Author Topic: IUD removal costs  (Read 29625 times)

chaskavitch

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IUD removal costs
« on: February 19, 2017, 06:58:55 AM »
This might be the wrong subforum for this, but does anyone have an idea how much it costs to remove an IUD? 

DH and I are planning to start trying for baby #2 early next year.  I am currently on a HDHP, and I was originally planning to have the IUD removed in Jan 2018 when I move to a "normal" health plan (assuming they're still available and everything in the health care world isn't FUBAR).  I realized, though, that it might be a better idea to get started a month or two before the new year, so that if we're lucky, all of our baby expenses are within the 2018 plan year.  Looking at what my insurance was billed for inserting the IUD, I have no idea how much of that $1180 was for the physical IUD and how much was for the doctor visit, and I can't get a straight answer from my provider :( 

We have plenty of money to pay for it, but I want to be prepared mentally for being charged like a zillion dollars.

cacaoheart

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2017, 08:33:59 AM »
Unless you find a provider that is used to dealing with patients on a cash-only basis, it may be hard to get a good idea of cost upfront. My wife had her IUD inserted at planned parenthood for a $15 insurance co-pay before birth control was required to be covered by insurance, and years later removed for another $15 co-pay. The same planned parenthood was willing to give me a cash price for getting the HPV vaccine since my insurance wouldn't cover it, but only when I asked in person.
« Last Edit: February 19, 2017, 08:36:40 AM by cacaoheart »

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2017, 01:17:32 PM »
I would not get an IUD for just one year--it's not really what they're designed for.

I know several people whose IUDs required surgical removal. (And another who got pregnant--yes, she could feel the string--and conceived, nonviably, requiring a D&C.)

Which is to say that even if you knew the cost of removal, it could go much higher if there were complications, and my anecdata suggest that complications are a real possibility.

Ynari

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2017, 03:08:18 PM »
IUDs are "expensive" - at least when I got mine, it was technically $800 for the device (even though you can get the same thing for less than $20 in other countries...  bah)

Removal is way simpler than insertion. Some doctors will do it for the cost of an office visit. This site (dunno how credible) states $100 to $200 http://health.costhelper.com/iud.html . Planned Parenthood seems to do it for around $100.

Most complications with an IUD tend to arise in the first year if they happen at all, so if you haven't had any problems yet, it's unlikely you'll have any upon removal.

HTH

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2017, 04:15:48 PM »
I would not get an IUD for just one year--it's not really what they're designed for.

I know several people whose IUDs required surgical removal. (And another who got pregnant--yes, she could feel the string--and conceived, nonviably, requiring a D&C.)

Which is to say that even if you knew the cost of removal, it could go much higher if there were complications, and my anecdata suggest that complications are a real possibility.

It sounds like she already has the IUD...

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2017, 04:23:39 PM »
I would not get an IUD for just one year--it's not really what they're designed for.

I know several people whose IUDs required surgical removal. (And another who got pregnant--yes, she could feel the string--and conceived, nonviably, requiring a D&C.)

Which is to say that even if you knew the cost of removal, it could go much higher if there were complications, and my anecdata suggest that complications are a real possibility.

It sounds like she already has the IUD...

Oops, duh, I totally misread that. Sorry! Well, I guess the advice to be prepared in case there are complications still stands.

BUT preventative care like birth control is supposed to be free, isn't it? Even with an HDHP. I wonder if it would be possible to have the removal done as part of a "well woman" visit and not have to pay. At least worth looking into!

Hotstreak

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #6 on: February 19, 2017, 07:04:20 PM »
Google says code 58301 is removal of an IUD (58300 was insertion).  If you call the provider they should be able to confirm that, and let you know what code they will use for the office visit.  After that, call your insurance company, and they will tell you the billed cost ("allowed amount") of each procedure, and whether they are covered under the free birth control provisions of the ACA.  They should also be able to look at your plan and calculate your out of pocket cost. 
« Last Edit: February 19, 2017, 07:06:14 PM by Hotstreak »

Mrs. PoP

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #7 on: February 19, 2017, 07:10:38 PM »
I would not get an IUD for just one year--it's not really what they're designed for.

I know several people whose IUDs required surgical removal. (And another who got pregnant--yes, she could feel the string--and conceived, nonviably, requiring a D&C.)

Which is to say that even if you knew the cost of removal, it could go much higher if there were complications, and my anecdata suggest that complications are a real possibility.

It sounds like she already has the IUD...

Oops, duh, I totally misread that. Sorry! Well, I guess the advice to be prepared in case there are complications still stands.

BUT preventative care like birth control is supposed to be free, isn't it? Even with an HDHP. I wonder if it would be possible to have the removal done as part of a "well woman" visit and not have to pay. At least worth looking into!

