So, after a long chat with Dr. T's surgery scheduler, I found that she still does not have quotes back from the hospitals on what the surgery will cost if I end up having to pay for it.
She did however; have a strong knowledge of both hospitals and has every confidence that Parkland will be the less expensive option. She said Parkland offers "Package" pricing for situations like mine and that is very much discounted. She also said the Zale only offers a 25% discount off of hospital fees and the rest, (medication, anesthesiologists, supplies, etc), are not included.
With that information, I went ahead and requested that I be put on his schedule for Parkland. Either way, insurance covered or not, I am having the surgery. So.......
October 6th it is!
The only qualm is......... Parkland has been getting some TERRIBLE press lately...
Things like, hygiene issues, Doctors not washing their hands, or wearing surgical gear outside of the operating rooms. Its been quite the buzz here in Dallas.
The good side is, insiders are saying that these are isolated incidents and that the oral surgical suite at Parkland is pristine. AND now that the microscope is on them, they will DEFINITELY be on their toes and providing TOP NOTCH care.
Anyway, if for some reason BCBS approves my claim and I can get a surgery date at Zale that same week, I will switch, but otherwise, October 6th it is, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.
Now we just wait to see if it will be lower jaw or double jaw surgery.
Still waiting............
But at least a step closer....
Hi Janell
ReplyDeleteDo not worry if you end up having surgery at Parkland. I know its been in the news lately but I had my Jaw surgery there a month ago, and I'm alive and well. :) Now the nursing wasn't too bad, I could've done with some help on the pain, but I'm technically pediatric so they didn't have to listen to me, or give me the hardcore stuff. However they did for the most part. But other than that, things went fine.
I'm sure your surgeon won't be one who isn't sanitizing hands, or wearing un-sterile(?) clothing for the O.R. etc. etc. I even bet they will fix these things, & be out of the news by your surgery and everything will be fine. We are/were definatley in the same boat, I was hoping for Zale, or Children's; But really, I was just happy my surgeon was willing to do it on our time-crunch and with our situation. He is amazing and I am so grateful to have had the surgery, Parkland or not.
Maybe ask (if you are flexible with dates) they might be willing to help out to see what else is available. So don't fret on it, you will be okay wherever you go!
Niki :)