enough money left over to purchase her detox protocol. So you see, I can play the game of reposting too--as you recently did with concerning FDA issues.

For someone who's worried about peace on this site, you sure know how to kick up dust when it well suits you--so spare me the melodrama. You don't intimidate me one bit.

Have a great day.

LM

[Guest guest]

Martha:

Speaking of let downs, I have NEVER let anyone down on this site who's needed my help and never would either. Yes, I speak my mind but than SO DO YOU! You let me down and others with the Dallas doctor thing. I was really counting on you since I did not have my current PS at the time. When you offered your home to me and your doc I was very pleased, but then I never heard from you again--surprise, surprise. I'm not the only one this has happened to either as you well know. If it were just me or maybe one other woman, I'd chalk it up to coincidence.

If you want to take me on fine, I won't back down. But know this, I did appreciate your kind words that you had given me on a few occasions, so I don't want to paint everything you have said to me as negative. At the same time, I won't take crap from you or anyone here either, you don't scare me.

I have and will continue to help folks who reach out to me and nothing you can say will deter me from that.

LM

[Guest guest]

Martha, So what are you trying to say Martha? I have the written estimates from Dr. Huang if you don't believe me. She does charge more for self pay, as does most any doctor, but with insr contractual agreements, the surgical fee is much less. Her price has gone up in the almost 2 yrs since I've had my explant, but doesn't every docs price go up? Absolutely. She charged the insr company $3500; however, I had an excellent HMO that paid in full. What the contractual write off was, I don't know. What I do know is that she billed the insr company $3500, and I never saw any bill from her. She is by far one of the cheaper doctors out there doing explant---regardless of what your opinion is. I'm the one who had my explant done by her; and I'm the one who asks for a written estimate every 6 months! And yes, you're absolutely right. The total cost can vary from surgeon to surgeon. What doesn't change is the surgical fee, regardless of time spent working on you. What can and frequently does change, and which can make your total cost for this surgery (or any surgery) change is anesthesia time, OR time, additional labs, tests, etc. Unless you happen to get an anesthesiologist and surgical facility that doesn't charge per minute, then that is usually what jacks up the cost of surgery. e ----- Original Message ----- From: MARTHA Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 2:54 AM Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs Dear LM, You simply "just do not 'get it'"! There is going to be a certain 'price range' for each & every woman needing explant surgery. Insurance coverage factors into the cost, the surgeon's schedule load at any certain time is another factor; as well as if you are having to pay total cash, or if insurance will pay a 'reduced amount' because the surgeon is not in your insurer's PPO group. The final one that makes perhaps the largest difference, is the fact that medical personnel are entitled to, and receive, "Professional Discounts"! With this sugery, the "Professional Discount" makes a significant difference in your charges --- with, or without insurance coverage. So, first of all, you can all totally 'rule out' any consideration regarding the amount e paid, to whatever doctor she used! I am really frustrated with all the 'confusion' many of you are causing on this site. If you cannot sincerely help by giving totally accurate information; then quit providing 'helpful uplifting information' that only leads to serious "let-downs" for many women! Seriously, MM Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537 ----- Original Message ----- From: perlesetlacet@... Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 12:59 AM Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs :I think you really need to calm down and get hold of yourself. I think 14,000 is too much money to pay to be explanted BFD it's only MY OPINION!!! Why are you threatened by my opinion?As for mentioning the 14,000 (and telling me I'm slamming your doctor)--I never named your doctor's name--you did--which is what makes this all the more laughable.I simply posted to the group that this price was out there so beware. Then e and I suggested folks to go to Huang because LIKE IT OR NOT, not all women can pay that kind of loot even if the surgery is performed by the top in the land.To think that all women can afford an expensive PS is to be living in a fool's paradise. As for Feng charging a lot--she does and in MY OPINION even 10,000 is too much. BUT I have great respect for Feng and her work (because she's earned my respect and admiration) though I wish she would come down on her price. There you went again with more "assumptions." I have told I think Feng's expensive! way befor you joined this forum -- but she RESPECTS my opinion.As for the money thing again, Dr. Huang and my PS would never charge this much and I think women have THE RIGHT to know this BEFORE THEY DECIDE to be explanted/lifted. Do you have something against free speech? Evidently so.In 1998, I paid 6,500 for a mastopexy straight out of hell. Had I known I could pay less and have had a good job done on top of it, believe me, things would be better for me today. I'm GLAD when I hear debate on PS choices--it sure makes folks THINK before they make an irrevocable choice. Choice is something I feel strongly about and if you don't agree with me, that's just too bad. Once you've gone under the knife, there's no looking back.As for my opinion on anything here, I have a God given right to it, as do you. I also have friends who are former members of this site so don't tell me about your assumptions of what I see and don't see/know.And as for e-mails I have received concerning prices or anything like that, I'll have to seek permission of the author before making them available as I am familiar with copyright laws. I will say this much, a mutual friend quoted me the 14,000 price. I find this price appalling and if you don't agree, that's certainly YOUR RIGHT.Lastly, I am glad your experience has been a good one. But please, if you don't like what I have to say--delete my posts and don't bother reading them--it's really that simple.Have a good night.LM

[Guest guest]

So are you saying that Docs charge more for self pay than for insurance pay? So is this meaning that Kolb charges more that 13,000 for explant if people pay cash? Man that seems really high to me!

