My kiddo had his wisdom teeth extracted today. Healthcare in America.
I took my 17 year old son into an oral surgeon today to have 3 third molars extracted. I'd been preparing for this...meaning saving money for the procedure for months...we don't have dental insurance. The bill was $1700 with no discount for cash. I had the money set aside and we got it done.
While I was in the waiting room, an older man was waiting go back to have all of his remaining teeth extracted. I know this because the front desk person spoke to the man loud enough for me to hear even with my ear buds in my ears. She told the man he owed $7000 today and it must be paid prior to the procedure. He asked about his insurance and she told him it would pay $1500 (typical dental annual maximum benefit...actually better than typical)of the $8500 bill. He said he didn't have the money. I mean, who has seven grand lying around?
I was embarrassed for the man and angry that this conversation took place at the front desk for all to hear. It is NOT how to treat people...and this man was clearly upset and told the front desk person he had infection and pain. He also said he did not have a ride home as was required by the office for any surgical procedure. It was a mess.
A second person came to the front desk and told the man the procedure would have to be postponed and could he come back next week (another week with dental infection and pain) and meet with her to discuss something she called "compassionate care financing". He agreed to do this.
Then the surgeon emerged from the OR area and called the second woman back to talk with her privately. She came back up front and told the man they would do his surgery today if he could arrange a ride home which he did after making a couple of phone calls.
The whole thing made me sick and sad. I'm just glad the man got care today. How he will pay back $7000 I have no idea.
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and am continuing to learn about. My sister is now having the fun experience of learning the realities of dental and medical care before reaching 67 that I have had to deal with for over 12 years. Now she is learning about this BS healthcare system.
Out of sheer frustration I want to puke and punch someone at the same time for allowing this BS to continue in such an "advanced" country.
I actually have big time anxiety before opening the local paper in the morning because our legislature is in session and who knows what they’ve burned down overnight.
I wonder if Tester is doing okay. It has to be disheartening to be the only Dem in the state holding federal office. I wonder if a staffing issue is what you encountered.
It became infected and I had to go on an antibiotic beforehand. It was incredibly painful, I couldn't talk, eat or sleep - so it's good that your son is avoiding what I went through. I also remember that years ago my brother had his wisdom teeth removed, probably for the same reason as your son, and he had to spend the night in the hospital. And it's also important that he follows the dentist's instructions, keeping gauze on the wound, nothing solid, hot or carbonated to eat or drink in the beginning - and avoid straws. And keep ice on the jaw and ibuprofen for dental pain. That's the post-op instructions that I was given.
And I certainly agree with you about that poor man. I hope that they gave him sufficient post-op instructions, too. 
Your wisdom tooth just came in??? That must have been so traumatic.
That's the reason for this thread. So many of us are in this position. I'm so sorry you are going through this. I wish I could hug you.
When it does, I'll be virtually dancing in the streets with you, your husband and the three beloved grandkids you are raising. Universe bless you.