My removal cost me at least 1 copay for an office visit where they couldn't get it, luckily only 1 copay, though.  I thought they were going to charge me a separate copay for the ultrasound tech, but that didn't happen.  Then my entire deductible when I had to go to an outpatient surgery center and get put under anesthesia to have it removed.  But mine wasn't being removed on schedule as part of a well-woman visit, it was due to problems.  Maybe it's different if it's part of well woman?

chaskavitch

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2017, 08:18:44 AM »
Thanks for all the helpful replies!  Yes, I got the mirena IUD last year after our first kid was born, and I was intending to have it for much longer than a year, but we are thinking about changing our baby timeline.  It does feel a little wasteful getting it taken out after like 15 months.  I'll call again to confirm the procedure code and see if I can get a real answer, and maybe work it into my yearly exam.

brycedoula

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2017, 11:24:03 AM »
**I am NOT recommending this, am merely sharing my experience**

I had an IUD (non-hormonal) placed in autumn 2011, and got married in autumn 2014. I was too impatient to wait for a doctor's appointment for the removal, so I...did it myself. I knew it was properly placed, due to an unrelated pelvic ultrasound. I did some Googling, waited until I was menstruating, and then just pulled it out. It didn't hurt at all (while the insertion did) & took all of 5 seconds once I located the strings. YMMV.

mudstache

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2017, 05:11:45 PM »
**I am NOT recommending this, am merely sharing my experience**

I had an IUD (non-hormonal) placed in autumn 2011, and got married in autumn 2014. I was too impatient to wait for a doctor's appointment for the removal, so I...did it myself. I knew it was properly placed, due to an unrelated pelvic ultrasound. I did some Googling, waited until I was menstruating, and then just pulled it out. It didn't hurt at all (while the insertion did) & took all of 5 seconds once I located the strings. YMMV.

This ^^ is basically all they do too.  It's a super quick appointment, and very easy/painless to have it removed.  I've had two removed, and it only cost me the office visit (not free, but not the $1000+ to have it put in, most of which is the Mirena itself).

Good luck with TTC!

sistastache

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #11 on: March 06, 2017, 07:14:32 PM »
I realize this isn't exactly what you were looking for, but I just had an IUD put in in November and received the bill last week.  The break down was $935 for the IUD, $180 for the insertion... my HDHP covered roughly 15% of the total cost :(

Goldielocks

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2017, 02:36:45 PM »
Do women get tubal ligation anymore?   

(Side topic, I know, but I am curious... I have heard a lot in the past 8 years about IUD's)

chaskavitch

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #13 on: March 14, 2017, 08:07:16 AM »
Do women get tubal ligation anymore?   

(Side topic, I know, but I am curious... I have heard a lot in the past 8 years about IUD's)

I'm assuming they do, yes.  I'm assuming IUDs are popular because they aren't major surgery, and the non-hormonal version can last up to 12 years.  From talking to friends who don't want kids, though, I think a big reason for choosing an IUD is that doctors are extremely reluctant/outright refuse to perform an irreversible sterilization on a woman in her childbearing years who doesn't already have children.  No matter how certain you are right now that you don't want kids, you could change your mind, and then you're SOL and mad at your doctor. 

StarBright

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #14 on: March 14, 2017, 08:11:19 AM »
I realize this isn't exactly what you were looking for, but I just had an IUD put in in November and received the bill last week.  The break down was $935 for the IUD, $180 for the insertion... my HDHP covered roughly 15% of the total cost :(

You should fight this - it should be covered by the ACA. I had the same thing happen to me in 2013 and I finally won after like 2 years - I got a refund from the insurance company in summer 2016. I believe there was a lawsuit against BCBS for exactly this situation.

merula

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #15 on: March 14, 2017, 08:15:15 AM »
Do women get tubal ligation anymore?   

(Side topic, I know, but I am curious... I have heard a lot in the past 8 years about IUD's)

What chaskavitch said, but also there are now devices that block the tubes that can be done as an office visit with local anesthesia only. So even among women who do get permanent birth control, that's generally an easier option than tubal ligation.

Gin1984

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #16 on: March 14, 2017, 10:49:02 AM »
Do women get tubal ligation anymore?   

(Side topic, I know, but I am curious... I have heard a lot in the past 8 years about IUD's)

I'm assuming they do, yes.  I'm assuming IUDs are popular because they aren't major surgery, and the non-hormonal version can last up to 12 years.  From talking to friends who don't want kids, though, I think a big reason for choosing an IUD is that doctors are extremely reluctant/outright refuse to perform an irreversible sterilization on a woman in her childbearing years who doesn't already have children.  No matter how certain you are right now that you don't want kids, you could change your mind, and then you're SOL and mad at your doctor.
Yet MDs don't have the same reservations when giving men vasectomies nor any other non-reversible procedures.

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chaskavitch

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #17 on: March 14, 2017, 11:20:34 AM »
Do women get tubal ligation anymore?   

