Trusting My Instinct

MEET KYM.

“I live in Idaho with my wonderful husband. I am part of the Christian Health Ministries, which is a healthcare cost sharing program. I’m proud to say that my experience has empowered me to take charge of my healthcare and really become part of it!”

WHAT LED YOU TO TAKE CHARGE?

“I found out that I had a fibroid & cyst in one of my ovaries, and I didn’t know if it was cancerous or not. I went to see a doctor here in my hometown and he told me that I was not a candidate for a vaginal hysterectomy, only for an abdominal hysterectomy. He told me that the surgery is done robotically nowadays, and that it was the only option for me.

I was really upset about this since my preferred option was to do the vaginal hysterectomy due to concerns about complications that could occur during a surgery done robotically. They quoted me $35,000. This did not include a hospital stay or anesthesiologist! When I did research on the procedure, I read that you could stay in the hospital anywhere from 1-3 days after surgery. When I brought this issue up to the doctor, he told me, ‘Oh no. We’ll have you in and out in 90 minutes and you’ll be fine.’

Since I didn’t have any insurance, they were requiring me to pay upfront along with any additional bills that followed after the surgery. This led me to cancel the appointment. Four days after cancelling my appointment, I came across a news segment on my local TV station about problems occurring due to robotic surgeries.

I’ve come across many doctors in my lifetime, and I just never felt like they cared about me. You’re just a dollar sign for them. They really didn’t make me feel like they’re doing their all for me.”

HOW DID YOU FIND MDSAVE?

“I called my advocate at Christian Health Ministries and she helped me research why the original costs quote was so high. After tons of research and contacting local hospitals near me, I found that they weren’t providing any details about price. So, my advocate asked me if I had ever heard of MDsave. That’s when she provided me with all the information and I decided to call.

I called the MDsave phone number and got Mabel on the phone. The second Mabel answered the phone and told me who she was, I just had this peace come over my entire body. I can’t even explain the peace that I felt when I started talking to her. From that moment, I knew that this was where I was supposed to be and that I was going to be okay. So, I asked her questions and she provided me all the information I needed.

Once I discussed the MDsave option with my husband, he agreed and supported me to do it. I called Mabel back and she helped me to find the closest doctor to me, who was Dr. Eric Hansen, located in Evanston, WY. I called Dr. Hansen’s office to schedule my appointment and everything went so smoothly.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIP.

“I traveled 220 miles, 3 1/2 hours one way, to meet Dr. Eric Hansen. Basically a whole day trip. But my husband and I were excited to do it, especially with what MDsave had to offer us. So that alone was worth the trip!

When I did my exam with Dr. Eric Hansen, he said, ‘I don’t see why you’re not a candidate for a vaginal hysterectomy. Everything looks good and you’re healthy. We’re good to go!’ Dr. Hansen showed me that he really cares and he really went the extra mile to make me feel comfortable. The staff at the office were also very welcoming.”

HOW WAS YOUR RECOVERY?

“After the surgery, the whole staff at Evanston Regional Hospital who helped me and worked on me sent me get-well cards after I went home. Dr. Hansen’s office also sent me a get-well card to my home and told me they were available for whatever I needed.

I went back for my five-week checkup with Dr. Hansen, which, by the way, was included in my MDsave prepaid voucher, and I took him all my records. From now on, any obstetrics and gynecology procedure I need, I will drive 3 1/2 hours to go see Dr. Hansen – because he is so wonderful!

It was almost like I went through this wormhole of guidance and healing. It was very spiritual for me. I just felt loved by the universe and by MDsave! Overall, I’m just so grateful.”