It's time to place "Guess the cost!"

[jbailey]

So for those of you following along, you'll notice that I've just had surgery in the most expensive place in the world. Luckily for me, Google (my employer) has an amazing set of health care packages, so I haven't had to be concerned with total financial destruction.

But how close would it have come?

That's the game we're about to play! I invite you, dear reader, to make a bid on how much you think the 4 days in hospital including the surgery, will cost.

Here's some info to help you along:

* Two days and one night of angiogram, embolism, general anesthetic, and chapstick cost ~$67,000 (The stick of chapstick was $17, apparently. Gotta love itemised billing.)

* One day of prep to make sure that the above day wouldn't kill me was $750

* A friend of mine at a different hospital had aorta replacement surgery for $250,000. She apparently had a longer hospital stay and a longer surgery, but with fewer surgeons.

* I was in the hospital for 4 days.

* The surgery was ~7 hours long (We think they started at 11, they forgot to phone Angie when they started)

* There were at least 3 surgeons involved, plus physicians assistants, etc.

Winner gets one of (next time I see them, and assuming i'm physically able) one of (their choice):

* Back rub
* Reasonably good glass of nicest port available at reasonably-close-by bar (Let's say not to exceed $25 for the glass)
* Dinner at some vegan-friendly place.

Let the bidding begin! Bidding closes when I receive the bill.

Comments

[calla-lily.livejournal.com]

"Two days and one night of angiogram, embolism, general anesthetic, and chapstick cost ~$67,000 (The stick of chapstick was $17, apparently. Gotta love itemised billing.)"

So.... for clarity, this was the part of your stay that did not include the surgery? Or was that in there?

Are you actually serious about the chapstick? Health costs, man, it's ludicrous.

[mmmmtino.livejournal.com]

I'm going to guess $185,000, though whatever the cost, it is ridiculous to think that anyone could pay it. Oh, for single-payer health care.

m

Cost?

[chuck-sh45.livejournal.com]

$350,000 at least.

*

[runasand.livejournal.com]

My guess is $192,000

[jkakar.livejournal.com]

I choose: $317,000

[rilkesnight.livejournal.com]

Well Bob, I'm gonna haveta go low and guess ...$3.50.

And I'm with Linnea on the chapstick. For that much, it'd better've come with dinner. And wine.

I'm glad Google got you covered tho. Welcome to the country where the #1 cause of bankruptcy is medical debt.

[radhardened.livejournal.com]

I'm going to guess $130,000. Not because I have any idea what those things cost, but because I like your prize options. :)

[queerpanda8.livejournal.com]

$375,092.71, I make this projection based on my own non-covered medical bills! Have no doubt, health care in the US will stand as one of our greatest failures to man-kind

hospital bill

[guufychica.livejournal.com]

I bet they itimize every screws in your body...
I'm going for $383,147.23

(after the first three, I just pounded on the # keys all at once and placed commas & periods at appropriate places...)

The surgery ain't long, but all the drugs and the metal bits and pieces that are burried in there that needed wonderful handling and certification regulated by the FDA... now come to think of it, the above # seems low...

-tt

[gubydal.livejournal.com]

I'm going for an in between guess of $297,543.21

Is going over an automatic out like the the Price is Right?

[jbailey.livejournal.com]

Ooo, interesting thought. It probably should've been, but I don't know if that would be changing the rules at this point. I think we'll have to go with closest.

[yuen.livejournal.com]

This is why everyone I know avoids going to the hospital!

mmm, my guess is $340,000.00

I'm still waiting to received the bill for the ambulance ride
and half day in the ER!

Glad you're home and healing. Take care!

[calla-lily.livejournal.com]

Alright, I'm gonna guess.... $241,598.49.

Guess the cost

[tmolini.livejournal.com]

$245.000 co-pay: $500

I spent 6 days in the hospital last year. With 3 doctors it was $170.000. Your surgery was longer so I am adding to the amount.

I hope you are doing better. Missed you at LugRadio Live but I am really hoping to see you in Portland in July. Let me know if you are in need of anything. I guess the sugar doesn't count at this point.

Hugs,
Terri