Mighty pricey, this Prostate Cancer stuff.
Well, I fnally got what I think was my final charge for my prostatectomy, etc. which cost me out-of-pocket now a total of around $500.
I was curious, though, and went through all the charges billed to Blue Cross.
All told, it seems they were billed in the neighborhood of 200 grand!
Here's a partial breakdown:
Surgery itself. (Da Vinci) including anaesthesia and pathology:
$141 grand.
MRI, inc. "3d rendering" 14 grand
PET scan including "attenuation" $38,800
Needle Biopsy + + lab biopsy + ultrasound (+ second biopsy?) 10 grand
I have no idea if this is typical, but it did surprise me. So glad I had opted for a "Silver 94" plan which gave me great benefits, and for which I have been paying about $750 monthly, with ACA/Obamacare paying the other half. Of course I'm concerned about what my premiums will shoot up to if the ACA is disabled, as is being attempted now, and over which the government is presently shut down.
It's a pretty clear insight as to why many people who are not covered or cannot afford insurance, end up on the street due to medical debt.
I find it both sobering and chilling.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect

Mine was $148k sticker and $53k after plan discount, fully paid by insurance.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@northoftheborder Thank you! My wife’s employer retirement coverage offers Orgovyx and Eliquis, my only brand name Rxs, at $125/mo. or $250 for three mos. Fortunately, my grant pays for Orgovyx and I burned through my coinsurance early this year so haven’t had any copays for months. Next year, costs reset.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@northoftheborder I read your story from time to time when I feel bummed..what a courageous battle you put up..and now doing well !! one thing about cancer, it shows you what you are made of... I cant imagine the grit it must have taken for you to endure and survive that ordeal ..pat yourself on the back now and then !
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@topf Dirty little secret: The ins co demands that providers bill for these much higher amounts - even though they have already agreed to accept the ‘negotiated’ price.
So when the patient sees the gigantic fee billed vs the much lower accepted fee, their mindset is: OMG!! My insurance co is REALLY fighting for me!!
They probably spent millions hiring PR men and psychologists to come up with this cockamamie mindf***…games are played that the average consumer knows nothing about.
Phil