How to Prepare Financially for Endometriosis Excision Surgery

Preparing for endometriosis excision surgery is a process that demands clarity, preparation, and more than a few moments of learning through trial and error. I know this journey—I’ve walked it, cried through it, and come out the other side more informed and, yes, a little bruised. But I’m here to share what I’ve learned so you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Understanding your insurance is crucial before surgery, as it lays the groundwork for financial preparation. Start by understanding the key elements of your plan. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins covering expenses. This can vary widely depending on your specific plan, so it’s important to know this number ahead of time. Similarly, the out-of-pocket maximum is the cap on what you will spend out of pocket each year. Once you reach this limit, your insurance typically covers eligible expenses fully. Knowing these figures gives you a baseline to plan your finances and helps you anticipate potential costs during your surgical journey. 

To decode the fine print, call your surgeon’s billing coordinator. These experts navigate insurance every day and can help you understand exactly what your plan covers. When I chatted with mine, I came armed with questions about coverage specifics, prior authorization requirements, and expected out-of-pocket expenses. This conversation also uncovered alternative insurance options that better suited my needs for endometriosis-related treatments. The coordinator even highlighted common billing errors, such as being charged for services that should have been covered, and taught me how to handle claims more effectively. A little time spent understanding your coverage now can save you major headaches down the road.

Healing after surgery is a journey that often requires planning well beyond just taking time off work. If you’re employed, exploring short-term disability benefits is a smart way to ensure financial stability while you recover. Short-term disability can provide a portion of your income during the time you’re unable to work, giving you one less thing to worry about as you focus on healing. Start by contacting your HR department or benefits coordinator to understand the application process, which typically requires medical documentation and may take some time to process.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are indispensable tools when it comes to covering medical expenses. These pre-tax accounts not only help stretch your dollars further but also give you some breathing room when the bills start rolling in. If your employer offers an HSA or FSA, make sure you’re taking full advantage of it. Many employers even contribute to these accounts, giving you an extra financial boost. If you don’t have access to one through work, you can open an independent HSA. These accounts roll over year after year, allowing you to build a financial cushion specifically for medical costs.

Budgeting for surgery feels like assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions—frustrating but doable. Start by listing every potential expense: surgery and hospital fees, anesthesia, medications, and any necessary tests before or after the procedure. Include post-op essentials like heating pads, loose-fitting clothes, pre-made meals, and specialized items like a wedge pillow for more comfortable sleep.

If you’re traveling out of state for surgery, be sure to account for accommodations, car rentals, airfare, gas, and food expenses—both dining out and delivery for when you’re too tired to leave your hotel. Overestimate wherever possible; having a financial cushion is important and can make a huge difference if something unexpected comes up.

If the numbers still don’t add up, there are several avenues to explore for financial assistance. Start by researching medical grants offered by nonprofit organizations. Many of these programs are designed specifically to help individuals manage the costs of surgeries or chronic illness treatments. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as proof of income, medical records, and detailed cost estimates, as part of the application process. Taking the time to do some paperwork could end up saving you thousands.

Recovery isn’t just about rest; it’s about being prepared. Creating a recovery registry is a simple yet incredibly helpful way to ensure you have everything you need to heal comfortably. Platforms like Amazon allow you to curate a list of essentials that will make your recovery easier and more manageable. Consider adding items like heating pads to ease muscle tension, comfortable loungewear for those long days of resting, and meal delivery gift cards to take the stress out of cooking. Specialized items such as wedge pillows for better sleep positioning or non-toxic skincare products can also be great additions. Sharing your registry with friends and family gives them an easy way to support you without guessing, and it ensures you receive practical gifts tailored to your needs. This thoughtful preparation not only lightens your financial load but also creates a supportive network during your healing journey.

If you have little ones, figuring out childcare is crucial when preparing for endometriosis surgery. Whether it’s family, friends, or a babysitter, make sure you have a plan in place. The peace of mind knowing your kids are well taken care of is priceless. Some hospitals offer temporary childcare services or can recommend trusted providers, which can save both time and money. Look into local childcare services or ask for recommendations from other parents who have gone through similar experiences. Sometimes, community centers offer discounted rates for temporary childcare during medical procedures. It’s another layer of preparation that ensures you can focus on your surgery and recovery without worrying about your kiddos.

If finances are still tight, consider starting a GoFundMe page for your endometriosis excision surgery. People are often more willing to help than you might think. Be transparent about what the funds will be used for—surgery costs, post-op care, etc.—and keep everyone updated on your journey. Sharing my story authentically and regularly updating supporters made a huge difference. Personal touches like photos and heartfelt messages really resonate and can help you connect with people who genuinely want to support you. Starting a GoFundMe not only helps with the financial aspect but also connects you with a community that understands and supports your journey.

If payment plans aren’t enough, look into health-based loans or credit cards that offer 0% APR for your endometriosis surgery expenses. These can be lifesavers, but make sure you understand the terms to avoid falling into debt. Only borrow what you can pay back within the interest-free period to prevent accumulating debt. It’s a balancing act, but sometimes necessary to cover those extra expenses that come up during your endometriosis treatment. 

This might feel a bit heavy, but having a living will is crucial when preparing for major surgery like endometriosis excision. It helps manage your financial and healthcare needs if you’re unable to make decisions yourself. It’s like leaving instructions for your loved ones, ensuring your wishes are respected. Having a living will prevents your loved ones from making stressful decisions on your behalf during a difficult time, and it brings peace of mind knowing that everything is in order. 

Bowel prep isn’t fun, but it’s an essential step to ensure your surgery goes smoothly. While the process itself may be uncomfortable, there are ways to ease the financial burden and reduce the stress. Start by discussing the specifics with your doctor—ask about the exact type of prep required and whether they have free samples available. Some providers stock commonly prescribed bowel prep solutions and may be able to provide you with a complimentary supply. This helped me save $75 during one of my surgeries. I know it doesn't sound like a lot but when medical bills start stacking up, every little bit helps.

If your doctor provides a prescription, check with your pharmacy and insurance provider to confirm coverage and compare prices. Many pharmacies offer discounted rates for cash payments on generic medications if insurance doesn’t cover the cost. It can also be worth calling around to different pharmacies or using price-comparison tools like GoodRx to find the most cost-effective option in your area. Planning ahead ensures you have time to shop for the best deal without last-minute stress.

If you’re on long-term medications, it’s worth exploring the option of switching to a mail-order pharmacy well before your surgery. These services often provide significant cost savings compared to traditional pharmacies, especially for recurring prescriptions. Beyond the financial benefits, the convenience factor cannot be overstated. Imagine not having to make trips to the pharmacy while juggling post-op recovery and mobility challenges. Instead, your medications can arrive directly at your doorstep, packaged and ready when you need them most.

Preparing for endometriosis excision surgery is overwhelming, I know, but you’re not alone in this. It’s okay to feel the weight of it all—the planning, the costs, the what-ifs. Take it one step at a time and remind yourself why you’re doing this: to get closer to living a life where pain doesn’t call the shots. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to keep moving forward. Trust me, you’ve got this.