----- Original Message -----

From: e Rene'

Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 9:57 PM

Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs

Martha,

So what are you trying to say Martha? I have the written estimates from Dr. Huang if you don't believe me. She does charge more for self pay, as does most any doctor, but with insr contractual agreements, the surgical fee is much less. Her price has gone up in the almost 2 yrs since I've had my explant, but doesn't every docs price go up? Absolutely. She charged the insr company $3500; however, I had an excellent HMO that paid in full. What the contractual write off was, I don't know. What I do know is that she billed the insr company $3500, and I never saw any bill from her. She is by far one of the cheaper doctors out there doing explant---regardless of what your opinion is. I'm the one who had my explant done by her; and I'm the one who asks for a written estimate every 6 months! And yes, you're absolutely right. The total cost can vary from surgeon to surgeon. What doesn't change is the surgical fee, regardless of time spent working on you. What can and frequently does change, and which can make your total cost for this surgery (or any surgery) change is anesthesia time, OR time, additional labs, tests, etc. Unless you happen to get an anesthesiologist and surgical facility that doesn't charge per minute, then that is usually what jacks up the cost of surgery.

e

----- Original Message -----

From: MARTHA

Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 2:54 AM

Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs

Dear LM,

You simply "just do not 'get it'"! There is going to be a certain 'price range' for each & every woman needing explant surgery. Insurance coverage factors into the cost, the surgeon's schedule load at any certain time is another factor; as well as if you are having to pay total cash, or if insurance will pay a 'reduced amount' because the surgeon is not in your insurer's PPO group. The final one that makes perhaps the largest difference, is the fact that medical personnel are entitled to, and receive, "Professional Discounts"! With this sugery, the "Professional Discount" makes a significant difference in your charges --- with, or without insurance coverage.

So, first of all, you can all totally 'rule out' any consideration regarding the amount e paid, to whatever doctor she used!

I am really frustrated with all the 'confusion' many of you are causing on this site. If you cannot sincerely help by giving totally accurate information; then quit providing 'helpful uplifting information' that only leads to serious "let-downs" for many women!

Seriously,

MM

Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537

----- Original Message -----

From: perlesetlacet@...

Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 12:59 AM

Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs

:I think you really need to calm down and get hold of yourself. I think 14,000 is too much money to pay to be explanted BFD it's only MY OPINION!!! Why are you threatened by my opinion?As for mentioning the 14,000 (and telling me I'm slamming your doctor)--I never named your doctor's name--you did--which is what makes this all the more laughable.I simply posted to the group that this price was out there so beware. Then e and I suggested folks to go to Huang because LIKE IT OR NOT, not all women can pay that kind of loot even if the surgery is performed by the top in the land.To think that all women can afford an expensive PS is to be living in a fool's paradise. As for Feng charging a lot--she does and in MY OPINION even 10,000 is too much. BUT I have great respect for Feng and her work (because she's earned my respect and admiration) though I wish she would come down on her price. There you went again with more "assumptions." I have told I think Feng's expensive! way befor you joined this forum -- but she RESPECTS my opinion.As for the money thing again, Dr. Huang and my PS would never charge this much and I think women have THE RIGHT to know this BEFORE THEY DECIDE to be explanted/lifted. Do you have something against free speech? Evidently so.In 1998, I paid 6,500 for a mastopexy straight out of hell. Had I known I could pay less and have had a good job done on top of it, believe me, things would be better for me today. I'm GLAD when I hear debate on PS choices--it sure makes folks THINK before they make an irrevocable choice. Choice is something I feel strongly about and if you don't agree with me, that's just too bad. Once you've gone under the knife, there's no looking back.As for my opinion on anything here, I have a God given right to it, as do you. I also have friends who are former members of this site so don't tell me about your assumptions of what I see and don't see/know.And as for e-mails I have received concerning prices or anything like that, I'll have to seek permission of the author before making them available as I am familiar with copyright laws. I will say this much, a mutual friend quoted me the 14,000 price. I find this price appalling and if you don't agree, that's certainly YOUR RIGHT.Lastly, I am glad your experience has been a good one. But please, if you don't like what I have to say--delete my posts and don't bother reading them--it's really that simple.Have a good night.LM

[Guest guest]

