Is it normal to charge your patients for post op appointments?

Question

Hi. Do surgeons generally charge their patients to drain a seroma/blood collection after a tummy tuck during a post op appointment? 1200.00 to boot without letting me know there was any charge for this at all? Is this not typically included with the cost of the surgery?

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

Hi.  I think that most surgeons would include that as part of the followup if it were a cosmetic case.  However, if that were from a case covered by insurance, such as a panniculectomy, then there may be a bill associated with that, that would go through insurance.  Good luck and take care,Dr. Howell

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Most surgeons do not charge for post operative appointments unless there is a need for the operating room and anesthesia. Each doctor sets their own fee schedules, however, if your surgeon charges for post operative care, you should have been informed. Good luck.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Normally post up care, including drain removals is part of the surgical cost that is provided to you when booking your procedure. If your surgery was submitted to your insurance carrier , additional fees may apply. I would contact your surgical coordinator or office billing department in order to address your concerns. Best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Depending on the procedure performed, this is typically covered as part of the procedural cost.  If your case was insurance instead of cash based then an additional charge may be justified.  Hope this helps.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

kimbeca.  While Surgeons differ somewhat with regard to postoperative protocol, most of us handle wound healing issues or collections of fluid without further charge to the patient. Postoperative care is usually included globally within the price for the surgery. Your surgeon should have warned you prior to surgery that the fee being charged for your operation did not include postoperative care. I would discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Post op care is generally discussed when the cost of the surgery is reviewed prior to booking.  Draining of a seroma would typically be included.  I encourage you to discuss this with your surgeon and review your documents from your quote to see what is/isn't included.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons do not charge for post op appointments.  The follow up visits are included in your surgical fee.  Aspiration of a seroma is usually done in the office without further charge in my practice.  However, if surgery is needed, there may be a charge for anesthesia and a facility charge.  Best wishes in your recovery.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

kimbeca   Hi There , Thank You for Your Question . Usually the Post Op Appointments are free of charge , it stakes in the contract that for a Post Op appointments consults of follow ups are free of charge , if you get a revision and the Doctor approves that will cost you the price of the anesthesia and medical equipment but not for a Post Op Appointments .

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing.    Although I cannot comment specifically without knowing more details, generally speaking, these types of drainage procedures do not incur additional charges for the patient.   Best wishes.

Aric Aghayan, MD · Answer

Dear kimbeca,I am sorry to hear that your had a post-operative complication and hopefully the issue has resolved. Post-operative care such as draining a seroma is typically included in the cost of the initial procedure. If you require operative intervention in an operating room or anesthesia that can incur additional cost, but the policy regarding charges for revisions should be discussed and included in your preoperative evaluation and consent. Good luck.

Is it normal to charge your patients for post op appointments?

Answers (12)

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