How to Get Money Back from a Surgeon I Don't Want to Use?

Your payment was made for a procedure not provided, and getting money back should not be an issue at all. Simply asking should be enough, but you should be ready to explain why, as your surgeon certainly has every reason to want to understand why you have changed your mind. If you are unhappy with your previous surgery or some aspect of your post-op care, your surgeon SHOULD know, especially if it has made you change your mind about additional surgery!

Also, you should understand that the cost you were quoted may have been made on the basis of both procedures being completed. My partner and I routinely offer multi-procedure discounts, though this is for surgeries done at the same operative setting, not two separate operations. Still, considerations may have been made under the assumption, based on your payment, that 2 operations were to be performed, and some discounts may not be refundable. If your breast reduction surgery was planned for the near future (within 2 weeks), then there may well also be cancellation fee(s) that are appropriately charged, since many other people are involved in the schedule and performance of a specific surgery, including anesthesia, surgicenter, nursing staff, and others. Changing your mind at the "last minute" does not allow the entire team to immediately re-fill the surgical slot you may have agreed upon.

As long as you understand these facts, and think not only from your standpoint but your (previous) surgeon's standpoint, then simply being honest and asking for the "unspent" money back should not be a problem.

Making a "scene" is certainly another option that nobody wants!

So ask nicely right away and put this worry out of your mind! Best wishes!

Each surgeon has their own payment and refund policies, and usually these are outlined on a financial agreement you signed when you paid for your surgery. If the information is not listed there, then I’m afraid you’ll have to ask your surgeon. The most thing to do is to ask as soon as you can. Usually, money is refunded if the request is made well before your surgery date.

Politely asking for your money back is not unreasonable. The doctor may ask why and be prepared to give an honest answer back. You may not get a full refund however. Some offices may withhold a portion of the fee for administration fees or may have cancelation fees with the surgicenter or hospital. Anesthesia may have cancelation fees as well. The best policy is to be firm but polite. Most offices will refund your money. Good luck.

 

Honesty is the best policy, and politely asking is the first step.  The surgeon's first concern should always be to serve his/her patient.  Frankly discuss your situation, and your decision.  Whether you get anything back and how much is between you and your surgeon's office.  

Each office has different procedures regarding refunds for procedures not yet performed. If you speak with the surgeon in a calm and clear manner, you may be surprised how easy the process can be.

From your description, it appears that you paid far in advance for a breast reduction that has not yet been performed or scheduled. Unless you signed something specifically regarding the breast reduction money, you should be able to get a full refund for this portion - or at least most all of it back particularly since he/she has already performed another procedure on you. You should just first call the office and nicely request a refund. Find out also when you could expect the money - get a fairly firm date. Most reputable plastic surgeons should respond to your request in a timely manner.

Good luck! 

Thank you for the question.

I think it is likely you will find that it is “as easy as just asking”. The sooner you do so the more likely you will receive a full refund  the ( depending on the exact office policy).

Best wishes.

My policy is that, even if you want to have both operations, payment is made in advance for the one scheduled first. Afterwards, if you are happy and ready to have the second procedure, that is the time when my office would request a deposit. Read your surgeon's written cancellation policy. Unless you are canceling within four weeks of the scheduled procedure, my policy would be to refund the amount attributable to the breast reduction in total. Also, unless your insurance company has explicitly declined to cover the reduction, you should know that many insurers pay for this procedure so you should check into this before undergoing any further surgery. Best of luck to you. Don't be afraid to ask politely and don't anticipate having to escalate things unless and until it happens.

Actually, most surgeons will return the money is given enough advance notice. Sometimes, a small amount is kept. You should give the office a call and explain your situation.

First, ask nicely. You should get some money back. If that doesn't work, make a scene when the waiting room is crowded.