RE: Dr. Gross vs Dr. Vail

[Guest guest]

:

If your forwarded X-Ray to Dr. Gross was made in your local OS's office,

then it is a copy, not the original. You can call their local office and

request another copy....they may or may not charge you about $7.00 for this.

Then you can Fed-Ex it or send it another way to Dr. Vail.

If Dr. Gross is not covered by your insurance, won't it be much more then

$6,000 out-of-pocket? Most people have said the surgery stateside costs

them

between $25,000 - $27,000...more or less. This doesn't include travel

(hotel,

airfare, meals,etc.) expenses. Also, if Dr. Vail is in your plan, then

unless

you mean you have a $3,000 deductible.....you should not have to carry that

expense.

I hear great things about both Docs.

Lois (L) C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont

Dr. Gross vs Dr. Vail

I am already scheduled to be operated on by Dr. Gross on 6/12. He is

not on our ins plan, so it would be $6000 out of pocket for us. We

discovered yesterday that Dr. Vail would be considered on our plan

since he participates in PHCS. It would only be $3000 out of pocket

for us. When I inquired with Dr. Gross' office, they were extremely

quick in responding. I was also very impressed with the fact that HE

called me after seeing my x-rays. I'm just in the beginning stages of

communicating with Dr. Vail's office. They need to see my x-ray, but

Dr. Gross' office has it! Also, Dr. Vail wouldn't be able to schedule

me until August! I was all psyched for June!! My husband wants me to

go with Dr. Vail (financial reasons).

Any sugggestions?????? I'm tired of being in LIMBO!!!

[Guest guest]

> I am already scheduled to be operated on by Dr. Gross on 6/12. He

is

> not on our ins plan, so it would be $6000 out of pocket for us. We

> discovered yesterday that Dr. Vail would be considered on our plan

> since he participates in PHCS. It would only be $3000 out of pocket

> for us. When I inquired with Dr. Gross' office, they were extremely

> quick in responding. I was also very impressed with the fact that

HE

> called me after seeing my x-rays. I'm just in the beginning stages

of

> communicating with Dr. Vail's office. They need to see my x-ray,

but

> Dr. Gross' office has it! Also, Dr. Vail wouldn't be able to

schedule

> me until August! I was all psyched for June!! My husband wants me

to

> go with Dr. Vail (financial reasons).

>

> Any sugggestions?????? I'm tired of being in LIMBO!!!

,

My surgery was done by Dr. Gross and I highly recommend him. At the

time our insurance covered all but the deductible($5000.00 + 1K out

of pocket). Since then we've had to change to the PHCS plan. Would

they be covering your hospital costs? Just checking for future

reference.

Trudy

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the suggestion concerning the x-ray. I may end up doing

just that.

My insurance will cover it, but Dr. Gross is considered " out-of-

network " , so they will pay less (60% as opposed to 80%). But ... my

maximum out of pocket expenses for out-of-network is $6000. My " in-

network " maximum is $3000. Right now the $3000 difference is a big

deal. Fortunately, the insurance company has already approved

everything. It's just a matter of finances. I'm leaning toward Dr

Gross for several reasons: I feel comfortable with using him; it

makes a difference to me that HE actually called and spoke with me

before he had me speak with his nurse to set it all up; he is closer

to home than Duke University; the procedure could be done sooner ~

meaning I could recover sooner and get back to working and playing!

Oh the decisions!

>

> :

>

> If your forwarded X-Ray to Dr. Gross was made in your local OS's

office,

> then it is a copy, not the original. You can call their local

office and

> request another copy....they may or may not charge you about $7.00

for this.

> Then you can Fed-Ex it or send it another way to Dr. Vail.

>

> If Dr. Gross is not covered by your insurance, won't it be much

more then

> $6,000 out-of-pocket? Most people have said the surgery

stateside costs

> them

> between $25,000 - $27,000...more or less. This doesn't include

travel

> (hotel,

> airfare, meals,etc.) expenses. Also, if Dr. Vail is in your

plan, then

> unless

> you mean you have a $3,000 deductible.....you should not have to

carry that

> expense.

>

> I hear great things about both Docs.

