My 86 year old mother has multiple heart valve issues and is currently ambivalent about undergoing surgery or other medical intervention except for treating the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Nevertheless, she is interested in obtaining an opinion from Dr. Marc Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic. We live in Canada and therefore it is unlikely a surgical procedure to replace/repair her heart valves in the United Sates would be covered by Canadian government health insurance. Fortunately, we do possess the financial resources. Nevertheless, I would appreciate a best estimate of the entire cost of everything (doctor's fees, hospital fees etc...) for a procedure involving the replacement of the aortic valve and the repair of the mitral valve and also possibly the tricuspid valve. Would the total cost differ depending on whether the procedure was done by way of open heart surgery as opposed to a minimally invasive procedure or robot assisted valve surgery? Thanks.
Cost of valve/repair surgery at the Cleveland Clinic
- Thread starter jbjames
- Start date
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
Honestly if your mom needs more than 1 valve worked on chances of having it done either min invasive or robotically would be pretty slim. As for cost, alot depends on, if there or any complications and how long she is in, but I would plan on at least 100,000- 150,000, actully 150-200 would probably be closer now, for an average surgery home in 4-5 days. Of course each additional valve would cost more. If you need extr dys o ICU or even extra days in he hospital, it can really go up too.
Travel, hotel before and after and for family and food. would be on top of that.I'm always amazed how much it cost me just for 3 meals a day and parking when I stay with Justin then of course I'm usually bying him food from the outside carts, etc
. I'm sure if you are paying in cash they would work with bringing the cost down,
I think there are a few thread discussing valve surgery cost, if you do a search here for cost a couple should come up
Travel, hotel before and after and for family and food. would be on top of that.I'm always amazed how much it cost me just for 3 meals a day and parking when I stay with Justin then of course I'm usually bying him food from the outside carts, etc
. I'm sure if you are paying in cash they would work with bringing the cost down,
I think there are a few thread discussing valve surgery cost, if you do a search here for cost a couple should come up
Last edited:
What part of Canada are you in? I don't know whether you or your mom realize it or not but there are many talented surgeons working in excellent facilities across Canada. Some of the TAVI innovations are taking place in BC and both the Schulich and the Munk centres in Toronto are first rate facilities, for example. My own surgeon at Schulich (Sunnybrook) is a multiple award winning and very accomplished surgeon who did his fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic (where he received the Surgical Excellence Award from a pool of 30 international candidates.)
The direct answer to your question as I recall from the posts referred to in the reply above, was that the reported costs of surgery in the US ranged from a low in the high 10's of thousands, to a high of 200,000 or so. The high was a top hospital and a surgery with complications and a longer hospital stay. Interestingly, from what I was able to determine, the billing to OHIP for a typical, uncomplicated single valve replacement is somewhere near 26,000 (and I paid 12.00 for my phone on checkout). The same surgery in India apparently runs about 6,000 USD or so. I would be the the Cleveland Clinic themselves would be able to give you a range if you call them up and ask them the straightforward question.
The direct answer to your question as I recall from the posts referred to in the reply above, was that the reported costs of surgery in the US ranged from a low in the high 10's of thousands, to a high of 200,000 or so. The high was a top hospital and a surgery with complications and a longer hospital stay. Interestingly, from what I was able to determine, the billing to OHIP for a typical, uncomplicated single valve replacement is somewhere near 26,000 (and I paid 12.00 for my phone on checkout). The same surgery in India apparently runs about 6,000 USD or so. I would be the the Cleveland Clinic themselves would be able to give you a range if you call them up and ask them the straightforward question.
Jkm7
Well-known member
It is hard for us to give you a figure because the way it sometimes work in U.S. is that insurance companies work contracts with various health providers. They agree what each procedure will cost, what surgeons will be paid, anesthesiologists etc etc etc for various surgeries/procedures/treatments. The amount a private payer would be charged is just about always a lot higher than what an insurance company would pay. There is no ceiling as to what they can charge as there is under the agreements reached with insurance companies.
But, you should start thinking in the range of U.S. $250,000 probably. This is a guesstimate at best. Of course, this is something you would have to discuss with all involved if your mother chooses to proceed.
Good luck.
Please let us know how things are going for your mother and you in this regard.
But, you should start thinking in the range of U.S. $250,000 probably. This is a guesstimate at best. Of course, this is something you would have to discuss with all involved if your mother chooses to proceed.
Good luck.
Please let us know how things are going for your mother and you in this regard.
I think the easy thing to price out is the surgery. Unfortunately, I think that with an 86 year old, you may need to factor in complications. To me complications mean more time in the hospital, more procedures and potentially return trips to Cleveland. The return trips could incure the cost of an air service (meaning an air ambulance).
I am sure that any of the great surgeons at CCf can refer you to a fincancial person at the CCF to better consider the math.
Best of luck to you.
I am sure that any of the great surgeons at CCf can refer you to a fincancial person at the CCF to better consider the math.
Best of luck to you.
JMK7 is right about network discounts. Many of the insurance carrier websites have a 'pricing' function. You have to join to have access to this function. If you're insured through Anthem, for example, sign up for electronic access. Then, look for the section that allows you to check. (I think Anthem has this ability) In addition to this, you can also view your claim history which will allow you to track your deductible as well as out-of-pocket. Also, make sure you use network providers to get those all important discounts.
If you're not sure if your provider is a contracted member, ask the question 'Are you a member of the XX contracted network?'. Asking 'Do you accept XX?' can mean 'Why yes, we'll take their check but you owe us the difference'. It makes a difference.
If you're not sure if your provider is a contracted member, ask the question 'Are you a member of the XX contracted network?'. Asking 'Do you accept XX?' can mean 'Why yes, we'll take their check but you owe us the difference'. It makes a difference.
Contact the Medical Ombuidsman for Alberta http://www.health.alberta.ca/about/health-care-concerns.html at one point if a medical treatmant was not available in Canada a LARGE part was paid by Federal medicare
Jkm7
Well-known member
What if the surgery/procedure is available in Canada but no surgeon will agree to do it?
Will Federal Medicare pay for patient to have it done elsewhere?
Will Federal Medicare pay for patient to have it done elsewhere?
Cleveland Clinic Aortic Valve replacement charges in 2008 were about $200,000 USD with an extended 10-day stay due to complications from bleeding when my pacer wires were removed. That bump sent me back to the ICU for several days. My costs with good insurance were only about $3000. The Clinic is very helpful with estimating their costs and I think they have a website with information about their costs.
Best,
John
Best,
John