(Side topic, I know, but I am curious... I have heard a lot in the past 8 years about IUD's)

I'm assuming they do, yes.  I'm assuming IUDs are popular because they aren't major surgery, and the non-hormonal version can last up to 12 years.  From talking to friends who don't want kids, though, I think a big reason for choosing an IUD is that doctors are extremely reluctant/outright refuse to perform an irreversible sterilization on a woman in her childbearing years who doesn't already have children.  No matter how certain you are right now that you don't want kids, you could change your mind, and then you're SOL and mad at your doctor.
Yet MDs don't have the same reservations when giving men vasectomies nor any other non-reversible procedures.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

Ha.  I never said it was a rational decision.  I heard about a friend of a friend (so maybe not totally reliable as a story-resource) who had a doctor that talked to her multiple times about the reproductive consequences of having a partial hysterectomy, even though she had ovarian cancer.  She was like "um, they're trying to kill me, so yes, I'd like you to take them out".

farmerj

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #18 on: March 14, 2017, 12:02:51 PM »
"Yet MDs don't have the same reservations when giving men vasectomies nor any other non-reversible procedures."

Yes, they do.

https://goodmenproject.com/newsroom/are-men-legally-required-to-ask-their-spouses-permission-for-a-vasectomy/

"[A]pparently, many doctors in this country really do require men who come to them seeking vasectomies to fess up to marital status, and to then get their wives’ written consent before the physician will perform the procedure? In some cases, doctors require a face to face meeting with a man’s wife—in addition to the signed consent from her—before a vasectomy will be performed."

2Birds1Stone

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #19 on: March 14, 2017, 12:35:31 PM »
"Yet MDs don't have the same reservations when giving men vasectomies nor any other non-reversible procedures."

Yes, they do.

https://goodmenproject.com/newsroom/are-men-legally-required-to-ask-their-spouses-permission-for-a-vasectomy/

"[A]pparently, many doctors in this country really do require men who come to them seeking vasectomies to fess up to marital status, and to then get their wives’ written consent before the physician will perform the procedure? In some cases, doctors require a face to face meeting with a man’s wife—in addition to the signed consent from her—before a vasectomy will be performed."


That's fucked up. Your body, your choice.

Gin1984

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #20 on: March 14, 2017, 01:13:09 PM »
"Yet MDs don't have the same reservations when giving men vasectomies nor any other non-reversible procedures."

Yes, they do.

https://goodmenproject.com/newsroom/are-men-legally-required-to-ask-their-spouses-permission-for-a-vasectomy/

"[A]pparently, many doctors in this country really do require men who come to them seeking vasectomies to fess up to marital status, and to then get their wives’ written consent before the physician will perform the procedure? In some cases, doctors require a face to face meeting with a man’s wife—in addition to the signed consent from her—before a vasectomy will be performed."
As much as that sucks, that is not the same as refusing a procedure because you think the adult person will change their mind or have not reached a certain number of kids/age.  Find one that requires the male to have 3 kids and be 35 and then, you can say they are equivalent.  Until then, don't post false equivalencies. 

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #21 on: March 14, 2017, 02:36:26 PM »
I've heard that it can indeed be difficult to find a doc who will do a vasectomy if you are single, especially if you are young and single. Would need to see stats to know if discrimination against men or women for permanent is more common.

I wonder if men change their mind more often than women anyway--vasectomy reversal seems to be a big business and one does hear of dudes in their 40s and 50s starting second families with 30-something wives after getting divorced from their first wives, but I am just spitballing.

FWIW when the XFP got snipped, I had to go into the doctor and watch an informative video and sign a consent form.

Landlady

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #22 on: March 14, 2017, 02:50:21 PM »
My OB said I could remove it when I wanted by myself. I was all.. "Are you sure?!" She assured me this was true for the type I have.

Captain FIRE

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #23 on: March 15, 2017, 11:50:05 AM »
"Yet MDs don't have the same reservations when giving men vasectomies nor any other non-reversible procedures."

Yes, they do.

Agreed.  I have a friend with 4 kids - and Kid1 and Kid4 were conceived while his wife was on birth control.  Upon learning of the pregnancy with Kid4, he went in for a vasectomy and the doctor wanted to wait until after Kid4 was born, "just in case" (something happens to the pregnancy and he changes his mind).  He insisted on having it done without waiting.

This likely varies greatly by doctor, just as it would for a female.  The thing with tying tubes for a female, however, is that I understand it's a lot harder to reverse, which may explain any possible reluctance to perform the procedure.

kanga1622

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #24 on: March 16, 2017, 08:49:34 AM »
Do women get tubal ligation anymore?   