>

> Lois (L) C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont

>

>

>

> Dr. Gross vs Dr. Vail

>

>

> I am already scheduled to be operated on by Dr. Gross on 6/12. He is

> not on our ins plan, so it would be $6000 out of pocket for us. We

> discovered yesterday that Dr. Vail would be considered on our plan

> since he participates in PHCS. It would only be $3000 out of pocket

> for us. When I inquired with Dr. Gross' office, they were extremely

> quick in responding. I was also very impressed with the fact that HE

> called me after seeing my x-rays. I'm just in the beginning stages

of

> communicating with Dr. Vail's office. They need to see my x-ray, but

> Dr. Gross' office has it! Also, Dr. Vail wouldn't be able to

schedule

> me until August! I was all psyched for June!! My husband wants me to

> go with Dr. Vail (financial reasons).

>

> Any sugggestions?????? I'm tired of being in LIMBO!!!

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> ,

> My surgery was done by Dr. Gross and I highly recommend him. At

the

> time our insurance covered all but the deductible($5000.00 + 1K out

> of pocket). Since then we've had to change to the PHCS plan.

Would

> they be covering your hospital costs? Just checking for future

> reference.

> Trudy

Hi Trudy,

Yes, the insurance is covering my hospital costs. Already got the

approval for that. My husband is going to call tomorrow to see

exactly how much we would have to pay if I stay with Dr Gross.

[Guest guest]

> >

>

> Hi Trudy,

>

> Yes, the insurance is covering my hospital costs. Already got the

> approval for that. My husband is going to call tomorrow to see

> exactly how much we would have to pay if I stay with Dr Gross.

,

If you can swing it in any way since the hospital is covered, go with

Gross!!!! In the end it cost us close to 10K and it was worth every

penny. Most of that extra you may not have. I rented a car and paid

hotel costs for my sister to stay with me the entire two weeks I was

in SC. All the reasons you like him now will be magnified immensely

once you've had the surgery.

Trudy

[Guest guest]

Trudy --- Hi . I am going to Gross for my surgery -- on June 4th.

I have some questions. I have BCBS and they have approved the surgery - but

doesn't your insurance cover the Dr. as well? I am sure mine does,. I think

out of pocket for deductible is only $1,000 for me.

Also -- Where did your sister stay? Mine is coming with me as well. If we

stay at Extended Stay America I think we are pretty close - no? Is renting a

car very expensive there?

Also, did you fly there? Northwest (from Fargo) doesn't go there. So we will

take United - but I goofed on the 2 week advance and the tickets went from

$330 to $706.

Shucks. Anyway I would appreciate any advice in that area. Thanks.

Anyone else that went to Gross - any advise as well. THANKS!

Margo

[Guest guest]

> Trudy --- Hi . I am going to Gross for my surgery -- on June

4th.

>

> I have some questions. I have BCBS and they have approved the

surgery - but

> doesn't your insurance cover the Dr. as well? I am sure mine

does,. I think

> out of pocket for deductible is only $1,000 for me.

>

> Also -- Where did your sister stay? Mine is coming with me as

well. If we

> stay at Extended Stay America I think we are pretty close - no? Is

renting a

> car very expensive there?

>

> Also, did you fly there? Northwest (from Fargo) doesn't go there.

So we will

> take United - but I goofed on the 2 week advance and the tickets

went from

> $330 to $706.

>

> Shucks. Anyway I would appreciate any advice in that area. Thanks.

>

> Anyone else that went to Gross - any advise as well. THANKS!

>

Margo,

I had my surgery when Dr. Gross was operating out of Providence

North. There was a Marriot right across the parking lot in walking

distance. I think he is downtown now so don't know about the hotels

there.

I rented the car in Chattanooga and drove it myself one way to SC.

Then my sister used it for the two weeks I was laid up. She flew

home and my hubby drove in with an SUV with a blow up bed in the

back. It was an easy ride home. The hardest part was hoisting

me into the back! Coming as far as Fargo, the plane is the best

bet. I did want to be in my own bed as soon as possible.

As far as insurance...At the time of surgery we had private insurance

that covered everything no matter where I went. Since they have now

paid out $78,000, they bumped the premium 4K/year. That's why we

went to the PHCS. Even if the hospital costs are covered at 80% that

would be a big chunk of change if I needed to go back to SC. Hoping

I'll not have to cross that bridge for a very long time or

never. Since the deductible is 5K I can still go for my yearly

checks because I'll be paying out of pocket no matter where I go.

I wish I could have been more help. I will say you are going with

the best team in the US! Best wishes to you.

Trudy

Bilat Cormet 1/02

[Guest guest]

> Margo,

> I had my surgery when Dr. Gross was operating out of Providence

> North. There was a Marriot right across the parking lot in walking

> distance. I think he is downtown now so don't know about the

hotels

> there.

