A partial thyroidectomy for Mei: covering what insurance won't

In October I was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect. My surgeon at Portland General Hospital recommended a partial thyroidectomy, and I have been placed on the schedule for January. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $4,600, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $2,750 short. Doctors at Portland General Hospital told me an aortic valve defect will get worse without a partial thyroidectomy. I work as a call-centre agent, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $4,600 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a call-centre agent have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 8 weeks. I'll not be able to look after the children alone during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. The money goes straight to the treatment bills, and I'll share the invoices as they're paid so you can see exactly what your gift did. Where the $2,750 goes: • Hospital stay (2 nights): $1,350 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $450 • Physiotherapy sessions: $630 • Post-operative medication: $320 Thank you for reading my story. - Mei