Charleston Bound, part 2

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited November 2011

    A week from Friday, woot!

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited November 2011

    If any of you ordered one of my calendars and didn't ever get it, or would still like one, let me know.

    The clinic that was sponsoring this had to shut its doors due to a legal issue. We've all been heartbroken about it, as the Foundation supplied needed care to those who couldn't afford it. Now, we're stuck with tons of calendars, so we're giving the rest away.

    Send me a PM with your address if you want one.

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  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited November 2011

    How many of you had to pay the lipo portion of a surgery where there was fat grafting...?

    The reason I'm asking is the surgery center in Chicago where I had a stage 2 surgery last December (?!) just sent me a huge bill related to the lipo portion of the surgery (I think--it's really hard to tell by their bill) and I'm a little thrown by it.  Also concerned about the upcoming surgery and what I might owe for that if I have lipo again.

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited November 2011

    Brenda, I've always gotten a bill from Roper for all surgical services....with a breakdown of all supplies, pharmacy, recov. room, etc. But nothing itemized specifically about lipo. The surgeon's bill of course was totally separate, and this is where a lipo cost would be listed, I think. I've actually never received a Dr. bill because my out of pocket has always been met.  But I've seen the surgical procedure listed on my insurance paperwork. So, I haven't had to pay any portion of my surgeries, except $200 to Roper for private room, that went above what my ins. allowed.

    Hopefully you can find out something before your surgery coming up.

    Joni

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited November 2011

    Holy crap Jacee I envy you!  Wish I had your insurance and that I could go to SC.  (c:

    Done whining now!

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited November 2011

    Adey, you for sure should be able to go to Charleston for any surgeries after Stage 1. Check on it with Dr. Massey.

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  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited November 2011

    Thanks for the response. I checked on my BCBS policy and while there's no guarantee of coverage for fat grafting lipo they don't rule it out completely (Cigna does, however, fyi).  I think this was probably a misunderstanding in the claim submission, which is understandable because it's primarily a cosmetic surgery center, but also kind of strange because they did submit successfully for the anesthesia and the surgery itself.  I think my upcoming stage 2 there must have triggered something in their billing system that had been sitting there for 10 months.  Whatever.  Dr. M & Ashley helped work it out.  Bankruptcy avoided yet again!  (kidding)  (sort of)

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited November 2011

    Great Brenda. That's the last thing you need to worry about going into your next surgery.  I just saw an EOB process for Dr. Craigie( who assisted Dr. M) on my stage 1 from Sep 2010. It showed paid the same amt it had originally. I'm thinking maybe his office resubmitted it because he got paid next to nothing compared to what he billed. Like, less than 1/2 % of what he billed. Unbelieveable!!  I have no idea what other assisting surgeons get for these stage 1's, but mine was about 11 hrs, so I know he probably should have gotten more. Like you said, whatever!!

    I do follow all billing and insurance like a hawk. I check EOB's online daily and make sure they process as in-network. I've challenged many and they've always paid, but sometimes it takes forever. Dr. M was paid for my Stage 2 before she got paid for Stage 1. I was calling about every other day to BC/BS. Finally had to go to the Director of our Benefits Group. Things started moving quick after that!!  Like they say, "It's a marathon, not a sprint:!!

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  • bennetts1
    bennetts1 Member Posts: 440
    edited November 2011

    Cigna paid excellent for all of my surgeries!  For my stage 1,  all I paid was $100, and now since I have had a policy change, it pays 10% until I reach my out of pocket max, which is $1200, which does not take long.  Cigna did not blink an eye at any of my submitted charges.  Dr. Massey told me once she starts on a patient, she would see them to the end!  I am sure the office writes off a lot of charges!  I would not worry Brenda!

     See you next week!

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited November 2011
    You're killin' me here!  Tongue out
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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited November 2011

    Update on the nipples...they are healing great. I sat with my x10 makeup mirror in bright light the other day and pulled out every stitch. The inflammation and redness has almost totally gone away...just in a few days.