Hi,

I'm scheduled with Dr. Gross on 6/12 and I'll be in Providence

Hospital. The Courtyard Marriott is there in the parking lot. Just

made reservations @ $79/night. (they give a discount if you are a

getting rooms for family of a patient Dr. Gross) You will need to

call them directly to get that discount though. (and ask for it!)

[Guest guest]

Trudy -- What is PHCS? I have BCBS -- I hope I don't have to pay $5000.

Is the surgery $78,000 ? I thought something like $45K.

Thanks -- Margo

[Guest guest]

Hi again --

I wanted to ask you -- is it ok to ride in a car - passenger side - I am

renting one from Charlotte - little less than two hours - to my flight home.

What is the restriction?? Or is it just the pain thing - I could load up with

pain-killers I guess.

Margo

[Guest guest]

> Trudy --- Hi . I am going to Gross for my surgery -- on June

4th.

> Hi Margo. I'm so excited for you to be going off so soon. I've

been in the talking stages with Lee and Dr Gross - At first I was

thinking if " getting done " in fall when the weather's a little cooler

(I don't do well in heat and humidity), but the other hip is giving

me grief now too, so I think I want to get done with this as soon as

I can. Please keep in touch and let me know what to expect. Of

course, my surgery is pending due to insurance, Corin and FDA

approval, since I missed the quota for the trials. Feel free to e-

mail me personally! I hope to be in your shoes too, soon.

Lois the second

[Guest guest]

I was in the passenger seat of a Subaru station wagon for 5+ hours. I had a

pillow on my seat in a plastic garbade bag - a tip someone had out out there to

make sliding/moving easy. The seat was as far back as possible, I changed the

angle of the recline position off and on, had a pillow on the floor for my leg

(not much of an elevation) and had taken 2 Percoset before leaving the hospital,

so I dozed off and on during the trip home. Usually the trip takes 4 hours, but

inefficient traffic control over an overturned beer truck (would have made a

great commercial) created a huge delay. And the trip was totally fine. We

stopped at a rest area to use the facilities and walk a bit and it was easy.

Really. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but it was not a big deal. Imagine the

Belgium surfacehippies...

Michele

Dr. Boyd

C+ 4.24.03

Re: Re: Dr. Gross vs Dr. Vail

Hi again --

I wanted to ask you -- is it ok to ride in a car - passenger side - I am

renting one from Charlotte - little less than two hours - to my flight home.

What is the restriction?? Or is it just the pain thing - I could load up with

pain-killers I guess.

Margo

[Guest guest]

Thanks --- I will keep the garbage bag in mind. I am looking forward to

getting this over with! Thanks for the advice and the encouragement!

Margo

[Guest guest]

Margo:

I flew from St. Louis to Baltimore .....a 2 hour N/S flight.

It was fine. We rented an Mini-Van (tho we requested an

SUV, but they were out of them) and did so because it was my

left hip and it was easier for me to slide into a higher seat

then a regular car. I think we rented it for 5 days (my family

stayed in town and went sight-seeing) and the cost was only about

$50 more then a car. We have both a car and SUV at home, and now,

8 weeks post-op, the SUV is still easier for me to get into.

I don't believe there is a restriction nor is it painful to get into

a car. But...you do move slow. The plastic bag onthe seat is very

helpful.

Best of luck!

Lois

Re: Re: Dr. Gross vs Dr. Vail

Hi again --

I wanted to ask you -- is it ok to ride in a car - passenger side - I am

renting one from Charlotte - little less than two hours - to my flight home.

What is the restriction?? Or is it just the pain thing - I could load up

with

pain-killers I guess.

Margo

[Guest guest]

HI Margo,

Had both R and L hips done 3 months apart. Airfare, rental car,

hotel both times. Expedia.com i used for the purchase of airfare and

rental car. Great prices (about $200 each roundtrip from Las Vegas

to Charlotte, about $150/weekly rate for Avis car) My husband stayed

in the hospital room w/ me (private room @ Providence NE). We stayed

at he adjacent Marriott for 1st, pre-op, night and 3 nights post

discharge @ & 79/night.

I just love Dr Gross, Lee Webb, and the staff at Providence.

Best to you and your hippies,

Quinn

L-hip-Halloween2002, R-hip-Valentines2003

> Trudy --- Hi . I am going to Gross for my surgery -- on June

4th.

