ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: hruss on July 03, 2008, 02:56:25 pm
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I have never had a surgery in House but I considered it as one of the options for my third surgery.
I called House but since there were no surgeries available at the moment I left my phone number and Dr House called me back the very following day. I have to admit that they are very open and helpful! I talked to him and after several emails they sent me the price list.
My question is how much an MRI cost in the USA in general because I am supposed to pay for an MRI in addition to the surgery price?
I declined their offer because I was afraid of the great time change (almost 12 hours) between Bulgaria and the US. I noticed in your post Kate you're telling something else! So I would like to ask whether traveling by air on long destinations is scientifically proven to be harmful soon after post-op? Is a patient allowed to travel by air soon after his/her operation? Does the change of the pressure reflect directly on me as a post op or I am supposed to be afraid only of the typical jet lag?
I look forward to hearing from you because it is really crucial. Your answers may change my decision. Thank you for any contribution.
Best,
Hrissy
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Hrissy-
Good question, and I am sure others will weigh in. As far as I know and have read, there is no harm in flying after surgery. In fact, quite a few people go to House from around this country, and fly home about 10-14 days after.
As a purely practical matter, however, I would say that you would want to have someone traveling with you, just to help you navigagte the airports.
I;ll check back to see what other responses you get on this, Hrissy.
Debbi
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HR:
I don't have a precise answer for you so I would suggest that you ask the doctors at the facility where you're having your treatment They should know.
I would guess that you'll be billed for the MRI separately. It should cost somewhere around $1,500. (US) but again, this is a question for the doctors and, specifically, the folks in the MRI center billing department.
Jim
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Hrissy -
My most recent MRI (done in early April) cost $4,600 for the MRI itself and $507 for the radiologist who read it. That was in Illinois. Sounds like it was much cheaper where Jim is.
As far as flying goes, different doctors have different rules. I was told not to fly for 8 weeks post op, but I know there are people on this forum who went to House and flew much sooner. I'd ask the doctors @ House.
Jan
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I had middle fossa surgery at HEI on a Tuesday and flew home a week later on a Thursday, therefore on the 9th day after surgery. I flew from California to Florida, where I live. The flight was 4 hours plus. The only thing that bothered me was the dry air on the plane. A delayed facial weakness had just set in and I had trouble with blinking and making tears. I survived with lots of eye drops.
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I flew from Los Angeles to Newark, NJ 10 days after trans-lab surgery at House this past January and experienced no discomfort. I was able to chew gum, and did so during takeoff and landing. Agree with the earlier post about having a traveling companion -- it's good to have an arm to hold as you're navigating the concourse! We traded in some of our "frequent flier" miles to upgrade to First Class on the flight -- and the extra room to stretch out a bit was very nice. Even better was the opportunity to use the First Class security check-in at LAX -- we were literally the only ones going through there when we checked in, so I could take my time, move slowly, and not feel rushed or "crowded." Also arranged for limo pick-up in Newark for the drive home, so that we didn't have to deal with luggage and had just a short walk to the waiting car. This is not a trip you want to scrimp on -- you'll be tired after surgery, so anything you can do to make things a bit easier is definitely worth the extra expense.
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thank you all, for your contribution! i talked to my doctors last week about any problems that may occur if i take a long plain trip, and they also told me that i traveling should not reflect on my surgery!
I am now wondering, since you had surgeries in HEI, did you have to go there for follow check-ups or they could be performed in the hometown? it will be very expensive if i had to go to LA every several months
hrissy
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Hi Hrissy,
I couldn't help but step in (after all we are almost neighbours, I am originally from Greece, although leaving in Canada). Having done the transatlantic trip many times, wow, this is a long trip even when someone is fully well, let alone after surgery!
Have you explored any places in Europe where they might be experienced in AN surgery? Also, what is the size of your residual AN? Is there a possibility that it could be treated by radiation?
Marianna
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Yasu Marianna (my mom's name - we have so much in common! :D), kala i se? (he-he that is my little knowledge in Greek!)
I am so pleased to find a neighbor (even no longer geographically) on this site!!
I went to visit my Bulgarian doctors this morning (July 23) and had a talk about radiation but as they have many times now told me - radiation is not a suitable treatment for me! they can not say how big my AN is in centimeters but would recommend a surgery for a complete removal - they are afraid that any radiation may just affect my healthy cells around th AN - dunno they are the ones who have seen me from inside :-\
I contacted International Neuroscience Institute in Hannover, Germany - a world known clinic for brain surgeries and ANs but it is very very expensive - actually the number of the sum of money in the USA and Germany is one and the same but the currency rate MATTERS, since we have almost one BG lev to US $. (40 000 euro is not the same as 40 000 US)
Calculations aside, I have to tell you that I have been to the whole northern Greece - in Kavala, Xanti, Komutini, Thasos island and this June I went even to Thessaloniki and Kalithea, Halkidiki - this was the summer retreat my company organized! it was beautiful and green and relaxing - i had wonderful time! In which part have you lived?
