Note: This is the second entry in this nightmare to get some transparency on a simple lipoma removal surgery. See the first entry here, and the third entry here.
I found a dermatologist that could remove my lipoma (if you haven’t done so already – read part 1) in her office (Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology). I went in for an initial appointment last week and she had me come in today so she could remove it. They used local anesthetic and it was a really weird experience. It was embedded in my shoulder blade and was attached to my muscle. So while I was lying there, I had to let them know if I could feel any pain. Sometimes I could feel the cutting and I’d tell her, so she would put some anesthetic there and come back to it. Even when it was numbed, I could feel the pressure of the cutting and also hear the sound – it sounds like when you’re cutting gristle in a steak. Before I left, they said I’d be in a world of hurt for a few days. But they gave me some vicodin, so I’m a bit stoned right now.
Getting to the point… Except for the original call when I was checking around, they haven’t given me prices on anything (they originally quoted between $200-$300). I’ve asked a few times, but they say it depends on my health insurance and I’d have to wait until they can figure it out. When I went to get my Rx filled at Walgreens, I gave them my health insurance ID card even though what I have is an HSA just in case Humana gives me a discount. For some reason, he came back and said I only have a $5 copay. I hope that same type of thing happens when the surgery gets billed?
I’ll let you know how it turns out.
