Knee replacement surgery for Patrick: covering what insurance won't

In February I was diagnosed with a torn ligament that needs reconstruction. My surgeon at Saint Luke Hospital recommended knee replacement surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for May. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $6,750, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $5,000 short. Doctors at Saint Luke Hospital told me a torn ligament that needs reconstruction will get worse without knee replacement surgery. I work as a warehouse packer, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $6,750 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a warehouse packer have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 7 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 $5,000 goes: • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $470 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $2,650 • Physiotherapy sessions: $510 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $1,370 Thanks for being kind about this.