How are you doing now after the treatment/ any pain or dizziness or whatever?
Best wishes and thank you for stepping in! It was really nice to hear from you! :)
Hrisssy
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Hi Hrissy ;)
I am originally from Athens but went to University in Thessaloniki. Good to hear that you had a good vacation! You certainly needed to rest and have a good time.
Do you know what the size of your remaining AN is? Your doctors may not be very familiar with radiation, as happens commonly with surgeons. I have heard about the German centre, it is well known and I know people from Greece who went there for GK, before it was available in Greece. But I wasn't expecting them to be so expensive. You are so young, you deserve to get the best possible care you can, so if it involves flying to the States for that, then this is what you should do.
As shown in my signature I had GK. There were some conflicting opinions due to the size, but I felt I couldn't afford to have surgery right now with two young kids and help so far away from home. I have no side effects up to now and I feel great, but of course it is still early after my treatment. I am scheduled for a 3 month follow up MRI on Friday.
Take care
Marianna
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Hello Hrissy, (neighbour)
When I found out about my AN, I did alot of searching here in Germany for the best Drs and best options. I also found that Dr Samii in Hannover was probably the best but you are right about him being very expensive, that is because he has biult and opened his own private Hospital. Because I live here in Germany and am insured here the insurance said they would pay what it would cost at another Hospital but I would have to pay the diffference. It would have still been over EURO 10 000. I searched for other Drs and found a few others that had studied under Dr Samii (Dr Samii used to be the head Prof. at the Hannover ENT Univ.). I found that most of the Uni. Kliniks here in Germany have very good AN specialists. I dicided to have my surgery done in Mainz because it is close to where I live and Prof. Dr. Mann does the surgery every Monday and Friday.
Here in Germany they also have GK, I went to Frankfurt and talked to the Dr. there and of course they said GK was my best option but that my insurance probably wouldn't pay for it because they are still gathering info. In Switzerland they also have quiet a few Hospitals that do GK, and CK.
I don't have any idea what the prices are in the USA, or how much better the Drs are at House but just wanted to let you now my experience, in searching for a Dr. here in Europe.
Greece sure is a great place to vacation I went there (Athens, Corinth, Mykinos, Pathmos, Santarini, and Crete) the first time almost 30 years ago. Then 11 years ago I went to Crete with my wife and kids and in Sept. 08 my wife and I are flying to the island Kos for vacation.
Good luck in your seach.
Dan in Germany
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I have had all my follow ups here in Florida. The MRIs with report are sent to House/Dr Brackmann. Dr Brackmann always responds, either by phone or email and sometimes by regular mail. My doctor here and Dr Brackmann have also spoken to each other. Dr Brackmann is quick to respond to any questions I have. We still communicate, even after almost 3 years. I know that some on this forum have done their 1 year followup by returning to Los Angeles, but it is not necessary.
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Hi Hruss,
I am in same situation. I have to pay the surgery fee by my own, and I am considering to do surgery at House. So, Dr. House gave you the price quote before. How much would that be? I know every surgery is different, but I just want to have a rough idea on the price before I decide where to go. Thanks
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bunny, did you get my PM? what is going on with you?
hrissy
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I can not imagine anybody having to pay up front for this surgery. I have just had my surgery Aug 6th and the bills are just coming in. Just my room for 3.5 days is $57,000. I'm fortunate I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield and they are paying 100%. I figured this will end up to be over $100,00......
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Lamsue~
I had the surgery over 12 years ago and it was well over $80,000 then. Thank goodness for insurance! I was 25 and had just signed on with a public school and received their insurance. I had the insurance for 1 month before they found my tumor - talk about God's timing!!
K
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Sue -
you are absolutely correct. The surgery usually costs around $100,000
As K said, thank goodness for insurance!
Jan
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Yes its very pricey, you'll need more than one mri, thats for sure
You should get insurance, if you dont ask for a social worker in the hospital
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Hi Ya,
Just saw your message about flying. I haven't had my surgery yet but I have been told that I'm not to fly for 3 months following surgery. There is apparently a significant risk that the pressure will cause cerebral spinal fluid to leak and can lead to meningitis. Obviously every doctor has different advice, but I was told this by a neurotologist in Cambridge, UK with experience of over 1,000 operations, so I trust him.
