Where is the Saving money Part with combining Surgeries?

Your case is more complicated than combining two cosmetic procedures since one of yours is covered by insurance. I'd say that the main advantage of doing them both as once is only having one recovery period. Also, your post op hospital stay will be covered by insurance which is a really nice benefit. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

It is more straightforward when you are combining 2 cosmetic surgeries, for example a tummy tuck and breast lift for a mommy makeover would cost less than doing the two operations at different times. When you are adding on a self-pay cosmetic procedure to one that is covered by insurance, it gets more complicated. For one, a hospital facility where the hysterectomy would be done may charge more for the cosmetic portion of the procedure than a facility run by the plastic surgeon where only cosmetic procedures are done. Insurance will not pay for any part of the facility or anesthesia that is used for cosmetic surgery.

Thanks for your excellent question and sorry for your frustrations.  Every year many Americans are seeing an increase in their out of pocket costs of medically necessary health care.  Deductibles are up.  Copayments are up.  Out of Network benefits removed or reduced.  This sentiment that an insurance case combined with a cosmetic case may not be true for all individuals.  We are currently spending more time analyzing these cost differences with our patients and directing them to investigate insurance facility costs in advance.  I want to conclude with several important points on how combined cases can save money even today.  1)  If any part of the procedure is medically necessary--medical leave vs PTO can be used.  2)  If you have short term disability- a medically necessary procedure would apply not necessarily a cosmetic one. 3) You might meet your deductible or out of pocket max which may make future health costs during your plan year less expensive.  I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. Dr Rumalla

Thanks for your question! The financial side of things can be confusing. I would ask your PS's office what is the customary facility fee for tummy tuck by itself. In Dallas, the customary TT facility fee is 1800-2200 and 700-1000 more if liposuction is used during the procedure. If you have an overnight stay with your procedure that is covered by insurance as well, cosmetic hospital overnight fee is 800-1000. Hope that helps. 

Dear Ms. Thank you for your questions.Bottom line: You won't save any funds for the cosmetic portion (actually done in hospital setting may cost you more!)However, you need to consider "economy of scale" concept and non $ considerations:1) your post operative hospital care will be covered by your insurance 2) one operative setting vs two3) one recovery period.  4) less time off work if one operative event vs two (lost income)Total costs are based on several components:A)what part of the country you have your surgery (coastal cities are generally higher than inland cities)B)surgeons fees (more experienced surgeons are higher than less experienced)C)anesthesia fees (nurse anesthetist vs Bd. Cert. Anesthesiologist) D)facility fees (operations done in a hospital setting are usually higher in total cost)E) special equipment needed or supplies (implants,I trust you have chosen a  Plastic Surgeons who is experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).I wish you my best and success,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

I think you have a misunderstanding. You still have to pay the facility charges and anesthesia charges for the time that is devoted to the cosmetic surgery. It is just less to keep going with a second surgery than it is to start up the OR facility. $1500 for a TT surgical facility charge is extremely reasonable.