Valve repair surgery for Tomás: covering what insurance won't

In November I was diagnosed with gallstones with repeated infections. My surgeon at Saint Mary Hospital recommended valve repair surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for March. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $4,850, and after what the government subsidy will pay, I'm still $3,650 short. Doctors at Saint Mary Hospital told me gallstones with repeated infections will get worse without valve repair surgery. I work as a farm laborer, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $4,850 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a farm laborer have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 4 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 $3,650 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $1,400 • Hospital stay (5 nights): $1,250 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $200 • Post-operative medication: $300 • Physiotherapy sessions: $280 • Travel and lodging for the family: $220 Thank you so much. - Tomás