Gallbladder removal for Pieter: covering what insurance won't

In July I was diagnosed with a large ovarian cyst. My surgeon at Saint Anne Hospital recommended gallbladder removal, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $4,500, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $3,600 short. Doctors at Saint Anne Hospital told me a large ovarian cyst will get worse without gallbladder removal. I work as a school bus driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $4,500 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a school bus driver have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 3 weeks. I'll not be able to work a full shift during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $3,600 goes: • Hospital stay (5 nights): $3,050 • Travel and lodging for the family: $290 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $260 Even a small gift gets used right away and I'll thank you myself.