Out of network Doc

[kfenn]

@bottomshollow , love the graphics. I had the pre-op appointments yesterday at Hospital for Joint Disease in Manhattan. Drove an hour to the train station, took a 90 minute train to Grand Central, then jumped on a bus down Lexington Ave for 15 minutes then hobbled my way over to 2nd ave for 5 minutes to arrive at my destination (NYU HJD.). Manhattan is such a great place to visit this time of year. Grand Central was awesome, just like Miracle on 34th St! My 3 appointments for medical clearance, testing (EKG, X-ray, CT-scan, & bloodwork) and pre-op admissions were all timely arranged to meet each appointment comfortably, and without wasting time.
As for insurance, my inquiries to Blue Cross have confirmed that all but Dr Meere are covered by my insurance. I spoke to the billing agent at NYU, I spoke with a representative from BCBS, and just received a letter today confirming ( and congratulating me...aint that the truth) coverage of services that have been ordered, and forth coming. That is a relief. I will still appeal to BCBS post-op in regards to Dr Meere's compensation, with the intention of hopefully getting them to pick up a larger percentage of the surgeons fee.
I am very excited for this surgery. I paid the price for my travels yesterday, having to sit during my last class in school today.
On a side note I inquired about filming the procedure and was told it was too expensive and also an infection risk.

 

[kfenn]

Packing my bag for LTHR on Wednesday. I took a tip from another post to bring ear plugs. Any other useful tips for the hospital stay?
Also I plan to take the train home on Friday/Saturday. Should i be concerned about crutching from the curb ( planning a taxi ride from the hospital to train station) to the train track at Grand Central Station? I am not sure what to expect in regards to my energy level.

 

[toohip]

Hi @kfenn - I am hoping someone will be traveling with you for the train ride home. Your energy level might be low by the time you are home and resting comfortably. I would bring pillows for the train ride home, especially because of the train jostling. It might be easier to arrange car service to take you home...would that be too costly? Just a thought.

 

[kfenn]

I do have someone to travel with, and we could take a car if that is a better option. The train seemed attractive to me to stretch-out in, assuming there is room to do so. Obviously I reserve the right to decide the night before my discharge as to which way to proceed.

https://bonesmart.org/forum/members/toohip.15723/ Maybe I can score some NYU pillows for the trip home.

 

[toohip]

Hi @kfenn - I had family bring pillow from home...but did get some nice ice packs from HSS, lol

 

[MarkK]

Hi kfenn,

I had both of my hips replaced at NYU, same surgeon as Was_86. My surgeon does anterior method, also spent 40+ minutes with me discussing and reviewing my x-rays before both operations. My main concern was to find a surgeon who was very experienced and who had the right attitude. My hip problems probably had a lot to do with spending a lot of time in the gym; and I am still active -- about to go workout now -- but I did not have a specific goal of either continuing to ski hard places in the Rockies, which I'd done a lot of since retiring fairly young; or much worry about needing revision, since I am much older than you. With that said, I had fantastic recoveries -- with no restrictions -- so after my 6 week checkup in July, my doc said 'do whatever you like, including skiing' ... although not right away of course. I am six months out next week, I hardly notice anything except the slight numbness in the more recently done thigh (the 2 year old operation has no numbness left).

Read my recovery threads, you will get an idea of what to expect, both for a pretty active fit person, but also about NYU, which was great: Excellent doctor, excellent medical and nursing staff, excellent PT, and great food (which matters). Everyone at the hospital treated me so well, and I saw other patients getting the same excellent care.

Good luck Weds.

 

[kfenn]

Hi MarkK
I am hoping for an experience similar to what you documented in your recovery thread. It is very encouraging to read all of the successful recoveries, such as yourself. Just tonight my 3 year old was chasing me , as I grimaced in pain, and attempted to escape with my now exaggerated limp, I thought how exciting to get my mobility back. Thanks for the insight on HJD, I am looking forward to the food.

 

[Poppet]

Best wishes @kfenn , we will be here waiting for your all important first post surgery update

 

[kfenn]

@Poppet
I am commandeering the IPad so I can stay connected, I don't like using my phone. I am so excited!

 

[Poppet]

I can almost feel the sense of excitement in your post @kfenn - good for you!

 

[toohip]

Hi @kfenn - Don't forget the the ipad/phone chargers! You'll do fine!! Let us know how everything goes. Just take it real easy the first 2-3 weeks post op!! Don't push yourself, Rest, Ice, Elevate and Medicate!!

 

[Angel1978]

After personal referrals and research on line, I have found a Dr i am excited about performing my THR. The issue is that he is out of my insurances network. I will be facing a substantial out-of-pocket expense. Has anyone had any success advocating for more money from their insurance provider? (Yes, i am being serious.)
I live in CT and the Dr is in New York, he uses a procedure that is not available here within my insurance network. I am looking for options. I am still young and My occupation requires me to be active. Any insight would be appreciated. I have been familiarizing myself with insurance practices, however the language can be confusing. Thank you, the surgery has been scheduled for Dec 17th!!!!

Check with the hospital. Sometimes they have a care card for low income.


SonnysWife

 

[Poppet]

Not sure of our time differences, but just dropped by to let you know I am thinking of you @kfenn all the way from OZ

 

[kfenn]

@Poppet
I am having lunch.
You just got me thinking about a proper send off for my old hip tonight!! Haha
So far, dinner with the family, a couple commemorative hobbles up and down my stairs, and some good bye stretches that I struggled through for the past 3 years to allow me to have some relief of all the tightness surrounding my hip. 24 hours from now I will be in admitting at the hospital. It has been a long time coming! (Won't be the last time I say that over the next 24 hrs.)

 

[Poppet]

Hi there @kfenn - you are almost there my friend - and yes I was rolled into the OR thinking this has been a long time coming (I procrastinated 8 years!)

 

[toohip]

Hi, I kept thinking when they were rolling me...'wow, i can't believe this is really happening'...then in OR, the anesthesiologist said something about the exact time 8am...and then i don't remember a thing, till they woke me in recovery...it was a nice sleep though, woke up freezing and they gave me a warming blanket, which was nice.
Best wishes for tomorrow!!!

 

[Was_86]

Good luck. You will be fine. The nurses and their assistant at NYU are great!!!! The quality of food is outstanding as well. I am very interested in your recovery thread. I have few questions for you. What is the recovery time for your surgery? How many post op appointments you have? My last suggestions and recommendation is make sure you choose a great PT place. It makes life easy specially the massages after surgery. Again, good luck.

 

[mydog]

kfenn - good luck tomorrow! I will be watching for your recovery thread. I have my OS appointment tomorrow at HSS, with a very wonderful (from what I hear) doctor, and hoping that I will click with him. I did look at the superpath option, but couldn't find anyone in NY - and my first consultation a year ago was at NYU. So, glad to hear about Meer.

Sending you positive thoughts for Wednesday and the beginning of a new pain-less life!

 

[Angel1978]

Good luck tommrow. We will be watching tommrow. Xxxoo


SonnysWife

 

[frekar3]

I noticed your name on the list and we share the same date so I thought I would come and wish you good luck See you on the other side tomorrow.