Gallbladder removal for Marie: covering what insurance won't

In August I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee. My surgeon at Saint Luke Hospital recommended gallbladder removal, and I have been placed on the schedule for November. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $10,000, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $6,050 short. Doctors at Saint Luke Hospital told me osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without gallbladder removal. I work as a care assistant, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $10,000 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a care assistant have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 10 weeks. I'll not be able to stand for more than ten minutes 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 $6,050 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $1,900 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $2,350 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $600 • Post-operative medication: $340 • Physiotherapy sessions: $540 • Travel and lodging for the family: $320 Thanks for reading all this.