>

> I have some questions. I have BCBS and they have approved the

surgery - but

> doesn't your insurance cover the Dr. as well? I am sure mine

does,. I think

> out of pocket for deductible is only $1,000 for me.

>

> Also -- Where did your sister stay? Mine is coming with me as

well. If we

> stay at Extended Stay America I think we are pretty close - no? Is

renting a

> car very expensive there?

>

> Also, did you fly there? Northwest (from Fargo) doesn't go there.

So we will

> take United - but I goofed on the 2 week advance and the tickets

went from

> $330 to $706.

>

> Shucks. Anyway I would appreciate any advice in that area. Thanks.

>

> Anyone else that went to Gross - any advise as well. THANKS!

>

> Margo

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Quinn...

Hi. I am going to Lexington medical Center, so I may stay at the Hampton.

How many days were you in? Could your husband sleep ok on a recliner? I would

want my sister to have a good sleep so I think I will rent a room at the

Hampton Inn for the whole week.

Thanks -- I will keep in touch after I get back. I am sure I will have

questions -- like: " Is this normal " ??

MArgo

[Guest guest]

Hi Margo, I have been away for a few days so I havent been able to

reply to your posts. I was resurfaced by Dr Gross on 3/27/03 at

Lexington Med Center. You have made a great Choice. I think the Only

Surgeon in the US who has done more Is Amstutz at JRI.

The closest Motel/hotel to Lex Med is the Ramada Inn. My Family

Stayed at the Extended Stay which requires a 5 minute Drive to the

Hospital. But it is a New Place and had a special of 235 for 7 days.

They have a Kitchen (sink , stove, fridge and coffee maker) in each

room. They also have a laundry room on site.

Lex is a nice Hospital and the staff is great! I cant help you with

car rental, we drove from NY City in a mini van. Anyway If I can be

of any assistance please feel free to email me at nyjohn11@...

C2K, Dr Gross, 3/27/03

In surfacehippy , Maia728@a... wrote:

> Quinn...

>

> Hi. I am going to Lexington medical Center, so I may stay at the

Hampton.

> How many days were you in? Could your husband sleep ok on a

recliner? I would

> want my sister to have a good sleep so I think I will rent a room

at the

> Hampton Inn for the whole week.

>

> Thanks -- I will keep in touch after I get back. I am sure I will

have

> questions -- like: " Is this normal " ??

>

> MArgo

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Quinn.

I guess the Hampton Inn is good and its right by Lexington -- I wanted two

beds as well for my sister and I and Extended Stay only had one. I also think

we'll take advantage of the breakfast there.

I will leave here June 2 pending all the rest of my tests - I have to get my

hemoglobin up to 13 - -Procrit injections. I also dicovered while during

this, that my thyroid is hyper - so I am hoping it doesn't get in the way of

surgery.

Thanks Again........ Margo

[Guest guest]

Hi Margo...

My husband slept in a bed, not a recliner.....however he could sleep

almost anywhere, i believe! Each hospital stay, i had a private room

w/ a fold out bed.

With the first surgery, following discharge on a Saturday afternoon,

we stayed 4 nights through Wed at the Marriott. Second surgery- 2

nights though Mon.

Hang in there,

Quinn

> Quinn...

>

> Hi. I am going to Lexington medical Center, so I may stay at the

Hampton.

> How many days were you in? Could your husband sleep ok on a

recliner? I would

> want my sister to have a good sleep so I think I will rent a room

at the

> Hampton Inn for the whole week.

>

> Thanks -- I will keep in touch after I get back. I am sure I will

have

> questions -- like: " Is this normal " ??

>

> MArgo

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have a little " heads up " to you...and anyone heading to

Lexington....

Upon ariving for my first resur. w/ D Gross, needed a hotel for first

night prior to surgery at Providence. Ended up at Ramada Inn (close

to Lexington Hosp.) It was very dirty. Mold around fixtures, " body "

hair, old seeming linens...... I really wanted to take a " last "

bath, especially following 8 hours of travel, and all that pre-op

stuff. I looked at another room to possibly move...no improvement.

I was really " grossed out " . Was NOT wanting to get into that bed-YUK.

Marriott was very clean and accomodating....GREAT. The facilities

available (office area, open lounging area for TV, coffee, games,

etc; yummy waffles)

Anyway...NO cooties vs. location....Hmmmm?

Quinn

> > Quinn...

> >

> > Hi. I am going to Lexington medical Center, so I may stay at the

> Hampton.

