Getting first pacer Tues morning...cost?

Hello...I have posted once before, back in January when I was diagnosed with complete congenital av block. I have done a LOT of research, poured through medical journals, and have decided, with the advice of my doctor of course, that this is the best route. I will get a dual lead PM Tuesday morning. I am quite anxious, but all your posts have encouraged me!

One thing I am curious about - how much approximately, with insurance, should the total amount be - and I am looking for the adjusted amount...not the full amount before insurance discounts. The reason I ask, is because I am only 38, and I am sure my medical insurance has a lifetime maximum benefit, and if I need one every five years, I could need ten of these, pluse lead replacements, etc., and I am nervous about running out of insurance coverage over time....I guess at some point (hopefully) I can go on Medicare at some age...if that is still around then...just curious if anyone knows...I know I should be worrying about the surgery, right?

6 Comments

Cost

by jwhalen - 2011-04-02 02:04:01

Don't worry about the Insurance part now..that all works itself out. I did look at my claims online but my insurance covered most of it. I had my first pacemaker 2 weeks ago and i am 57..otherwise very healthy.
My first week at home was better than the second...i had my kids from out of town here and the second week they left .I was more anxious than i should have been . Now i am back to not worrying again...on my third week.
Just do nothing but rest the first week and take all the help you can get. Sometimes you just need to not read up as much about everything but I am like you..I was reading everything I could find...i don't do that as much now..maybe I will later. I am a former Nurse so I am compelled to read everything i see on Pacemakers now since i have one.
Somedays already I forget I have a PM and everyone says you will feel like that every day after a while. I am not there yet.
But I am planning on enjoying a long healthy life enjoying my kids and Grandkids and traveling.
I wish you all the best.. I have a dual lead pm too.
Take care..
JJ

pacemaker costs

by wjhughes420384 - 2011-04-02 02:04:41

my first pacemaker in 06 cost $10,000 for the device itself. it was a st Jude and was just designed to take the signal from the top of my heart to the bottom. in 2010 my second one, due to CHF fully paces me, has a defibrilator and cost $30,000.

hope this helps

surgery and cost

by sandk - 2011-04-02 03:04:28

Thank you for your encouragement and replies! I am grateful! I am getting a little more anxious as I am only 3 days away from surgery, and I have looked at some youtube videos...it wasn't frightening or helpful necessarily...I am an infomation fiend and find that knowing all I can will help me to be more informed...

Will I need pain meds at the hospital and then just ibuprofen or tylenol at home?

Look at the 1st post (leats it was)

by janetinak - 2011-04-02 04:04:43

from sandk asking about how it feels after PM surgery for mine & other posts. This may help answer some of your questions, esp about pain meds. Also the "search" site on top right of page helps access previous questins/answers.

I can relate to your anxiety. In 2000, I was a basket case with worry before my 1st & now after 2nd & waiting for 3rd I am much calmer. Sure I will be nervous just before the 3rd (coming up soon) but this site & experince of others helps.

Let us know how well you feel after,

Janet

my mother in law did better than me

by wjhughes420384 - 2011-04-03 11:04:37

my mother in law (85 yr old) did better that i did with the pacemaker surgery, i had a bit of a frozen shoulder, and had to do abunch of exercises to get rid of it. she was up and around the next day with no problems, made me feel like a wimp. the only advice i would give you is that for the first few weeks the pacmaker is going to feel big and like it is flopping around in there when you bend over. this feeling goes away quick and you end up forgetting that it is there.

good luck

Insurance

by drashmore - 2011-04-05 11:04:03

I had mine but in last Dec. The PM was never listed on any of my bills from the doctor, hospital or EOB's. My insurance pays 90%, in hospital, after my deductible. My total bill was 50,000.00. I was in ICU 3 days, regular room 1 day. I owed 700.00+ when I walked out the door.

Of course every health plan is different with adjusted amounts and discounts but this might give you some idea.

D

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To tell you the truth I never even give it a second thought. While growing up it never stopped me from doing anything and to this day my girlfriend or my kids need to remind me that I have one!