    Just reading over on the NOLA thread and realizing that most of the NOLA girls talk of using betadine on their incisions, and ABD pads under their DOM. Don't think I've ever heard of Dr. M's patients using them, wonder why? Although, my scars are almost totally flat and faded. I can't imagine that anything else could have made them better. Just curious??

    Adey, I had a $5000 out of pocket with a $2500 deductible last year. I scheduled my surgeries in the last quarter of the year, hoping by then I'd have paid enough to have ins. pay 100%. And it worked. This year, out of pocket went up to $10,000. May have to pay some for the surgery I just had. We'll see. As Sandy said, Dr. M will make it happen for you, so don't worry. She has a heart of gold!!

    I have quite a collection of the DOM, probably 4 that I could give to someone who needs them. Just send me a PM. They are XXXL.( I know this sounds huge, but I was a size 16, and wore this size.)  I'm still wearing the XXL's after my recent Stage 2B...going on 6 weeks. Going to try and stay in this as long as I possibly can. I'm actually seeing great compression results where she did lipo this time. But , oh how I long for freedom!!!!

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2011

    Just chiming in here on the Dom's.  I have several too and one still in the package if anyone is interested.   Mine are Large, I think.  Actually, because I am so short; 4'10" I had to have one custom made for me by Design Veronique.  Cost me a bundle but made a big difference in comfort for me.  I had to have the torso and the legs shortened a bit.  I used one of the hospital issured one as a back up and of course Spanx to fill in too.

    Adey, Top of the mornin' to you.  Hope you have a great trip to Ireland.  I just got back from visiting Nola.  Saw the Center while I was there.  B E A U T I F U L!  You will ejoy it.  Too bad I'm not going there in Dec.  I would visit you:-) 

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited November 2011

    I can't wait for my trip, yipee.  LindaG, I would have loved a visit!  Did you have fun while you were there?  I also can't wait for stage 1.  My foobs are aching and the left one hurts, poo.  I'm going to have to drink lots of Guinness to make them feel better!  (c:  I would like to have an "I don't need it any more" Dom but I have no idea what I will need!  (c:  Getting anxious as the time nears for surgery but so ready.  Take care all and if I can't sop by before I go have a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving!

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2011

    Adey, When are you leaving for Ireland? 

    Joni,  good to hear your nips are looking great.  10x mirror.....good for stitches, would hate to see my face in it, LOL! 

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited November 2011

    I'll be leaving Chicago the same day you arrive, boo.  (c:

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2011

    Adey, does that mean Saturday?  I will be picking Sandy up on Friday morning and Brenda, Laura, Sandy and I will be getting together.  Can you join us Friday or is that cutting it to close to your trip?

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited November 2011

    We leave Friday morning, poo again.  Enjoy Chicago!

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  • bennetts1
    bennetts1 Member Posts: 440
    edited November 2011

    Adey,  Enjoy your trip to Ireland!  Safe travels!  Which airport are you departing from?

    Sandy

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited November 2011

    O'Hare - Etd 1020

    Woot!

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited November 2011

    Saw Laura on Dr. M's website.....November Mermaid of the Month!! ( i think )   Congrats Laura!!

    All you ladies have a great time in Chicago this weekend. Tell Marga I love her!!

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  • bennetts1
    bennetts1 Member Posts: 440
    edited November 2011

    TWO DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!  Suitcase is still not completely packed...still working on it!  SOOO excited for a great weekend with some wonderful mermaids!!!!

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  • bennetts1
    bennetts1 Member Posts: 440
    edited November 2011

    WOW!!!!  What a wonderful weekend!!!!  Great time with wonderful ladies.  Dr. Massey's sympossium was awesome...extremely interesting and informative.I recommend for everyone to spread the word to check into the dates and locations on her website www.drmarga.com and attend.  She will be having one in Charleston January 28.

    As for my journey...it is complete!  Dr. Massey retouched my tattoo and it looks GREAT!!!  Thanks to my ladies on the boards for being there for me...I will never forget any of you!  I will probably ween myself away from the boards, but will always check on you all!  I am on facebook, so you may PM me for my info!

    LOVE an (((HUGS)))

    Sandy

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2011

    "The Doctor is in" symposium was fantastic.  I learned so much and had a great time with my breast friends and Dr. Massey.  If you know of anyone that wants or needs information on natural breast reconstruction or Lymphedema treatment Dr. Massey's website is a must read.  If you are a Dr. Massey Mermaid we are planning a reunion in Charleston the first weekend in August, so stay tuned!

    Sandy, I felt like we have been friends forever.  I had such a fun time with you, Laura, Brenda, Dr. M, Garin and Meghan.  I will always remember this and look forward to more times together.   

    Linda 

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited November 2011

    Brenda, thinking of you today. Hoping you get great results. Please don't do too much over Thanksgiving!!

    Glad you ladies had a great time in Chicago!! Dr. M is putting her heart & soul into these conferences!! What a jewel she is.....so proud she is my Doctor!! Will definitely try & be in Charleston in August.

    Sandy, please don't stay away long. You have a wealth of knowledge to share. At the same time, sooo glad you're complete now!!! I'm almost there....tatoos still to come.

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  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited November 2011

    Hi everyone-

    Just coming out of my post-surgery percocet nap on the couch :)  Surgery went well (I assume), it was short.  Her first surgery cancelled today so mine got moved up. So glad!  Didn't have to sit around starving and got to go home before rush hour.

    Unfortunately she still owes me a nipple, not sure why she didn't do it. Probably not confident about the shape of that flap yet because she took out necrosis. Or maybe because the position of the nipple on the right shifted up a bit. I'll find out on Wed at my post-op.  I hope I can get it done this year!

    The weekend was a lot of fun (not as much as you had in the hotel room, I'm sure ;) Thanks for planning it.  Isn't it amazing we can "hang out" with our surgeon and fellow patients all weekend and feel like we just hung out with a bunch of girlfriends?  The beach trip in August sounds fun, if not  little hot :)

    I'll tell her on Wed the mermaids say hi.

    -Brenda

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2011

    Brenda,  so glad things went well and you are home resting.  It was a fantastic weekend and it was great getting to know you, Sandy and Laura better.  It just felt like we've all been friends forever.  Yes, please tell Dr. M hi and give hugs from all of us.  Keep in touch.

    Joni, take a look at Vinnie Myers tattoos.  This is who Dr. M is recommending.  They look wonderful even the 3d ones. Quite an artist. 

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  • lilmismuffit
    lilmismuffit Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2011

    Hello Girls-

    I had the best time at the Dr. Is In Symposium in Chicago!!! Take the time to go if you can and check the dates at www.drmarga.com.  Sandy and Linda-it does feel like we have known each other forever and we had some good laughs!!! I am still full from all the food we ate!!!  Brenda, it was so nice to meet you in person as well and so glad that your surgery went well.  Hope you get you nipple this year too!!!  It makes such a difference!!  I hope the Charleston Girls can all come together in August to celebrate this journey we have all been taking and to spend time with Dr. M who has made it all possible for us to feel just a little bit pretty again!!!  Sandy-your tattoo turned out great and I am going to miss your cute accent!!!  And the way you used it to get coupons ;-)

    love ya girls!!

    Laura

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  • lilmismuffit
    lilmismuffit Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2011

    Oh and Thanks Jacee!!!  I made a new scrapbook for Dr. M this year with all the Mermaids.  I think she will have it in NOLA so check it out and read all the amazing stories and beautiful pics of the 2011 Mermaids ;-)

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited November 2011

    Linda, thanks. I was already planning on using Vinnie. Just have to figure out when and where. I've seen his website....indeed quite an artist.

    Brenda.....I'm sure there's a good reason why the nipple wasn't done. I bet you're right about her wanting the flap to settle first. She said the same with me at Stage 2. How nice to be home the day of surgery!! 

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  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited November 2011

    Joni (and anyone else who's ready)- Mention to Ashley or Dr. M that you want to use Vinnie. If she has enough patients who need tats, she mentioned maybe flying him out to Charleston or Chicago, instead of NOLA.

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