Hi @RachelleRachelle. I had the surgery in 2016, after finishing 5yrs on Zoladex. I didn't want to risk my ovaries going back into business again. I was terrified of hormones being in my body again as my BC was e and pr+. I had surgery with surgeon recommended by my Onc. I had never been out of pocket before for any surgeries (BC x 2, gall bladder, thyroid) so it never crossed my mind to ask about out of pocket. The surgeon's admin never advised there would be a gap either. In the end I was $2000 o.o.p. That may be less than some but being on a centrelink payment, that was a bombshell when I found that Medicare rebate didn't cover it all. I would not have gone with another surgeon as I trust the recommendations of my specialists. But I could have prepared for the cost and the shock of the out of pocket had I known in advance. The surgeon was excellent and it was done in a private hospital as I have private health and I don't regret going with him, but I could have made some choices about timing of OP and getting money together had I known in advance of the surgery. I won't compromise on my health as BC (now x3) has brought my mortality to the forefront so I do what I need to do with the most trusted specialists I can find. But finding out about the gap was extremely distressing. I guess at least you know in advance which gives you options. I recovered quite easily from the surgery and have no regrets about having it done. I wish you well with all your decisions. Could you talk to the surgeon about a payment plan or financial difficulty? My sister in-law asked about reduced fee for her daughters surgery (orthopaedic) and straight away the surgeon agreed to do it for scheduled fee. I would guess that people wouldn't usually ask if the the fee can be reduced. No harm in asking. :)
