Mickalino Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 My doctor tells me I need arthroscopic surgery on my right ankle, to repair some bone damage. He initially gave me another option to try : cortisone shots. But I cannot have cortisone shots because those will compromise my immune system, and I cannot have that, because I have an auto-immune disorder. But I have to do something, because the pain is beyond excruciating and I cannot function normally with an ankle in this type of condition. The problem I have is I do not have any insurance or medical benefits, and I have no source of income currently. I am looking for suggestions to finance the surgery, because the surgeon said they would only accept a payment plan if I paid half of it up front. Not only is half the amount too much for me to pay, but that doesn't account for the other costs - such as hospital bill, Anesthesiologist, etc. Some people say that the hospital cannot refuse me if I do not have insurance. But I'm pretty sure that only applies to Emergency Room visits, not planned surgeries. I have heard a suggestion from someone where you can get free surgery done by doctors who are implementing brand new techniques and cutting edge technology that isn't fully developed, so they're willing to do it at no cost (and apparently no risk to the patient) Does anyone know anything about this option, because I can't seem to Google it ? Or any other suggestions to help finance a surgery that I don't have coverage for ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burgold Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 Well, with the new health reform they can not deny pre-existing conditions. Do you think you could quickly get insurance? As to what you're asking for, you could look up NIH Clinical trials, I suppose. Another option might be a surgical college, but I have a feeling that they wouldn't accept you as a patient without insurance because of liability. You could ask though. Sounds like a very scary option. Montgomery County down here offer free clinics to provide help for low income folks w/out insurance. Check to see what's available in your area. Calling your county or checking their website would help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickalino Posted October 2, 2010 Author Share Posted October 2, 2010 Well, with the new health reform they can not deny pre-existing conditions. Do you think you could quickly get insurance?As to what you're asking for, you could look up NIH Clinical trials, I suppose. Another option might be a surgical college, but I have a feeling that they wouldn't accept you as a patient without insurance because of liability. You could ask though. Sounds like a very scary option. Montgomery County down here offer free clinics to provide help for low income folks w/out insurance. Check to see what's available in your area. Calling your county or checking their website would help. Thanks, that's a good starting point. So maybe I could benefit from Obamacare after all, eh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burgold Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickalino Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 Thanks Burg. Wasn;t there a member here who is a Bone Doc ? I just can't remember his name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MassSkinsFan Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 You might try asking your Congressman or Senator. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickalino Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 You might try asking your Congressman or Senator. Good luck. I will......after the election;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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