Financial/Credit assistance for Gynecomastic Reduction Surgery....

[Grandpa Bambu]

I think it would be a great idea to pin these financing companies to the top of a thread so others who are considering surgery will have financing options brought to their attention without second guessing their ability to be able to do this surgery.

http://www.medicard.com/
http://www.creditmedical.com/

[1234567]

I don't suppose you know anything about the Canadian medicare program do you? I am utterly ignorant about these things.

[Grandpa Bambu]

What would you like to know dude?

GB

[1234567]

Literally everything. I don't know how it works, what kind of documentation I need, what kind of surgery it covers, etc. All I really know is that all Canadians get it and its free money for medical stuff.

[Grandpa Bambu]

All I really know is that all Canadians get it and its free money for medical stuff.

"Free money" 

Don't think so dude...  Canadians are taxed to death. Whenever we earn and whenever we spend, we are taxed... and heavily. Federal/Provincial Health Care is funded for the most part by Canadians via the taxes that we pay and therefore, is not 'Free' money.

What country do you live?

GB

[Angel_of_Death]

Just got approved with medicard for the total cost of the surgery. The initial amount of the surgery is for 2750$, which in a 1 year, monthly term payment with interest will amount to nearly 3200$.

Certainly a good alternative for someone like me who was running out of options. I already have my surgery booked for the 23rd of April. And was declined a limit upgrade on my credit card. It's such a relief knowing money isn't an issue anymore. 

[Grandpa Bambu]

That's awesome dude!

All the best on surgery day... 

GB

[Traicy]

Doesn't our provincial health card cover the costs of these surgeries?
I live in Fredericton NB

[Grandpa Bambu]

Doesn't our provincial health card cover the costs of these surgeries?
I live in Fredericton NB

Provincial Health Care will pay for all except lipo. Lipo is a 'cosmetic' procedure and is not covered under any Health Care/Insurance plan. The patient pays for the lipo procedure.

GB

[mc88]

God Bless Canada. I know we still pay for it through taxes, but its not a direct hit to the wallet.

[Grandpa Bambu]

Its not a direct hit to the wallet.

Yeah, that's the ticket!!! 

GB

[Idlewild]

A secretary for a plastic surgeon here in Montreal Quebec informed me that the procedure for gynecomastia was only covered if you were 18 or under. I'm guessing that if you are over that age than the medical necessary part really comes into play. Either that or your doctor writing it up as a different procedure (ex. bilateral breast biopsy). Make sure they know that it affects your life, speak to your doctors straight out, alot of them are caring and really look out for you. If you don't get a caring doctor, keep trying. It's a battle it seems but if you are like me you just can't afford that surgery, which to us IS necessary.

[Grandpa Bambu]

It's a battle it seems but if you are like me you just can't afford that surgery, which to us IS necessary.

Unfortunately, insurance companies don't give a damn about our psychological welfare... 

GB...

[Idlewild]

Just an update,

I am now 6 months post surgery and completely satisfied my results. I was 20 at the time and was still able to have my surgery covered by the RAMQ, it did really affect me mentally and was from puberty, so I didn't cheat the system with pain or anything of the sort. The process is long though, I first set out to see my GP in November, 2009. He referred me to an endo, then I was referred to a plastic surgeon, and finally had my surgery scheduled for late December. I had a glandular excision + lipo, and she left the tail of the gland for nipple support, which from what I hear is the best way. That took about a year, and it comes down to couple thousand dollars vs. the waiting time.

Dr. Skamene (endo) and Dr. Pavlin (plastic surgeon) are two of the best doctors I have ever met, they are kind, they listen, and most of all they care. They are both in the kirkland/pointe-claire area and I would definitely recommend them to anyone in Montreal.

Best wishes!

[Grandpa Bambu]

Idlewild,

Congrats on your surgery!!!  Good to hear that you are happy with your results.

Congrats on getting the procedure covered by RAMQ... IMO, all gyne surgeries should be covered by the health care system or personal insurance companies...

GB