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If you need an emergent surgery, there’s not much time for you to heavily weigh the pros and cons and create a plan for how you’re going to afford this type of medical procedure. But with elective surgery, like many forms of plastic or cosmetic surgery, you have to luxury of being able to figure things out completely before you go under the knife.
To help you know whether or not having this surgery is going to be a smart financial decision for you, here are three things you should consider or take care of before undergoing an elective surgery.
Talk To Your Insurance Beforehand
When you’re still in the stages of considering whether or not you’ll get an elective surgery done, Dr. Larissa Hirsch, a contributor to KidsHealth.org, advises that you first call your insurance carrier and speak to a representative about what your insurance will cover.
In some instances, insurance carriers will pay for certain elective procedures as long as all the prior administrative work has been done. This could mean making sure you’ve picked a doctor they approve of or getting a second opinion about the surgery. At the very least, speaking with your insurance carrier will let you know what percentage, if any, they’ll cover for your overall costs of the surgery.
If All The Tests You’re Getting Are Necessary
Once you’ve decided that you’ll go through with the surgery, you might find that all the medical preparation that you do before you even go under the knife can be excessive. So if you’re looking for a way to save costs or just ensure that you’re not paying for things you don’t need, Consumer Reports and the Washington Post recommend that you always double-check to see if the tests you’re being given are necessary.
In some instances, a test will be ordered that some people need but not others. So if you’re in otherwise good health, you might be able to forgo some of these tests and still be completely ready for your surgery.
Can You Afford To Take The Time Off To Recover
Not only should you be concerned about how much you’re going to have to pay for the medical bills you receive from your surgery, but there could also be other costs associated as well.
According to Dr. Millicent Odunze, a contributor to Very Well Health, many people don’t take into account their lost wages for time spent recovering at home after their surgery. So if you’re going to have to be on bed rest for a few weeks as you recover, make sure you can afford to not work doing that time as well.
If you’re thinking about having an elective surgery, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you make this decision on sound financial ground. You can also check out Ranch and Coast’s guide to plastic surgery here for more information on the latest trends and statistics.
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