, I know that Dr. Huang does charge more for self pay, as do the other ps' here in Denver. I also know that other surgeons (of various specialties) charge more for self pay. I'm not sure why, as when someone is paying out of pocket, the funds have to be there. On the other hand, anyone can come up with 30-50% of the fee, then skip out on the rest of the bill. But in my mind, insr can do the same thing---approve the surgery, then deny it or come up with some ludicrous reason to not pay it. So, the doc can lose either way. I do know that other women I've worked with to help get coverage for their explant in other states have come across the same thing. I'll have to ask Dr. Huang why she (and other docs) do this. e ----- Original Message ----- From: Heer Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 9:45 AM Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs So are you saying that Docs charge more for self pay than for insurance pay? So is this meaning that Kolb charges more that 13,000 for explant if people pay cash? Man that seems really high to me! ----- Original Message ----- From: e Rene' Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 9:57 PM Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs Martha, So what are you trying to say Martha? I have the written estimates from Dr. Huang if you don't believe me. She does charge more for self pay, as does most any doctor, but with insr contractual agreements, the surgical fee is much less. Her price has gone up in the almost 2 yrs since I've had my explant, but doesn't every docs price go up? Absolutely. She charged the insr company $3500; however, I had an excellent HMO that paid in full. What the contractual write off was, I don't know. What I do know is that she billed the insr company $3500, and I never saw any bill from her. She is by far one of the cheaper doctors out there doing explant---regardless of what your opinion is. I'm the one who had my explant done by her; and I'm the one who asks for a written estimate every 6 months! And yes, you're absolutely right. The total cost can vary from surgeon to surgeon. What doesn't change is the surgical fee, regardless of time spent working on you. What can and frequently does change, and which can make your total cost for this surgery (or any surgery) change is anesthesia time, OR time, additional labs, tests, etc. Unless you happen to get an anesthesiologist and surgical facility that doesn't charge per minute, then that is usually what jacks up the cost of surgery. e ----- Original Message ----- From: MARTHA Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 2:54 AM Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs Dear LM, You simply "just do not 'get it'"! There is going to be a certain 'price range' for each & every woman needing explant surgery. Insurance coverage factors into the cost, the surgeon's schedule load at any certain time is another factor; as well as if you are having to pay total cash, or if insurance will pay a 'reduced amount' because the surgeon is not in your insurer's PPO group. The final one that makes perhaps the largest difference, is the fact that medical personnel are entitled to, and receive, "Professional Discounts"! With this sugery, the "Professional Discount" makes a significant difference in your charges --- with, or without insurance coverage. So, first of all, you can all totally 'rule out' any consideration regarding the amount e paid, to whatever doctor she used! I am really frustrated with all the 'confusion' many of you are causing on this site. If you cannot sincerely help by giving totally accurate information; then quit providing 'helpful uplifting information' that only leads to serious "let-downs" for many women! Seriously, MM Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537 ----- Original Message ----- From: perlesetlacet@... Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 12:59 AM Subject: Re: Re: insurance costs :I think you really need to calm down and get hold of yourself. I think 14,000 is too much money to pay to be explanted BFD it's only MY OPINION!!! Why are you threatened by my opinion?As for mentioning the 14,000 (and telling me I'm slamming your doctor)--I never named your doctor's name--you did--which is what makes this all the more laughable.I simply posted to the group that this price was out there so beware. Then e and I suggested folks to go to Huang because LIKE IT OR NOT, not all women can pay that kind of loot even if the surgery is performed by the top in the land.To think that all women can afford an expensive PS is to be living in a fool's paradise. As for Feng charging a lot--she does and in MY OPINION even 10,000 is too much. BUT I have great respect for Feng and her work (because she's earned my respect and admiration) though I wish she would come down on her price. There you went again with more "assumptions." I have told I think Feng's expensive! way befor you joined this forum -- but she RESPECTS my opinion.As for the money thing again, Dr. Huang and my PS would never charge this much and I think women have THE RIGHT to know this BEFORE THEY DECIDE to be explanted/lifted. Do you have something against free speech? Evidently so.In 1998, I paid 6,500 for a mastopexy straight out of hell. Had I known I could pay less and have had a good job done on top of it, believe me, things would be better for me today. I'm GLAD when I hear debate on PS choices--it sure makes folks THINK before they make an irrevocable choice. Choice is something I feel strongly about and if you don't agree with me, that's just too bad. Once you've gone under the knife, there's no looking back.As for my opinion on anything here, I have a God given right to it, as do you. I also have friends who are former members of this site so don't tell me about your assumptions of what I see and don't see/know.And as for e-mails I have received concerning prices or anything like that, I'll have to seek permission of the author before making them available as I am familiar with copyright laws. I will say this much, a mutual friend quoted me the 14,000 price. I find this price appalling and if you don't agree, that's certainly YOUR RIGHT.Lastly, I am glad your experience has been a good one. But please, if you don't like what I have to say--delete my posts and don't bother reading them--it's really that simple.Have a good night.LM