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Member Since: November 16, 2020

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Martin Smith got a guestbook from Rich Monoson

4 years ago (April 13, 2022)

Hi Martin, I had a plan before surgery and I told the doctor to fix that valve, stuff the heart back in my chest and I'll handle it from there. I walked constantly in the hospital and resumed as soon as I got home. I was at my gym 9... Read more.

👍 Dan Rhoden reacted to this

Martin Smith got a guestbook from Rob Henderson

4 years ago (December 11, 2021)

Good Morning Martin.......Well I got my UofM estimate......cost of the procedure and hospital stay 488K however because I am an out of pocket payer it was discounted to 174K payable up front before the procedure....unfortunately both are out of reach and so back to the ON wait list I go.

Richard Munson

I know its canada not the usa but how does the medical community go from 488k to 174k for the same procedure. Either it costs X or it doesn't in my world , discount or not. Thats a huge difference.

Martin Smith

I believe the "UofM" is U of Michigan, Richard. I'm not too surprised by the high-end quote, Rob, but am bewildered by the "bargain" up-front offer to an "out of pocket" payer. Wow. In any case, I hope that your wait isn't too long. In regards to the Ross: I'm... Read more.

Richard Munson

Martin, many many moons ago when i was unemployed and had no health insurance my young son at the time required a hospital visit. My wife recalls the puzzled faces when it came time to pay the bill. Insurance they knew, cash was a mystery. Let me tell you, the... Read more.

Martin Smith got a guestbook from Rob Henderson

4 years ago (December 6, 2021)

Hey Martin thanks for reaching out. Yes Dr Ashe in Kitchener is an experience Ross Dr and that is where I learned of the procedure. I met with him in June and he thought maybe September then but still nothing. I went to UofM for a consult and they can... Read more.

Martin Smith

The waiting is the hardest part. My surgery was delayed by several months due to the pandemic. After diagnosis your faith in the old valves gets undermined, and the waiting becomes tough. The good part is that after surgery you will slowly develop new faith in your heart, and to... Read more.

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