What is the Patient Assist program? What is the Gallbladder Assist program?

The Patient Assist program is designed to help patients receive the surgeries they need at a fair and reasonable price. For patients that do not have insurance coverage for Gallbladder Surgery, Patient Assist offers discounts that are similar to those an insured patient would receive – relieving the financial pressures that often result in patients delaying this critical surgery. Patient Assist also offers special Financing Options for these procedures.

What is included in my quote from Patient Assist for my surgery?

All Patient Assist flat-rate prices include the physician’s fees, the facility’s fees, and anesthesia fees. It will also include the cost of all materials used during the surgery and any pathology or lab fees incurred if the physician requests that specimens be studied after your surgery. Before your procedure, you may be required to meet with the physician for an examination called a Consultation or Consult. The fee for this Consult is $200-350 which is already included in the Patient Assist flat-rate price. The flat-rate price also includes up to 3 post-op visits within 90 days of the procedure. The flat-rate price may not include other tests required as a follow-up or needed for diagnosis.

How much does Gallbladder Surgery cost (without the Patient Assist program)?

Gallbladder Surgery is the collection of services from a facility, physician, anesthesiologist, and often a pathology lab. For all of these services, patients that do not use Patient Assist will typically spend around $12,500 and often exceed $18,000, however many patients are charged much more – sometimes exceeding $25,000 – for the exact same procedure.

How are your prices so much lower and are these doctors qualified?

Patient Assist works to negotiate – on your behalf – the same kinds of discounts that many insured patients receive. These discounts are then passed directly to you – the patient – ensuring you receive a fair price for your procedure.

This program would not be possible without the participation of our Medical Providers – the doctors and facilities that participate in this program. They believe in assisting patients like you and accept lower rates to make your procedure more affordable and therefore attainable. These providers offer exceptional care and meet a very high minimum standard – this is discussed in more detail in another FAQ: “How will I know if my provider is safe and qualified for the procedure?”

How will I be billed for my Gallbladder Surgery?

You will only be billed by New Choice Health (the parent company behind the Patient Assist program) for your procedure. If you are billed by anyone other than New Choice Health you should under no circumstances pay this amount and contact us immediately at concierge@newchoicehealth.com. You will be sent an invoice via email for your payment once you have chosen to schedule your procedure.

What forms of payment do you accept?

You can pay your invoice via the following payment methods: Credit Card, ACH / Bank Transfer, Check* or Money Order*, or via our Financing programs. Please remember that payments must be received by New Choice Health 7 days prior to your appointment. Payments cannot be made directly to the provider.

For more information on Financing, see the FAQ on additional financing methods below.

* If you pay by check or money order, it must be received by New Choice Health 7 days prior to your appointment.

Can I pay with my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

Yes. You will be provided a receipt upon payment of your invoice which you will need. Please contact the administrator of your HSA or FSA for more information.

Do you offer Financing for my Gallbladder Surgery?

Patient Assist offers several Financing options such as CareCredit for qualifying patients. These Financing options allow patients to pay the cost for their procedure over a longer period of time and often at no additional costs (e.g. no interest).

Please contact our Care Coordination Team for detailed information on all our Financing Options prior to applying.

What if I need to cancel my surgery?

Cancellations for a full refund are accepted up to 2 business days prior to your appointment. You will be charged all provider cancellation fees that are incurred when cancelling within 2 business days prior to your appointment plus an administrative fee. If you do not reschedule or cancel there is a $500 fee for not showing up for a scheduled appointment plus any cancellation fees from the providers. Please contact concierge@newchoicehealth.com immediately to cancel or reschedule your procedure. NOTE: If you cancel your procedure according to the terms above but after you have completed a consultation, you will not be refunded the consultation fee.

If you do not complete the preparation instructions fully and completely and the physician is not able to complete your procedure, you are still responsible for 85% of the flat rate price.

If you complete your procedure without making your payments on time, providing a check that is returned/NSF, or disputing your credit card charges, you are then responsible for the non-discounted procedure price of the procedure. This can be 3-5x the price you have been quoted. We offer no exceptions to this policy.

What are the reasons for removing my Gallbladder?

