Hi,
I am considering not pre-paying for the epidural. I want to have a natural/med free birth, but my doctor is advising me to pre-pay for one just in case I change my mind. I am not too thrilled about that because I am afraid of getting an epidural.
I was told that I do not know what I can handle so I need to have one just in case my labor if hard. I've talked to my mama about it and she said to pray over it, and reminded me that she didn't have one (even with back labor).
If I do change my mind about med free, I could get other pain relief to take the edge off (right)?
You might also enjoy...
-
Are you in the US? Do you have insurance? Not sure why you have to prepay, and they couldn't just bill you if you end up wanting one...?
-
I was going to say that. And if you do pre-pay for it, will they not refund you if you don't actually need it then?
-
@yoursilverlining: Yes, I am in the US and have insurance. The $200 price tag is my copay for the epidural.
-
@aunt pol: Yes, they will give me a refund. I think they will just apply it to my total bill.
-
Is there an advantage to pre-paying? Do they give you some type of discount? because if not, I wouldnt worry about it at all, they can always bill you later if you do decide to have an epi
-
I don't understand why they wouldn't just do it and bill you if you change your mind. I mean, if there was some emergency and you needed one they wouldn't refuse to give you one, right?
-
@Mrsbells: If I don't pre-pay, then I won't get it (unless it is an emergency).
-
That is ridiculous! They will bill you normally with your normal co-pay if you decide in labor that you want the epidural. Why is your doctor saying that? I want to call up and yell at them for you. I bet they are hoping that you "pre-pay" and then go natural and conveniently forget or get too busy to get it taken off your bill!
-
I think your insurance can probably just bill you then for it if you use it. If finances are an issue (not making assumptions, but just in case), I know most hospitals will work out payment plans afterwards.
-
@MegWag: My doctor said it is because people would get it and then not pay their bill.
I keep thinking of all the things I can buy for my baby with the $200 I would use to pre-pay.
-
@FancyGem: I honestly wouldn't do it just because it will just be that much easier for them to talk you into getting it if youve already bought it. But you know if you do end up changing your mind that you would pay for it.
-
@Mrs. Jacks: It is not just the doctor, it is the hosiptal. They go thru another company to collect the money. I spoke to the lady over the phone and she said that she wouldn't send the forms to the hospital until it was paid in full.
-
@yoursilverlining: I asked that question. She said I wouldn't be able to get one unless it was an emergency (I have a hard time believing that).
-
@cyndistar3: I agree with you. I feel that if it is meant to be, then I will be able to get it. I don't like feeling pressured to get this.
-
wow well thats just an odd system they have going on.
-
@Mrsbells: I agree. It makes me feel cornered.
-
@FancyGem: I would pre-pay, just b/c I really dislike being in pain!
-
@FancyGem: What hospital is this? You can tell me offline if you want... Do they do this with all their patients? Can you tell I'm very suspicious of them? It would make me want to deliver elsewhere!
-
@FancyGem: That is so weird!! I’ve never had to pay-pay for any medical treatment. They’ve (including hospital ER) always just billed my insurance which informs them what % they will cover, then they bill me for my co-pay/whatever insurance won’t cover. That stinks yours doesn’t work like that – that would make me very uncomfortable.
-
@mrbee: That is a good point, but I have a high tolerance.
-
@FancyGem: Have you given birth before?
-
this is seriously interesting, the way the hospital is working in terms of pre-paying. I have never heard of that before.
All I'll say is: you should be more afraid of the pain of labor than getting an epidural. Unless your'e more worried about complications due to an epidural. That's definitely something to worry about. But I hate all needles, etc etc etc but when I was in transition the epidural was NOTHING. The relief it brought me was EVERYTHING!
There's not much else you can take to take the edge off... and some hospitals/doctors don't even offer them. There's a shot but I've heard the effect is minimal. Other pain management won't be ok because it will affect the baby.
-
@Mrs. Jacks: Yes I can tell. I am asking my cousin in another state if she had to do this.
-
@yoursilverlining: That is how it usually works for us.
-
@mrbee: No, this is my first child.
-
@FancyGem: You'll get the money back if you don't use the epidural right? I would definitely pre-pay!
-
@FancyGem: I've never heard of it anywhere, though I'm not familiar with all states. I just feel like they are trying to get money from vulnerable populations...
-
@tina: Thank you, I am afraid of the complications that may arise from an epidural. It think it scares me more than anything right now.
-
@mrbee: Thank you. My husband says he will support my decision no matter what.
I forgot to mention that I am also afraid that they will try to pressure me into having one if I pre-pay (I believe a PP said that).
-
@Mrs. Jacks: I'm not familar with the process either. I am waiting to hear from some of my friends still.
I guess I have some thinking to do and fast since I am a couple of days away from being full-term. -
@FancyGem: Don't feel pressured and also don't feel too nervous about the epidural. If you read babycenter you'll hear horrible horror stories, but by and large they are very safe. Still, no one should force you into having or not having one until you know full well what the pain feels like!
-
I feel like there's no harm in prepaying if you'll get the money back if you don't use it.
-
I didn't pre-pay my epidural. I actually decided last minute that I wanted one.
Everything was covered by insurance. -
I would suggest you wait. You don't want to be pressured into getting one (your words) and it sounds like this hospital may do just that if they know you paid for one already. Just know that they HAVE to give it to you if you ask for it and they WILL bill you after if you do get one. Sorry you're having to go through this!!
-
Wow. This is a terrible decision you're being asked to make- prepay and risk being pressured into something you don't want, don't pay and risk being refused something you do want! I don't know what to say to you at all- our system in Ireland covers all necessary expenses of childbirth, no insurance required. Women only go private here if they want to use a specific hospital or want to be guaranteed a single room for post partum. I honestly don't have to deal with the epidural question until I'm in the moment, so to speak. There are gas and pethidine available for pain relief as well, but what I've read indicates their usefulness is limited.
Given your situation as it is, I would prepay and make sure your (birthing) partner is well equipped with plenty of determination to see that you get it or don't, as you decide. Don't worry about things you need to buy for the baby- a cot, nappies and your boobies are all baba really needs for a little while after;) -
Thanks everyone! You all have really helped me. I have decided to wait about two weeks (I go to the doctor again in 2 weeks). That will give me enough time to be 100% sure and take some of the pressure off. On that day I will just pay for it and move on.
-
@aunt pol: Thank you. My husband and my mama will be there by my side and we will discuss the birth plan so that I will feel comfortable. I trust them to make sure everything is done in the best interest of me and the baby. Plus, they are not easily pressured.
-
Update: I began having contractions before I decided what I wanted to do. The nurses at the hospital told me not to worry about it and gave me a form to fill out once I was admitted. She told me not to mention that I hadn't filled it out.
-
@FancyGem: Nice! Good luck with the birth!!
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
40 comments