Surgical excision for under $100???

Kimberly Thomas4 NewcomerOP

2 messages
joined Apr 2005

#1 · Feb 10, 2006

Is there actually any private surgeon in Washington, D.C. who performs fat removal without charging an absolute fortune for $267? I honestly don't get how such a straightforward procedure can cost this much. 🤣 So, if you have any recommendations for private clinics—please share! Or, better yet, does anyone know of a hospital where this is covered by Medicare?👍

Susan Martin24 Active Member

79 messages
joined Apr 2006

#2 · Feb 11, 2006

Look, if you think it’s such a waste of money, why don't you just do it yourself?

Honestly, I feel the same way about getting my hair cut or colored—it feels like a total rip-off—but I still end up dropping $300 easily $133 just because I said the word "cheap" 😬

But seriously, that "useless" surgeon you're talking about isn't just some random guy. They're a specialist or even a sub-specialist who spent at least 24 years in school just to perform what you call a "pointless" procedure. And that’s not even counting the cost of the nursing staff, the medical equipment, the disposable supplies, or that "unnecessary" pathology report used to tell the difference between a harmless mole and melanoma. That lab work is done by *another* highly specialized pathologist who's also apparently "useless" according to you...

Who knows, maybe it won't go wrong... better watch out so it doesn't! 🙂

Casey Cook10 Active Member

77 messages
joined May 2024

#3 · Feb 11, 2006

@Susan Martin24/">@@Susan Martin24 - honestly, you should probably run the labor unions, maybe? I mean, these rookies just don't speak plainly enough—or at least, from what I’ve gathered through some high-level union circles, they say what they want to say, but they're way too soft about it.
It reminds me of this one blog post I saw, reacting to some guy saying he’s doing the exact same job over in Switzerland making $60 $0.00 instead of $8 $0.00 a month, where he actually got the hourly rates right for doctors $12, lawyers $167, and mechanics $50... and people were all like, "what do we even want? You're looking at health through such a materialistic lens, where's the humanity, life is the most precious thing..." Well, if my health is supposedly worth more than my car, why on earth would I trust it to someone who's totally underpaid and basically incompetent just because they spent 25 years in school???

Same goes for the OP here... either pay a fair price or just take a referral and deal with whoever you end up with.
Just pay Susan Martin24 $133 and bring a referral slip, then it'll be smooth sailing 😁 😁

Susan Martin24 Active Member

79 messages
joined Apr 2006

#4 · Feb 12, 2006

Casey Cook10 said:The OP is basically saying the same thing... you either pay the full premium or you grab a referral from your doctor and just hope for the best with whoever you end up seeing.
Just pay the specialist $133 and bring your insurance referral, and you shouldn't have any issues at all. 😁 😁

That approach doesn't fly with me.
Maybe some of my colleagues might let it slide if you show up with a referral plus a nice bottle of wine from $13....
People always say everyone has a price, but honestly, my price is way higher than that. 😈
At the end of the day, you're selling your reputation and your integrity.

Casey Cook10 Active Member

77 messages
joined May 2024

#5 · Feb 12, 2006

Honestly, it was just a joke. I’m not really out here expecting anything, though I guess I wouldn't say no to a glass of some good old Bourbon—you know, maybe a double if we're being fancy. I don't want anyone thinking I've got a drinking problem or anything, but man, one of these days I might actually lose my cool and snap at someone. It's just weird when people think they can buy you off or act like they're doing you a huge favor by tossing stuff your way...🙄 🙄
I'd much rather you just be real with me and say thanks, or honestly, just don't bother at all if you don't feel like it, depending on how you think I've earned it

Chloe Gray12 Newcomer

2 messages
joined Mar 2006

#6 · Feb 12, 2006

Lawyers operate in a market, just like auto mechanics. Healthcare doesn't. As long as you're working for the government within the framework of a social system, you're receiving funds based on contracts with Medicare; you don't get to act like a pure free-market entity.

The government subsidized your lengthy education. You work in a hospital that you couldn't afford to build yourself—it was built by society, which means you're employees, not entrepreneurs.

Nobody cares about your whining regarding how many years you spent in school. If you aren't satisfied with being doctors, go learn a trade like an auto mechanic, or go to law school, pass the bar, and enjoy yourself. But if you want to work for a social institution, then you have to deal with the social salary of a government official.

Kimberly Thomas4 NewcomerOP

2 messages
joined Apr 2005

#7 · Feb 14, 2006

Susan Martin24 said:Well, if you think it's such a waste of money, just do it yourself....

I find getting my hair cut and colored to be a waste too—yet I still drop $300 on it while you're sitting there talking nonsense. $133 😬

Besides, that "useless" surgeon is likely a specialist or even a sub-specialist—someone who spent at least 24 years in school just to perform that "wasteful" procedure. Not to mention the costs for nursing staff, equipment, supplies, and that "worthless" pathology report used to distinguish a mole from melanoma. And that analysis? That’s handled by yet another "useless" specialist—a pathologist.

Who cares if it goes wrong... better safe than sorry, right? 🙂

Honestly, go lecture someone else on a different forum. I love dealing with patients who have absolutely no clue what they're talking about. Of course, I'm not downplaying the surgery itself, but let's be real—they are wildly overcharging. It's as simple as that. I'm dealing with this personally, and we aren't talking small change here.

Kimberly Thomas4 NewcomerOP

2 messages
joined Apr 2005

#8 · Feb 14, 2006

Chloe Gray12 said:Lawyers operate in a market—just like auto mechanics. Healthcare? Not quite. As long as you’re working for the government within a socialized system, you’re receiving funds based on contracts with Medicare; you can't just behave like a pure free-market entity.

Your lengthy medical schooling was subsidized by the state. You work in a hospital that you couldn't afford to build yourself—it was built by society, making you an employee, not an entrepreneur.

No one cares about this whining over how many years you spent in school. If you aren't satisfied with life as a physician, feel free to learn a trade like being a mechanic—or go to law school, pass the bar, and enjoy that instead. But if you want to work within a public institution, you have to accept the salary of a civil servant.

WHATEVER??!! I don't see the point of this mindless lecturing. I wasn't asking for a saga on the state of the public sector; I was looking for the name of a doctor who isn't (OVERPRICED). Find a better hobby. Honestly, that applies to everyone here who has nothing useful to contribute.🙂

Susan Martin24 Active Member

79 messages
joined Apr 2006

#9 · Feb 14, 2006

I’m going to have to disagree with Chloe Gray12 on one pretty simple point: healthcare is a market-driven industry in plenty of ways, but that’s not really what we’re debating here.
My whole argument was specifically about the price list of a private plastic surgeon—someone running their own legitimate practice, paying their taxes, and operating entirely outside of the Medicare system. They aren't taking referrals from government insurance, which means they have total freedom to set their own rates based on the actual value of their expertise. They're players in the market too, and they know exactly what their skills are worth. 😈

And as for Kimberly Thomas4, who's being incredibly "generous" by suggesting that both me and Chloe Gray12 should just take our opinions elsewhere and stop cluttering up this thread: hey, moderators, are you seeing this? Is this forum some kind of private club owned by Kimberly Thomas4, or is it actually a public space for discussion?

Sophia Martinez65 Member

45 messages
joined Jan 2006

#10 · Feb 14, 2006

Kimberly Thomas4 said:WHATEVER??!! I honestly don't see the point of this stupid post—specifically all this lecturing! I wasn't asking for a saga about the state of government services; I just wanted the name of a doctor who isn't (OVERPRICED). Go find something smarter to do. Actually, that goes for everyone here who doesn't have anything useful to contribute.🙂

Look, Kimberly Thomas4, I don't see the issue here. If there’s a medical indication, they'll pull that mole out at the hospital, Medicare will cover it, and everything's fine. 😬
If there's no indication and you're short on cash, leave the mole alone and monitor it yourself. Just remember those letters (the criteria):
A—asymmetry
B—border
C—color
D—diameter
E—elevation in the center
F—funny-looking lesions
Plus, it's recommended to remove it if it's constantly being irritated or if it's on a sun-exposed part of the body.

BTW, regarding what you call a "pointless surgery"—besides everything the surgeon put into their education and everything Susan Martin24 wrote, they still have to provide anesthesia, sterilize the nose, and use expensive sutures. So, think about that.

If I got anything wrong, please Susan Martin24, correct me—I studied derm a long time ago (okay, maybe not *that* long ago 🙂), and I'm writing this entirely from memory. Hope my memory is still serving me well 🙂. I wouldn't want to give out wrong info. 🙂

Susan Martin24 Active Member

79 messages
joined Apr 2006

#11 · Feb 15, 2006

Sophia Martinez65 said:Look, Kimberly Thomas4, I don't see the issue here. If there’s actually a medical reason for it, they'll just go into the hospital, have the mole removed, and Medicare will pick up the tab—so everyone stays happy. 😬
If there isn't a clear indication and you're short on cash, just leave the mole alone and keep an eye on it yourself. Just remember the ABCDEF criteria:
A- asymmetry
B- border
C- color
D- diameter
E- elevation in the center
F- funny looking lesions
Plus, doctors usually recommend taking it out if it's constantly getting irritated or if it's sitting in a spot that gets tons of sun exposure.

By the way, regarding what you called a "minor procedure"—aside from all the years a surgeon puts into their education and everything Susan Martin24 mentioned, they still have to administer anesthesia, sterilize the area, and use sutures that aren't exactly cheap. So, really, think about it.

If I got anything wrong, please Susan Martin24, set me straight. It's been a while since I studied dermatology (okay, maybe not *that* long ago 🙂), so I'm writing this mostly from memory. I hope my brain is still holding up okay 🙂. I definitely wouldn't want to give out bad info. 🙂

Sophia Martinez65, your memory is clearly selective, and honestly, so is your answer—everything seems fine to me. 👍
Just a few more minor little notes to add:
- Generally, if a mole's diameter is larger than a standard pencil—say, over 7-8 mm—it's definitely worth talking to a doctor about removal.
- Discoloration matters too; it's not just about it being darker, but also how unevenly the pigment is spread out.
- Borders—if they aren't smooth and sharp, but look kind of "smudged" or blurry.
- The presence of "satellites," which are those tiny little clusters of pigment a few millimeters away from the main mole or right along its edge. That's a big red flag because it raises concerns about melanoma.

Basically, any mole should be monitored by a dermatologist (yet another specialist whose private visit starts at $100 and goes up from there—can you believe the nerve? 😬), who is ultimately the one to decide if surgery is necessary...

One thing I really don't get—everyone complains about how doctors "rip them off," yet nobody wants to wait two months on a referral for a procedure that, in 99.999% of cases, isn't an emergency and can easily wait a bit longer. I guess if it's free, it's not good enough, and if it costs what it actually costs to provide the service, then it's too expensive. 🙂
Man, we really are a piece of work. 🤮 (Wait, where did Rigo go?!?) 🙂

Jose Miller3 Regular

446 messages
joined Mar 2024

#12 · Feb 15, 2006

Susan Martin24 said:Hey, mods, where are you guys hiding? Is this forum just Ms. Kimberly Thomas4's private playground or is it actually public service?

I'm right here... just please tell me what you want me to do—ban her just for stating an opinion???

She didn't insult you or attack you, she just said you were getting on her nerves... since when is that something mods need to step in for? Are we seriously not allowed to disagree with each other anymore?...

Susan Martin24 Active Member

79 messages
joined Apr 2006

#13 · Feb 15, 2006

They need a serious reality check 😬
Or, honestly, just like during peak rush hour at a busy Walmart, having them write it out a hundred times: "I am going to learn how to communicate like a civilized adult on this forum, without the hysterical outbursts and those immature 'suggestions'." 🙂
Look, we don't all have to see eye to eye, but there’s no reason to lose your mind over it, right? 😍

Sophia Martinez65 Member

45 messages
joined Jan 2006

#14 · Feb 15, 2006

I honestly don't get people—why the sudden rush to get a mole removed in the middle of winter? It’s not like it’s an emergency. She knows her two options, and I'll tell her again just to be clear:
1) Pay out of pocket and get it done immediately.
2) Use insurance and wait a month or two.

I wear soft contacts and go for my annual eye exam—I pay for my own lenses $200 plus my solution five times a year at $33 plus enzymes. All told, I'm looking at about $433 annually. Why doesn't Medicare cover my contacts? Whatever. Look, I know I could just wear those cheap, basic glasses with the budget frames, but I choose to pay for what I want. I'm not going around complaining to anyone about it. 🙂

rustymoose54 Active Member

182 messages
joined Jun 2006

#15 · Feb 15, 2006

Sophia Martinez65 said:I wear soft contact lenses and go for my annual eye exam—plus I pay for the lenses myself$200 along with eye drops about five times a year at $33 plus enzymes. All that adds up to roughly $433 a year. Why doesn't Medicare cover my contacts? Whatever, fine! I know, I could just wear those cheap government-issue glasses with the basic frames... but no. I’m paying for this stuff out of my own pocket, and I'm not exactly looking for a handout. 🙂

Ugh, tell me about it. Every single month I’m shelling out for necessary meds and supplies $433, and that’s even before you factor in the private insurance premiums I have to cough up too. Of course, my monthly bill is higher because I’m considered "high risk"—classic.

beat that! 🤣

jadesailor14 Regular

314 messages
joined May 2006

#16 · Feb 15, 2006

You actually get a huge tax break here! 😬
It just goes to show that the government really does look out for people dealing with health issues
though you can't exactly be more unwell than $4000 per year 🦷

Sophia Martinez65 Member

45 messages
joined Jan 2006

#17 · Feb 15, 2006

rustymoose54 said:Ugh, I spend a fortune every month on essential meds and supplies $433, and that’s even before factoring in the private insurance premiums I pay. Of course, my policy costs more because I'm considered "higher risk."

Beat that. 🤣

We’re totally off-topic here...

If I recall correctly, you mentioned having diabetes. You seem to be handling it pretty well, though.

Sorry you're getting hit so hard by those costs—really hope you're still able to live life to the fullest despite all the hassle. 👍

rustymoose54 Active Member

182 messages
joined Jun 2006

#18 · Feb 15, 2006

Sophia Martinez65 said:Man, I feel for you... really. It sucks that you're going through all this crap right now—it's honestly gut-wrenching to see—but I truly hope that despite everything being such a total mess, you’re still out there living life to the absolute fullest... you know? Like, actually breathing, feeling everything, and not letting any of this bullshit hold you back from just... being free. 👍

I mean... honestly? Just let me fill it up. Whatever. I'm just gonna go ahead and fill it. 😁 Honestly, lately I feel like I’m living with double lungs... seriously, my chest is working overtime. Mashallah... 😍

jadesailor14, I can't even get a tax refund for this stuff because—get this—my doctor actually told me that for my regulation to stay on track, I need exactly what Medicare covers and not a single cent more... which is basically just 40% of what I actually need. So yeah, total joke. Plus, I’m not even putting the pharmacy receipts in my own name right now... though I guess I could start doing that down the road if I felt like dealing with the headache... 🙂

Look, honestly... it’s not even about the money. Like, I didn't marry up just for the paycheck—though, let's be real, marrying into wealth is a pretty sweet deal... but that's not the point! It's not some massive drama over cash, it's just... yeah, I married rich. End of story. 🤣

Look, I don't really care if we go off-topic... honestly, when is it ever actually *on* topic around here? Everything feels like a tangent anyway... Whatever... 😬

Kimberly Thomas4 NewcomerOP

2 messages
joined Apr 2005

#19 · Feb 16, 2006

Susan Martin24 said: - everyone’s complaining about how much doctors are overcharging them, yet nobody actually wants to wait two months for a referral to get a procedure done

Well... there’s the catch—so you’re a doctor🙄—which explains why you're defending "your" profession so aggressively. No one is going to convince me that paying those prices is reasonable $267! If I had one or two moles, fine; but I have way more than that. What am I supposed to do, just spit them out$2667?? Honestly, I’m dying to know what exactly is covered in that price tag; maybe two centimeters of thread? Or 15ml of anesthesia? It’s common knowledge that private clinics bleed their patients dry, so I won't be dealing with them. This is my last post, so feel free to keep arguing amongst yourselves 👍 🙂

Susan Martin24 Active Member

79 messages
joined Apr 2006

#20 · Feb 16, 2006

Kimberly Thomas4... you’ve gone and completely offended the entire medical community here in Washington, D.C....
This stuff falling from the sky isn't even rain; it's just the tears of my fellow D.C. doctors flowing in endless streams.... 😈

Surgical excision for under $100???

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