(Side topic, I know, but I am curious... I have heard a lot in the past 8 years about IUD's)

Absolutely yes. I had one after our second child because we KNEW we were done. My nephew's wife will be having one here shortly after their 4th child is born. Tubals seem to be more common among mothers that have c-sections (from my limited conversations about them) because it only takes a few minutes if done during delivery while you are already open. I think it was less than $500 added to my hospital bill which my insurance happily covered.

I'm a red panda

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #25 on: March 16, 2017, 11:02:29 AM »
Do women get tubal ligation anymore?   

(Side topic, I know, but I am curious... I have heard a lot in the past 8 years about IUD's)

I can't find an OB to do it for me, despite being 35, because we will only have 1 living child (god, I hope... 11 days).  They pretty much all require 2.

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #26 on: March 16, 2017, 12:18:21 PM »
"Yet MDs don't have the same reservations when giving men vasectomies nor any other non-reversible procedures."

Yes, they do.

Agreed.  I have a friend with 4 kids - and Kid1 and Kid4 were conceived while his wife was on birth control.  Upon learning of the pregnancy with Kid4, he went in for a vasectomy and the doctor wanted to wait until after Kid4 was born, "just in case" (something happens to the pregnancy and he changes his mind).  He insisted on having it done without waiting.

This likely varies greatly by doctor, just as it would for a female.  The thing with tying tubes for a female, however, is that I understand it's a lot harder to reverse, which may explain any possible reluctance to perform the procedure.

My understanding is that vasectomy is also cheaper, safer, and more effective, so it makes more sense to go that route unless Mom is having a c-section or gallbladder removal or something and they're already in there.

Goldielocks

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #27 on: March 17, 2017, 01:54:28 AM »
"Yet MDs don't have the same reservations when giving men vasectomies nor any other non-reversible procedures."

Yes, they do.

Agreed.  I have a friend with 4 kids - and Kid1 and Kid4 were conceived while his wife was on birth control.  Upon learning of the pregnancy with Kid4, he went in for a vasectomy and the doctor wanted to wait until after Kid4 was born, "just in case" (something happens to the pregnancy and he changes his mind).  He insisted on having it done without waiting.

This likely varies greatly by doctor, just as it would for a female.  The thing with tying tubes for a female, however, is that I understand it's a lot harder to reverse, which may explain any possible reluctance to perform the procedure.

My understanding is that vasectomy is also cheaper, safer, and more effective, so it makes more sense to go that route unless Mom is having a c-section or gallbladder removal or something and they're already in there.

FP, you of all people should understand that the men in our lives sometimes are just jerks about some things.   

PDXTabs

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #28 on: March 19, 2017, 08:18:10 AM »
Ha.  I never said it was a rational decision.  I heard about a friend of a friend (so maybe not totally reliable as a story-resource) who had a doctor that talked to her multiple times about the reproductive consequences of having a partial hysterectomy, even though she had ovarian cancer.  She was like "um, they're trying to kill me, so yes, I'd like you to take them out".

Doctors are trained not to get sued and in many ways are more concerned about their liability than helping you (and they didn't create that situation). I was asked multiple times by multiple MDs about my intent to get a vasectomy including the day of the procedure when I had already been given strong RX anti-anxiety meds (benzodiazepines). So I'm not sure that this experience is unique to women.

Also, as a man with a vasectomy I am well aware that my procedure was far less invasive than a tubal ligation (I didn't even have stitches). So while I fully support any woman that wants to receive a tubal ligation, in my relationship I was happy to have the less invasive surgery.

EDIT - And I had to watch a video about it at my HMO before they would book the procedure.
« Last Edit: March 19, 2017, 08:24:04 AM by PDXTabs »

La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: IUD removal costs
« Reply #29 on: March 19, 2017, 01:32:57 PM »
Ha.  I never said it was a rational decision.  I heard about a friend of a friend (so maybe not totally reliable as a story-resource) who had a doctor that talked to her multiple times about the reproductive consequences of having a partial hysterectomy, even though she had ovarian cancer.  She was like "um, they're trying to kill me, so yes, I'd like you to take them out".

Doctors are trained not to get sued and in many ways are more concerned about their liability than helping you (and they didn't create that situation). I was asked multiple times by multiple MDs about my intent to get a vasectomy including the day of the procedure when I had already been given strong RX anti-anxiety meds (benzodiazepines). So I'm not sure that this experience is unique to women.

Also, as a man with a vasectomy I am well aware that my procedure was far less invasive than a tubal ligation (I didn't even have stitches). So while I fully support any woman that wants to receive a tubal ligation, in my relationship I was happy to have the less invasive surgery.

EDIT - And I had to watch a video about it at my HMO before they would book the procedure.

I know this is a bit of a thread hijack but we had to watch a video, too, and it was HILARIOUS. It was on VHS tape and the couple portrayed had a waterbed. The Boy is thinking of having a vasectomy, too, so I might have the unique experience of getting to go through it twice.