44 and Tired of Having Implants - Mid Missouri, MO

Rolling up on four weeks from surgery, I still have a little pain inside my breasts, but much less and it lessens every day. My nipple sensation seems to be returning to more what I would call normal, although still pretty sensitive.
As far as the bill from the outpatient center, I still have yet to receive an actual bill, but I have received two itemized printouts because I asked for them, from two different people separated by two days. One shows the scary $12000 amount, while the other shows a bunch of credits, including my own cash payment, an uninsured discount, and some other credit with a code I'm not sure what it is. If indeed, you add the pluses and minuses, I come out not owing anything. I joked with my husband that it actually adds up to THEM owing ME money lol! (Yeah right). So not sure where I stand right now.
Anyone with upcoming explant, please know there is light at the end of the tunnel. I feel so free getting rid of those things!

Let me start by saying that I work in healthcare, I have experience in the insurance world, so I know how things work (doesn't mean I agree with it all lol). Here's the situation, my surgeon quoted me her exact fee (around $1800, which I paid in cash the day of my consult) and then quoted the separate facility charges, based on the surgery center's fee schedule (around $1200). Surgeon's finance person was very clear that the estimate for facility charges were "only an estimate" and that the actual amount could be a little higher other lower based on a number of factors (this is the part I understand...can't predict how much anesthetic to use, sponges, supplies, total OR time etc).

Morning of surgery, I checked into the outpatient surgery center, explained that I was a self pay patient (because of my line of work, I knew already my insurance would not cover explant, so no point in requesting insurance authorization, and the people who would review the request are actually people who work for me! How embarrassing having to submit that request to my own staff. Anyhow, when I checked in, she said, "since you are self pay, let me figure how much you are responsible for". She got out a little book, and a calculator, it was quick, and she said "your cost is going to be $1135". So I paid on the spot, and was pleased that the estimate was spot on for the actual amount.

Fast forward to yesterday, 8 days after surgery. I get a call from the hospital system that owns the surgery center. They tell me I owe $11,770 and want to set up payment plan since I am "uninsured"!!!!

So I have to do this ridiculous dance explaining I'm not uninsured, but AM paying cash, but the bigger point is, who in the hell charges $12,000 for simple, non-complicated breast explant?? No one, that's who. ????????

Getting someone to actually listen to me has been a challenge, because they are either fixated on the insurance thing, or they just think I'm dumb and surprised that heal are is so expensive. I finally told one of the billing managers that it would be akin to her going to the grocery store, paying $3.00 for a gallon of milk, then the grocery store calls and says "you actually owe $1000 for that milk". The point I was making is that No one charges $1000 for milk!!

They finally told me I just had to come in face to face. So I did. They said "we will give you an 'uninsured' discount and now your total facility charges will now be $4000".

I told them I won't pay it, and will get an attorney if I have to. Their own fee schedule is 1/4 of that amount, and that's what I was quoted as estimate....that's what I was charged by their facility on day of service, and that's THAT.

But, I also know enough to understand, they are going to eventually send me to collections, and my credit could be affected.

I coincidentally had my follow up yesterday with the surgeon who is outraged. She left a voicemail with a higher up person in that health system's financial department, but waiting to hear back. She told me she will not stand for this and will "fight" for me. But honestly, I'm not sure what she can do?

Any thoughts? Any experience with this? In no other industry can you estimate $1200, and then try to bilk the person for $12,000. Even the "discount" is laughable, compared to what was estimated and actually charged the day of surgery. I'm frustrated and at a loss.

Feeling more energy, breast incisions hurting less and less, but I do have a lot of pain "inside" my right breast. Especially when I take my bra off, or if I take a step downward, it's like when it moves, even slightly or gently, there is some crazy pain. I'm sure this is normal??? Seeing surgeon for follow up tomorrow.

Well, I made idiot move on Friday. I was getting ready for work and decided to just let the girls "hang out" while I did my hair. Felt fabulous being out of that post op sports bra. Well, idiot me, I dropped the curling iron on my left breast. You can see it in my updated picture. Burned it pretty good along with my nipple (ouch)! Dumb dumb dumb. So esthetically, I'm not where I want to be lol. Oh well. Live and learn. Can't wait to hear the lecture from my doctor :(