Help with required surgery cost in Chicago.? My gf was diagnosed with gallstones about 2 months ago. We happened to be near a nice hospital in Chicago at the time (Swedish Covenant Hospital) of the first attack. She is uninsured and was told to schedule an appointment to see one of their specialist to have the surgery. About a month later we go in for a consultation and was told the surgery would cost about 14k which includes his fees and the hospital fee. Since this is needed ASAP I’m thinking we might as well take a hit and just have it done there but I’m still wondering if the cost would be lower outside of Cook County, IL. How do we go about getting this done elsewhere without having the new hospital and Doctors run all the test on her again to diagnose the stones again? We tried going to Cook County and they wouldn’t even talk to us without us waiting our turn in the general medical center to see their Doctors.
Could I call up random hospital and ask what they charge show them paperwork from Swedish Covenant or will they need to go through the procedures and charges us with extra money again? I’m thinking Lake County might be cheaper.

Also would it be possible to the ER during the next attack and ask for an emergency surgery? We just want someone to do it and pretty much let us set up a payment plan.

chercyr2002 replied: "I do not have insurance either, and I waited to see the doctor, by the time i did he scheduled my surgery for Thursday, on Tuesday I was put in the ER emergency surgery for my gallbladder cost me 46,000.00 because it was infected and I had to stay for 5 days in the hospital. Just go to the doctor work out a payment plan. Most hospitals have discounts like 40% off but only after you have a huge bill you can’t pay. You will fill out a form and in some cases they will wipe it out. They don’t tell you until afterwards. But your better off paying 50.00 a month on 14k than on 46k…"

Hopital fees for an uninsured? My gf was diagnosed with gallstones about 2 months ago. We happened to be near a nice hospital in Chicago at the time (Swedish Covenant Hospital) of the first attack. She is uninsured and was told to schedule an appointment to see one of their specialist to have the surgery. About a month later we go in for a consultation and was told the surgery would cost about 14k which includes his fees and the hospital fee. Since this is needed ASAP I’m thinking we might as well take a hit and just have it done there but I’m still wondering if the cost would be lower outside of Cook County, IL. How do we go about getting this done elsewhere without having the new hospital and Doctors run all the test on her again to diagnose the stones again?

Paul P replied: "Most, if not all, states have funds for indigent patients. Any hospital can tell you what’s available in your state, because by and large, they are not allowed by law to refuse treatment due to your inability to pay."

Nessa005 replied: "Go to this website:
It is the Department of Human Services where she can get info on the medical card/low cost insurance through the state."

Lisa A replied: "You won’t need to have any tests redone if you see another doctor. Just take all of thscans and labs from the 1st doctor with you to give to the new doctor."

What’s it like to live in Wicker Park area in Chicago? Now that I’m old enough to move out on my own, I wish to move to the Wicker Park neighborhood in Chicago. I’m originally from that neighborhood as I was born right in Swedish Covenant hospital on California Ave. I want to get in touch with my roots and moving back to that neighborhood is a great way to do that.

So, what’s it like to live in that neighborhood? How much is rent typically?

J.Slope replied: "It basically rains hipster douche bags in Wicker Park 24/7. It’s like dirty looking guys with tight jeans and lip rings are raining from the sky with their sketch pads and journals. Whatever "roots" you have in that neighborhood are probably long gone…probably replaced by a coffee shop with a really dumb name like Perk or The Grind."