To Be or not to Be PM'd-Defibulated
Hi all.
I am meeting with my Drs. today to discuss PM and Defibulator as I keep getting rapid A-fib ( over 200 bpm) first two years apart now 2 months apart 4 trips to the hosp overnite and after reading some of the posts I am fairly freaked out ( I just turned 60 ) by all the problems I read about. The other consideration is the cost. I have insurance but that won't cover more than 80%. Can anyone give me an idea of what they were charged ball park figure, also how long were you out of work ( I am a value added project coodinator for major salad dressing company )... Naw ..medium amount of stress most days. Any information would be helpful . thank you for your thoughts.
Pjr
2 Comments
treatment options
by Susan - 2009-07-01 10:07:45
My opinion: I don't think that most doctors consider a pm-defibulator is a first line of treatment for afib. I think, again my opinion, that there are other treatment options to consider before going the route of a pm-defibulator. Your episodes of afib aren't very frequent. Are there reasons while other treatment choices are not be considered? Sometimes other choices are not viable alternatives for some individuals. I encourage you to keep reading and visitng some of the afib web sites so you can make an informed decision.
SusanD
You know you're wired when...
You have an excuse for being a couch potato.
Member Quotes
Pacemakers are very reliable devices.
Cost...
by chip - 2009-06-30 11:06:02
The last pacemaker/ICD implant I had came to about $80,000 not including the doctor & other misc bills.
I think youll get a wide range of responses as the cost seems to vary from hospital to hospital and state to state.
My insurance covers 80% also BUT I have a maximum yearly out of pocket of $3000 so that was all I had to pay. Check into your plan Ill bet you have a maximum out of pocket of some kind.
Most hospitals are more then willing to set up a payment plan with you to take care of the part insurance does not pay. Dont be shy about asking you wont be the only person on a payment plan I can guarantee you that.
These little devices can be expensive thats for sure. Ive had mine for a little more then a year now and have been one of the unlucky with many complications. Most related to my heart failure and not the device. Ive never added it up but if I had to guess my bills over the last year and a half, including the device, would probably approach $350,000.
Good luck and remember this site is a treasure trove of real world information. All available simply for asking.