GUNSON: payment details, please help!

[KVal]

I had a horrible (and i mean horrible) outcome after having double jaw surgery last July, both functionally and aesthetically. My orthodontists and second opinions I've received have confirmed there is nothing more they can do, any further changes mean I need to have the surgery redone. They also agree that it SHOULD be redone.

I am terrified to have it done again and have it go even worse, as a second surgery is even riskier. I won't risk my face and bite in the hands of anyone who isn't the best. Last time I settled for the convenient option, but I cannot do that again. So there is no need for any comments about how there are surgeons that could give me just as good a result. My case is now too complicated and risky to just settle for a cheaper surgeon.

I have my consult with Gunson in a few weeks, but I am already terrified to see the estimated cost. I live in San Francisco, CA, so I am out of network, but close enough that I am willing to travel. My insurance is decent (paid for most it of last time) and will most likely pay for hospital costs, but unlikely to cover surgical fees, especially as high as Gunsons.

My questions are:

1.) For anyone who had surgery with Gunson, how exactly was payment handled? Was there a down payment/surgery deposit of some sort? Was the down payment the FULL amount of surgical fees and you get reimbursed later depending on insurance outcome? Or was the deposit a certain percentage, then you are just billed the heart attack of a bill later? Do they actually expect people to pay 50,000 up front?? Is that what the rest of you did? HOW on earth were you able to do that? I can't be the only middle class patient here, especially when I'm sure most of us share medical debt in common.

2.) For those who had a revision surgery with Gunson, did your insurance outcome go pretty much the same way as it did the first time around? Were there new complications that arose because it was the second time? Do you know anything about how Gunsons office people handle insurance with revision patients? Are they good at it?


Any other relevant tips appreciated immensely, thanks!!

[KVal]

Also, please note that I am a new member so I cannot receive/read/or send private messages.

Please respond to me on the board or email me at: telomeracer@gmail.com

thanks to anyone who can share info!

[Leebie3]

Who is Gunson?

I'm in Australia though.. What went wrong with your first surgery? Just out of curiosity because my surgery is coming up :s

[lexchomp]

Hi!

I live in Tahoe and drove down to see Gunson. I am currently in my braces and suppose to be scheduled soon with gunson.

the pre-surgical deposit is the full amount and it has to be paid 60 days before your surgery date. Also the hospital wants to be paid up front too. which i just found out my insurance doesnt do and that tacks on almost another 20k soooo I am back on this forum looking for other reputable doctors because it is getting too high for me now.. I really want to go to them though they are awesome.

My consultation was amazing Gunson is so smart and just made perfect sense on how to fix my jaw....

its hard the are pricey! good luck!

[sirwired]

I'd have a chat with the insurance company about this hosptial. If they want to be an "in-network" hospital, I'm not sure they are allowed to do this kind of thing...