Question
(Tennesee) I blew out my knee and in the process ruptured my Patella Tendon....I have no health insurance...and I am seeing a surgeon today...(Went to emergency room last night(when it happened)...they told me that my Patella tendon is probably ruptured...he gave me the surgeons name)...can he deny surgery...even though my surgery almost has to be done to correct my problem....what are my options...and most importantly can he just say no?
Answer
(Tennesee) I blew out my knee and in the process ruptured my Patella Tendon....I have no health insurance...and I am seeing a surgeon today...(Went to emergency room last night(when it happened)...they told me that my Patella tendon is probably ruptured...he gave me the surgeons name)...can he deny surgery...even though my surgery almost has to be done to correct my problem....what are my options...and most importantly can he just say no?
He sure can say no, b/c it is an "elective" surgery, and not a life threatening surgery. Regardless of insurance, all emergencies MUST be treated. But, elective/non emergent situations such as yours, means that he does not have to work with you to have the surgery done. He can say "you need Patella Tendon surgery. My surgical fees are going to be 10K. I will need 3K upfront and 500/month before I will agree to perform the surgery."
Most places will find a way to work with you, so if he won't, keep looking. But expect to have to pay a portion upfront before going much further.
Good Luck.
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Of course he can. Would you work for free?
Your knee injury is not life-threatening.
So, I guess now you understand why health insurance is worth the effort.
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Ouch! How did you do this?
I have been living with a similar problem for over 6 months, so you can live with it until you save up the money or obtain medical insurance. Consult with the surgeon and see what your options are before you panic.
What ever you did, don't do that again.
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Heck, I blew out my ACL in June and it still took me six months to save up for the fees for replacement. (the bill shows the ACL from the cadaver by itself was something like $4400) (and that's WITH medical insurance). Toddy's right, you should be able to find someone who will work with you. Keep looking and til then remember RICE. Rest Ice Compress Elevate. Good Luck.
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Ouch! How did you do this?
I have been living with a similar problem for over 6 months, so you can live with it until you save up the money or obtain medical insurance. Consult with the surgeon and see what your options are before you panic.
What ever you did, don't do that again.
Even if OP gets insurance now, it might be considered a pre-existing condition, thus the policy does not have to pay out anything towards the surgery.
Applying for Medicaid might be a good idea, depending on how much pain you're in
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Even if OP gets insurance now, it might be considered a pre-existing condition, thus the policy does not have to pay out anything towards the surgery.
Applying for Medicaid might be a good idea, depending on how much pain you're in
Good point about the pre existing condition! There's definitely a paper trail regarding the date of the injury with their visit to ER. Hadn't thought of that. Proceed cautiously OP. (In other words, don't lie to get insurance).