> > How many days were you in? Could your husband sleep ok on a

> recliner? I would

> > want my sister to have a good sleep so I think I will rent a room

> at the

> > Hampton Inn for the whole week.

> >

> > Thanks -- I will keep in touch after I get back. I am sure I

will

> have

> > questions -- like: " Is this normal " ??

> >

> > MArgo

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I thought I could keep quiet for once, but I can't. He is a superb

doctor and person. Your future is worth the money!

Skater Gwen

C2K 9/16/02 Dr. Gross

Trima2 wrote:

>

>

>

>>Hi Trudy,

>>

>>Yes, the insurance is covering my hospital costs. Already got the

>>approval for that. My husband is going to call tomorrow to see

>>exactly how much we would have to pay if I stay with Dr Gross.

>>

>

>,

>

>If you can swing it in any way since the hospital is covered, go with

>Gross!!!! In the end it cost us close to 10K and it was worth every

>penny. Most of that extra you may not have. I rented a car and paid

>hotel costs for my sister to stay with me the entire two weeks I was

>in SC. All the reasons you like him now will be magnified immensely

>once you've had the surgery.

>Trudy

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I'm glad you're going for it. I personally feel it's worth it. For a few

days, I thought that if you canceled, that I would fill your spot, but I'm

really happy you're going ahead with it.

I am scheduled in early July and we can compare notes.

[Guest guest]

I am sticking with Dr. Gross. We'll have a $6000 out of pocket

maximum, but it's worth it to me to be able to go ahead and get it

over with and get on the road to recovery. I am also VERY impressed

with the extremely quick responses I've had from Lee. She is up late

at night answering emails. God love her! She said she just wants to

make sure all of us are taken care of. Can't ask for much more than

that, can you? I feel good about this. I'm due to go in for surgery

in 2 weeks (6/12). I'm anxious because I don't know what the recovery

pain will be like, but I'm confident this is the way to go. I'm tired

of sitting on the sidelines and watching everyone else having fun. My

tennis team made it to the State Championships and I had to go and

watch. (I was the captain) At least I made a good cheerleader!!!

Thanks for all the support. I feel good about this.

> >

> >

> >>Hi Trudy,

> >>

> >>Yes, the insurance is covering my hospital costs. Already got the

> >>approval for that. My husband is going to call tomorrow to see

> >>exactly how much we would have to pay if I stay with Dr Gross.

> >>

> >

> >,

> >

> >If you can swing it in any way since the hospital is covered, go

with

> >Gross!!!! In the end it cost us close to 10K and it was worth

every

> >penny. Most of that extra you may not have. I rented a car and

paid

> >hotel costs for my sister to stay with me the entire two weeks I

was

> >in SC. All the reasons you like him now will be magnified

immensely

> >once you've had the surgery.

> >Trudy

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I'll try to keep a diary like some others here have done. It's been

nice to read exactly how others have felt and done. It's hard not to

be afraid of the unknown. When I had my first child, I didn't want

any sort of anesthesia ~ I just wanted to be hit in the head with a

2X4 and wakened when it was all over! Fortunately, that wasn't done

(had epidural) and it all worked out extremely well! That was almost

16 years ago.

Hope I'll be able to help you out when YOUR time comes with Dr.

Gross. Let's stay in touch!

> ,

>

> I'm glad you're going for it. I personally feel it's worth it.

For a few

> days, I thought that if you canceled, that I would fill your spot,

but I'm

> really happy you're going ahead with it.

>

> I am scheduled in early July and we can compare notes.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You are making a great choice. I believe except for DR Amstutz, Dr

Gross has done the most in this Country. Not to mention how kind and

considerate he and his staff are. Best of luck to you... ny

C2K. Dr Gross, 3/27

> > >

> > >

> > >>Hi Trudy,

> > >>

> > >>Yes, the insurance is covering my hospital costs. Already got

the

> > >>approval for that. My husband is going to call tomorrow to see

> > >>exactly how much we would have to pay if I stay with Dr Gross.

> > >>

> > >

> > >,

> > >

> > >If you can swing it in any way since the hospital is covered,

go

> with

> > >Gross!!!! In the end it cost us close to 10K and it was worth

> every

> > >penny. Most of that extra you may not have. I rented a car

and

> paid

> > >hotel costs for my sister to stay with me the entire two weeks

I

> was

> > >in SC. All the reasons you like him now will be magnified

> immensely

> > >once you've had the surgery.

> > >Trudy

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >