Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery: Costs, Insurance & Recovery

Question
I need to have surgery on my knee.  I was told that an mri needed to be done and that I would most likly need knee replacement surgery.  I am 60 and I fall because it gives out from under me, otherwise I am healthy.  My problem is that I am on high risk insurance because of weight which I have lost a lot and still losing and i am still classed as a diabetic but I don't need medicine.  Another problem is I have a high deductable and this hospital wants it up front. We are on a fixed income and can pay some but not $5000.00. I would rather not use these Drs if I doub't have to. Where do I go. I will travel some but can't ride too far. THis knee is bleeding inside (according to my Dr.and hurts so bad.  It swells bad.  By the end of the days I am in tears.  My DR. doesn't seem interested in helping. I will answer more questions if i need to. Thanks Ruth

Answer
This is a huge problem with people with "high risk" insurance.  The one thing you can do when you wind up paying cash for procedures like this is to negotiate a compromise.  The hosp says $5000, but may take much less, sometimes less than 1/2 if paid in cash up front.  Their price lists are the same to the insur co's and the ins co's discount them heavily.   I would find out what medicare reimburses the hospital and the doctor and make them an offer at that rate.   Same thing with the MRI's... the free standing clinics will negotiate a lower rate for cash payers.