I’ve been referred to a hospital by my gynocologist to get a bilateral salpingectomy. Has anyone had this procedure done in CH and would be willing to share their experience?

Fortunately/unfortunately this is “elective” surgery because I don’t have a health condition that makes pregnancy dangerous. So I think that means basic insurance doesn’t cover anything?

Any experience with similar-ish procedures (appendicitis or something) would also be welcome!

1st thing is to talk to your insurance company. Ask them if they willcover the costs.

Before any surgery, please get a second opinion. I wish you well.

Are you sure that your gynecologist won't tell your insurance company that the salpingectomy is necessary? If they did, then I think insurance would pay for it.

I guess it's just hard for me to imagine that your gynecologist would suggest you have that procedure done if he or she didn't think it was necessary. But of course, I don't know the details regarding your situation.

I agree about getting a second opinion, though. Maybe even go directly to a "Frauenklinik" at one of the hospitals here (I go to the one in Uster Spital).

Oh, I have seen this done with several people I know! It's sometimes easier for a doctor to rely on surgery than to do the potentially harder work of finding out what is causing the symptoms and which other methods of treatment could be applied.

Of course, OP, you know your own situation and I don't. But it is out of the bitter experience of friends that I caution anyone who is ever told that an operation would be necessary to first get a second opinion from completely unrelated doctor.

Thank you everyone for the responses so far!

I probably should have been a little clearer about why I am getting the surgery. I’ve tried multiple birth control methods and have had unpleasant side effects. I know I don’t want children and explicitly asked my gynaecologist to refer me for this surgery. I don’t want to deal with trying to find a birth control method anymore when I KNOW I don’t want kids in the future.

She was pretty luke warm about this procedure. I had actually mentioned it before trying the last birth control method but she was really pushy about trying another temporary measure. She kept repeating that it’s possible that I would change my mind. This is why I thought the surgery wouldn’t be covered - because it’s for birth control (which isn’t usually covered anyways) and elective.

I tried calling my insurance last night to ask if it was covered and the person literally told me “I don’t know”. So I though I was asking the wrong place - I will call again today!

If you don’t have a good reason to stay with her, you may want to look for another gynaecologist who might be more sympathetic to her patients needs. Perhaps someone here can give you a recommendation.

Somewhat ironic that when I wanted a vasectomy, without having children, it was straight forward. Insurance covered the costs without asking any questions.

Yes, call them again.

It’s a standard and routine procedure, whether elective or not (in cases of medical need), and they should definitely be able to tell you the costs.

I don’t know the answer, but if vascectomy is covered, you’d think this would be too. Although logic in health care does not always exist.

Some gyn are really invested in making sure you have the option of having children as long as possible. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but patients know their own minds too, and that should demand respect.

Anyway, good luck…you might want to contact another gyn for a second opinion.

As far as I am aware a vasectomy isn’t covered unless things have changed. I don’t believe any form of contraception is covered here unless there is a serious medical reason for needing it but happy to be proved wrong.

The motivation I gave them was that I am T1 diabetic and don’t want to pass on my genes. This was in the late 80s and things may have changed. It couldn’t have been expensive though. 15 minutes in Dr.s office with only a local.