Check http://www.addenbrookes.org.uk/serv/clin/surg/neurotol_skullbase/acoustic_faqs1.html
Have you considered treatment in the UK? There are some excellent centres here.
Cheers
Joe
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Joe -
you are correct. Doctors have different theories on flying post op.
My neurotologist told me to wait 3 months post op, but others on this forum - specifically those who had surgery @ House in Los Angeles - flew earlier than that and didn't encounter any problems.
BTW, welcome to the forum and good luck with your surgery. When is it scheduled for?
Jan
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Thanks Jan, I just got diagnosed, so everything's a bit crazy right now, but I'm pretty calm about it all and you know what, it could be so much worse! I could have a malignant tumour and then it could be curtains for me!
Surgery is scheduled for Feb at this stage - that's my plan B. My surgeon is writing to surgeons in Australia to see if anyone down there can do it - I'm actually Australian and it will probably be better to be able to recover with my family around me - plus it's warmer! So we'll see!!
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Joe,
When I set up my surgery date I was told that I should be fine to fly ten days after my operation, so I booked my return flight accordingly. I indeed flew from Los Angeles back to Newark, NJ at the ten day mark and had no problems whatsoever. I should add that I didn't have any post-surgical issues other than fatigue -- but my doctors seemed to be of the opinion that barring complications flying is not a problem. In fact, the consensus seemed to be that flying is preferable to a long (more than three hours) car ride. I'm sure that every doctor has his/her own opinion on this matter, so I would suggest following your doctor's recommendation!
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Thanks Jan, I just got diagnosed, so everything's a bit crazy right now, but I'm pretty calm about it all and you know what, it could be so much worse! I could have a malignant tumour and then it could be curtains for me!
Joe -
you've definitely got the right attitude on this whole AN thing.
Keep the faith ;D
Jan
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I'm trying Jan!
Thanks JG2 for your post too, always good to get a few opinions!
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I flew at 6 weeks post-op and again at 8 weeks. It wore me out but other than that, I had no problem at all. Doctors gave me the green light so off I went!
Marci
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Well, I'm counting on it NOT being harmful as I will be flying back home from LA after surgery in just a few weeks :)
Crossing my fingers,
Cindy
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I'm sure the doctors are more worried about flying causing fatigue than anything else. If there were any significant risks the advice would be the same from all doctors - dont fly after surgery.
As it is i would focus all your energy on getting better rather than worrying about flying. (easier said than done though i'm sure!)
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After surgery I will be faced with a 16 hour flight to Singapore from LA. Have to make sure everything is screwed into place, last thing I want or the poor passenger sitting next to me is a problem in the middle of nowhere. We are planning of staying in LA for 2 months if not 3 before I try and fly.
I am stunned at the cost of MRI in the US. I had the full medical the other day here in Singapore, CAT scans, MRI, XRAYS, ultra sound head to toe check, cancer screening, blood test, dyes etc. I spent the whole day at the hospital doing test and the bill came to about 3000 US dollars, which by local standard is a ridiculous amount to spend on a medical.
If you are just going to do a MRI scan and you have to cover the cost yourself then its worth jumping on a flight out to this part of the world for a holiday, do some shopping, stay in a five star hotel, have a scan and then head back. You will probably have some change left over.
The other interesting thing I was asking about ball park cost and they said as I am coming from overseas I can get a big discount on the whole procedure cost, I did not ask why, any ideas? Do I get the B team? or they assume that other countries are less litigious?
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yeah sue i cant imagine having to pay either although the last surgeon i saw said it was quite common. strange and lucky i got in for mine just under the wire. my surgery was 6/1/05 and my hubs insurance through his civil service job expired 6/30/05! we couldnt afford the cobra which was ouuta control expensive because he was disabled and then so was i but my total on the surgery hosp and all the treatments for everything that went wrong was 357,000! wow more than my house was at the time! i probably would have just had to die if i had to pay. it makes me wonder about other people maybe having to die because they cant pay. that makes me sad. :-[
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thank you for the interesting stories, friends!
as most of you know i got the operation in Hannover, Germany. I have to say that my brother had already booked the return ticket when the doctors from the clinic recommended not allowed to travel 4 weeks post op. So i had to do it by train Vienna and then a co-worker came to drive me back home! I have to admit that I did not have any problems both during the train and the car drive.
So I am save and sound for more than a month here in Bulgaria and going to massages of my face every day.
thank you for being that active!
Happy Thanksgiving!
!!
Hrissy