Pacemaker Cost

Hello It seems I need a pacemaker and have questions about the cost and any resources to cover this cost. I'm 60 years old.
Thanks for any help :)

4 Comments

Talk to Your Doctor

by NiceNiecey - 2014-06-08 01:06:37

Hello Grace.

Your profile didn't provide a lot of information but I'm guessing that you're in the US. Given that you already know you need a PM, you're way ahead of the curve. Many of us here had emergency procedures and were hospitalized a couple days; that's where the costs really add up.

Since you're able to plan ahead for this, talk with your cardiologist and the hospital where the procedure will take place. If you're uninsured, go get Obamacare; you're too young (nice!) for Medicare. In addition, you should see if your physician is comfortable sending you home the same day or even after 23 hours to cut costs.

The good news about the American healthcare system is that all the providers will work with you - so long as you make regular payments. But PLEASE don't wait until you "think" you can afford it; it may be too late by then.

Niecey

cost

by cropduster - 2014-06-08 07:06:27

Hi, you need to explain where you are in the world, as prices can vary, starting from free of charge upwards.

TLI.....

by donr - 2014-06-08 09:06:28

.....That's Too Little Information.

Let me give you a horrible benchmark - I've seen prices quoted for a plain vanilla dual chamber Medtronic PM in the vicinity of $20,000 just to buy the device. THAT was before negotiations/discounts/insurance special prices, etc.

The cost in the US will come down to about 4 parts - 1) buying the device; 2) Hosp/OR costs, 3) surgeon's cost &, 4) anesthesiologist's costs.

Given a rational warning time, ALL of them are negotiable. Especially the Hosp. Every US hosp has what they call financial counselors. You go into a private room w/ someone & lay out your situation. The kind of deal you can cut depends on several things - 1) are you destitute? 2) are you employed; 3) Are you 100% disabled? 4) How much can you afford to pay on an installment plan? 5) Can you pay cash up front? 6) Is it a charity hospital? 7) Why are you not insured?

The actual best deal is usually if you can pay cash up front. Hospitals love that - no hassle w/ billing; no waiting, etc.

All the same issues apply to all the other players. You will NOT know what they will do for you till you ask! And one last question to ask after the normal pas de deux in ballet slippers that all of you perform - "Is that the best you can do?" Oh, BTW - the first QUESTION you ask after telling them what you need is "What's the best cost you can give someone & how do I qualify for it?" You cannot be shy about this.

About the cost of the device itself - approach the mfgr & ask what kind of programs they have for people rowing your type financial boat.

Personally, I never do this - send in my good wife. She can be so good at negotiating a cost that when she starts, all the rest of the family turns into ghosts & quietly slip away. It's that embarrassing - but, man, oh man, does she cut some fantastic deals! And of course when the dealing is done the cowardice of the rest of the family is duly noted!

Good luck to you.

Donr

cost of pacemaker

by KathyB - 2014-06-09 09:06:47

Hi, when I had mine inserted last year the initial cost was $68k, that was the pacemaker $38k and each lead wire was $2k. plus I was in the hospital overnite. I have insurance so my out of pocket was less than $4k. since I already had an in hospital procedure my out of pocket was already met so my final cost was $650. Oh forgot to say it was a St Jude PM. Hope this helps. best investment, feel much better and safer

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic man.

Member Quotes

I consider my device to be so reliable, that I never think about a failure.