In-Patient Jefferson Headache Center Costs
Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum discussions, but found lots of great information. I've suffered from migraines for 15 years now. Like many of you, I've been through a multitude of medication changes (preventative, abortive, and emergency), and treatments (trigger point injections, chiropractic appts, Botox, etc). Recently, I found information on the Jefferson Headache Center in Philadelphia, PA. I have my first appointment scheduled for October 23rd with Dr. Silverstein.
Would anyone be willing to share how much their out-of-pocket expenses were for their in-patient hospitalization? I am fortunate enough to have insurance. I know it varies greatly depending on length of stay, insurance, etc., but I need an idea so I can determine if I can afford it. I understand I may not require hospitalization, but I want to be prepared as possible. After reading fellow migraineurs reviews, I am hopeful for this appointment and any treatment.
Any information shared would be soooo appreciated! I know there are others out there wondering the same thing.
Contact the clinic and let them know what information you need. Someone affiliated with the hospital will call your insurance before your appointment to verify your coverage, so they should be able to tell you exactly (or very close to exactly) what it will cost you out-of-pocket. I haven't been to Jefferson, but this is common practice for hospitals and clinics.
Best of luck with your appointment.
Kerrie
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to respond! I'm going to take your advice and call the Center to get an idea of what my out of expenses may be. Will keep everyone posted on my appointment.
Bam,
Last year I was inpatient at Jefferson and this year I went back again. You can read about my experience here: https://migraine.com/blog/headache-camp/As for expenses, like Kerrie said it really depends on your insurance company. I will tell you that on your initial visit you will have a meeting with their psychiatrist, most likely Dr. Kaiser. Very nice guy, he makes sure you don't have any other underlying issues that need to be addressed in conjunction with the Migraines. However, the psychiatrist requires payment up front of $450 (or less, I can't quite remember). They will give you paperwork to try to get the cost reimbursed by your insurance company but you have to pay the full amount on your first visit. It's a one time only cost.
On the hospital side of things, if you are admitted the office staff will contact your insurance company to get approval and will also confirm what your max out of pocket will be. You can definitely call them now to find out what that would be.
When I stayed last year, I was there for 7 days. The total hospital cost was around $65,000. My max out-of-pocket with my insurance company was $3,000. I haven't gotten the bill yet for my stay earlier this year, but I shouldn't have to pay more than $3,000. Their finance department is willing to set up a payment plan with you.
It's hard enough to deal with the Migraines, you don't want the added stress of figuring out if you can afford it.
Let me know if you have other questions about Jefferson. I've had a great experience with them.
-KatieYou are so welcome. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm more than happy to share with you, even if it's questions about what to bring with you to the hospital or what to expect.
I hope this works for you!
-Katie
Hi! I’m packing to go inpatient at Jefferson and I’m curious if you could tell me about the PICC line. Can I only wear short sleeve shirts with it? I usually get cold so I’d prefer long sleeves. Also, when you were there did they have WiFi? Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Camp. They did not mention the lidocaine could cause hallucinations so that should be interesting.
When I went to Dr. Silberstein in the summer of 2000 my parents paid $950 for me to go and he told my neurologist here in Richmond, VA what to do. Which was basically put me in the hospital and take me off all meds and start from scratch. In the end I ended up changing neurologists anyway. This one has cut back my pain meds and added another preventive. I am going to ask him about something that doesn't make you gain so much weight - 200 of Serequel and now Depakote ER I am gaining more weight.
Thanks for your reply Rebecca. I definitely understand going to different neurologists, changing meds, the weight gain, frustration and continued migraine pain. It's an awful cycle and expensive.
Am interested too in the jefferson center, currently have an appt at the diamond center,live in maine,.so jefferson is closer. Am concerned about follow up visits they would be hard and not sure about my neurologist any more as he suggested I look elsewhere. Reason I am looking for a.headache specialist and inpatient. I think I need to come off all preventatives and start fresh or none. Advice? I appreciate the cost info too
Ateach,
I live in DC so I have to travel to Philly too- although it only takes me 2 1/2 hours to get there and from Maine it will be a long commute. I have been able to have follow-up phone calls with my doctor instead of going to Philly all the time. My doc at Jefferson also has an ongoing dialogue with my Headache Specialist.You should definitely check with your insurance when traveling this far for a doctor. You may need a referral from a local doctor in order for insurance to pay for Jefferson. It can get expensive, but worth the drive.
At Jefferson, they don't necessarily make you get off all your preventatives. They may tweak your medication in an effort to figure out which ones are actually helping you. They will press you to get off any opioids. Any time you wean off a medication it can be a slow and painful process. So it may suck for a while, but it could help in the long run.
Take care!
-Katie
