Not sure if this is the right forum, but I hope someone can help....
Following surgery, I have an open wound which requires packing and re-dressing daily.
I still haven't given up all hope of going on my ski trip to Attitash, New Hampshire in a couple of weeks' time. But what I really need is to find a medical facility which would accept a foreign resident (UK) for treatment.
All I need is for the wound to be cleaned and re-dressed.
Does anyone know where I could begin this search? (I know very little about the US healthcare system.) How much can I expect to pay? (This will be out of my pocket, not on insurance.) Am I being impractical?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Last edited by mad_rich; Dec 29, 08 at 1:32 pm.
Reason: spelling
As long as you don't require admission, any urgent care clinic would be happy to see you (and your credit card). You might wish to contact a clinic near your destination to double check their hours and available level of care, but most places should be able to handle a dressing change. In the US, we often instruct the patient or a family member how to do a dressing change (including cleaning and packing, if necessary)-- maybe you can learn to do it yourself and save yourself a couple hundred bucks (I'd expect the total cost to be in that range, including nursing staff time, room costs, and materials. It could be more if a physician is required to see you per clinic policy). And make sure to bring some documentation of your medical history to avoid unnecessary procedures!
I would stay away from the emergency room, as it will be horrendously expensive and probably take a whole day to get seen.
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I'd also check with your travel insurance company to see if they are happy with you travelling with a wound that requires attention. They may attempt to wriggle out of any claims that may arise if complications develop.
If you know where you will/would be staying, contact them and ask for recommendations. They may can give you the number of a clinic nearby that you can call and get specific info from. Be prepared to pay and possibly pay dearly. It may not seem like much but if you need it done more than once the cost could add up. And make sure and bring official records (copies etc) so that they can know exactly what was done and what type of post op care there needs to be. Because of the liability issue many physicians here go be reluctant to be responsible for someone elses work/follow-up.
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If you have any kind of credit card that has a concierge service (ie. Amex Plat), from what I've heard, they can be very helpful with situations like this. Just a suggestion...
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Attitash is kind of remote so you're not going to find much in the way of health care nearby. It looks like the nearest clinic to you is in Berlin, about 30 miles away. Here's all their info: http://www.coosfamilyhealth.org/
Attitash is kind of remote so you're not going to find much in the way of health care nearby. It looks like the nearest clinic to you is in Berlin, about 30 miles away. Here's all their info: http://www.coosfamilyhealth.org/
I'd also check with your travel insurance company to see if they are happy with you travelling with a wound that requires attention. They may attempt to wriggle out of any claims that may arise if complications develop.
DEFINATELY do this, as any complication, such as infection that may arise, may well not be covered.
can you not clean and put on a new dressing yourself? I know that people are often shown how to do this themselves or for someone they are caring for?
I just Googled Attitish and looked on their website. If you are staying at the resort, call the concierge and ask for recommendations. You may find they have a physician or nurse either on staff or on call. They can give you the name/number and you can call them directly. Chances are something can be worked out.
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Not to burst your vacation bubble but as a medical professional....Skiing with an open and packed wound?????? I can't think of any location on the body where that would be advisable. I hope you are just planning on watching everyone and drinking. In any case, definately ask your own medical professional to teach you how to do it, and bring the correct clean supplies. I'm sure one of your mates can help you.
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Thanks for all the responses so far. I've found a couple of clinics nearby which can do the work for me - and relieve me of $30-$70 a throw
The location of the wound means that I can't really do it myself, but it's conceivable that a friend might be able to to it. Maybe with a checkup at the clinic mid-way through the holiday.
Insurance is likely to be the killer. If I can get them to cover me with an additional premium, I'll be OK, but they might just say 'no coverage'.
7Continents - Yes, I know it sounds crazy. I go from moments where it seems perfectly reasonable to moments where I think I must be a lunatic to even consider it! For what it's worth, a medic friend of mine has said he wouldn't necessarily rule it out (if it were his holiday!) and I will be seeing my surgeon two days before I leave.
You may be able to claim back the holiday cost if you do cancel due to your insurance company not covering you for the wound. To put it in perspective, my partners grandmother was in a Florida hospital, no operation, but drugs given and a lenthyish stay, $80,000 bill. She didn't have the adequate insurance she claimed she had.
Ask about charges before handing over your credit card. Typically charges are about 6-10 times"negotiate' rates for those who have eligible insurance. Just askingg often reduces the cost (it's a business after all).
x2. If you tell 'em "Cash money" they will likely reduce the rate as they don't have to file a claim with BCSBS/UHG/Whatever.
Also... I wouldn't rule out the vacation. I might stay sidelined and enjoy the scenery/bar/resto/etc instead of skiing.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by erik123
Ask about charges before handing over your credit card. Typically charges are about 6-10 times"negotiate' rates for those who have eligible insurance. Just askingg often reduces the cost (it's a business after all).
Thanks for all the responses so far. I've found a couple of clinics nearby which can do the work for me - and relieve me of $30-$70 a throw
This sounds like a very reasonable rate to me. ($30 if it's a small wound; up to $70 for a larger one.)
Don't forget that supplies, office expenses, insurance costs, etc. are coming out of the costs. You're also benefitting from the professional expertise of the nurse or doctor who is looking at the wound every day. The quoted price is probably 1/3 of what you'd expect to pay a lawyer for work in kind or 1/2 of what you'd pay a plumber.
I go from moments where it seems perfectly reasonable to moments where I think I must be a lunatic to even consider it! For what it's worth, a medic friend of mine has said he wouldn't necessarily rule it out (if it were his holiday!) and I will be seeing my surgeon two days before I leave.