Sometimes the gallbladder can malfunction allowing bile to build-up and create blockages along the pathways where it typically empties. Sometimes, gallstones, hard deposits of substances in the bile that get stuck inside the gallbladder, develop that can be as small as the tip of a pen or as large as a golf ball. Gallstone disease, called cholelithiasis, can cause short or lasting pains in the abdomen. Gallstones can also cause infections to form, which can cause bloating, nausea, vomiting, and further pain. A surgeon will remove your gallbladder if gallstones cause pain and other complications.

What are the methods for removing it?

Surgery to remove a gallbladder is called cholecystectomy. There are several different removal methods including single incision laparoscopic surgery, (SILS or SPA), open cholecystectomy, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the the latter being the most commonly used removal method.

Laparoscopic or minimally invasive removal is the most common type of gallbladder removal and the preferred method of surgery, however, certain complications can make open surgery a better choice, such as when the gallbladder is severely diseased. A severely diseased gallbladder can be more difficult to remove because it may have affected surrounding areas, which makes a laparoscopic procedure more difficult.

What are my diet restrictions after Gallbladder Surgery?

Removal of the gall bladder does not limit your diet or eliminate any particular foods from your diet. Some patients may experience minor changes in digestion and/or bowel function which is usually not long lasting.

Are there any alternatives to having Gallbladder Surgery?

Your doctor will recommend gallbladder removal if your gallbladder is causing a severe, chronic problem or concern. Some symptoms of patients in need of gallbladder removal include:

• sharp pain in the upper portion of your abdomen that extends to the middle of your stomach, right shoulder, or back
• fever
• nausea
• bloating
• yellowing of your skin (jaundice), indicating a bile duct blockage

Sometimes a doctor will recommend watchful waiting to see if gallbladder-related symptoms lessen. Diet changes, such as reducing overall fat intake, may also help. If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend surgery.

What do I need to do to prepare for Gallbladder Surgery?

Before surgery, you will undergo tests to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure. Tests include blood tests and imaging tests of your gallbladder. A complete physical exam and record of your medical history will also be necessary.

During these appointments, tell your doctor if you’re taking any medications, including over-the-counter drugs or nutritional supplements. Certain medications can interfere with the procedure, and you may have to stop taking them prior to surgery. Also, tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or may be pregnant.

Your doctor will give you complete instructions on the best way for you to prepare for surgery.

These instructions could include:

• arranging to have someone stay with you immediately after surgery and drive you home.
• drinking a prescription solution that flushes out your bowels
• not eating or drinking for six hours or more before surgery.
• planning for a hospital stay in case of complications.
• showering using a special, antibacterial soap.

How long will the surgery take?

Gallbladder Surgery typically takes 90 – 120 minutes, depending on the specific procedure performed and your situation. Talk with your doctor about what may influence the length of the procedure.

How will I feel after the surgery? Can I drive? Go to work?

After surgery, you will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery room for observation. The amount of time you will spend in the recovery room depends on how your body handles the surgery and the type of anesthetic used, but one to three hours is common. The IV line remains in place until you can tolerate clear liquids. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable, and you are alert, the doctor will discharge you. You will feel groggy, possibly confused, and/or nauseous so it is IMPERATIVE you arrange a ride home.

After your surgery you will spend 1-3 hours in a recovery room as your anesthesia wears off. This can feel very disorienting and you will be unable to operate a vehicle or work. Your care team will monitor you. Plan to have someone drive you home. You will begin to feel some pain as your recovery continues, however most patients are prescribed medication to alleviate this pain.

How much pain will I experience?

The majority of patients will have only mild to moderate pain and only need over-the-counter pain medication upon returning home the day of surgery.

How will I know if my provider is safe and qualified for the procedure?

Any healthcare provider that provides services to our patients must meet our strict credentialing criteria. The criteria is designed to ensure a standard of care significantly higher than the national average.

Physicians must*:

1. hold an active license to practice in their state and be in good standing
2. have at least 7 years of experience practicing as a physician
3. be board certified in General Surgery

(* Residents and physicians in training are not eligible for this program.)

Facilities must:

1. be state certified and in good standing
2. be accredited by either JCAHO, AAAHC, AAASF or CMS
3. must pass an in-person inspection (if determined necessary)