Spinal decompression surgery for Laura: covering what insurance won't

Laura was diagnosed with a hernia that has become strangulated in September. The surgeon at Mar del Plata Community Hospital recommended spinal decompression surgery, and She is scheduled for November. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $1,200, and after what my employer's plan will pay we're still $950 short. my sister has been in and out of Mar del Plata Community Hospital since September. The doctors say a hernia that has become strangulated will get worse without spinal decompression surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $1,200 is more than we can find. While we wait, Laura struggles with daily life and can't climb stairs. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Recovery is expected to take about 4 weeks. During that time Laura won't be able to climb stairs, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $950 goes: • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $135 • Physiotherapy sessions: $145 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $610 • Post-operative medication: $60 Ask me anything below before you decide. I'd rather you were sure. - Daniela